Does Your School Need to Upgrade Its Existing Security System?

During the past decade, the threats facing schools throughout the country have changed. School security systems have to deal with a lot more than truancy these days. We now have to contend with school shootings, vandalism and increased bullying. Are your current security measures addressing this changing landscape? 

This is an unprecedented time in our country's history, with schools in Memorial, TX likely not returning until next fall. How can you use this time to improve your school infrastructure while also instituting security measures to protect your vacant property?

Each year the Department of Justice sets aside $25 million in grant funding to help secure the country’s schools with local municipalities offering even more funds. Here are some recommendations below on what upgrades you should be making.

SEE MORE: How to Choose the Right School Security System

Embrace a Smarter Approach to Access Control

Verify that only authorized personnel enter your campus and that everyone is accounted for in case of an emergency. Instead of outdated laminated name tags, give students and staff dedicated fobs or cards they can swipe for access. Limit access to restricted areas like staff rooms, server rooms or maintenance closets to only those that need to be there. Once you have an access control system in place, you’ll also be able to review logs to have a better idea of who enters and leaves your campus throughout the day.

Find Better Ways to Communicate in an Emergency

Many schools are still relying on disparate systems to communicate with security staff, students, and parents. A simple event on campus could require responses via walkie-talkies, intercoms and traditional phone lines. These communication tools are great for their day-to-day purposes, but during an emergency, you need a unified front. We recommend adding a mass notification system that lets you report suspicious activity, share information with your entire campus, and even alert parents when there has been an incident at your school.

Rely on Video Surveillance for Greater Visibility

Every area of your campus that isn't readily visible to a member of your staff presents opportunities for bullying, vandalism, and violence. You must be able to monitor everything that goes on in your campus to keep better track of students and to prevent external threats. No security staff is big or efficient enough to accomplish this on their own without a surveillance system that lets them view live and recorded footage. With the right tools, they’ll better protect your school while covering less ground.

Take Proactive Steps to Prevent Gun Violence

As much we’d like it not to be a problem in our country, school shootings are one of the primary concerns for staff, students and parents. Even though prevention via active communication and counseling with students is the best way to approach this problem, you should also take added security precautions. Employ gunshot detection systems that recognize where shots originated to make it easier to apprehend shooters. Add video surveillance cameras that flag whenever someone with a gun enters your property. 

Let us help you use this time to create a safe, nurturing learning environment for all your students. Get in touch with our staff by giving us a call, filling out our contact form or chatting with us below to set up a one-on-one consultation.