How Do School Intrusion Detection Systems Work?

In March 2023, the Amarillo Police Department reported multiple shots fired in north Amarillo, TX, with one stray bullet inflicting minor injuries on a student at Palo Duro High School. In response, Hamlet Elementary and Palo Duro High School went into lockdown to ensure the safety of the students and faculty. 

Securing campuses and protecting students and staff has been an ever-increasing priority of Texas schools, escalating since the tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde and many incidents in other states prior to that. Schools are re-evaluating their security measures with safety upgrades, including secured entrances, reinforced access points, enhanced surveillance systems, and intrusion detection.

Here, we’ll look at the features inherent in intrusion detection and how it helps protect schools.

SEE ALSO: Creating a Safe School Environment with Intelligent Security

What Is An Intrusion Detection System?

Intrusion detection systems have changed dramatically with technological advancements in recent years. Today, wireless devices can detect perimeter and interior signals, instantly notifying school security teams and campus administrators of attempted unauthorized access. Perimeter protection is the first line of defense, identifying intrusion attempts and providing early detection. Interior detection provides a secondary form of protection in the event someone enters the school with harmful intentions.

These systems consist of sensors and detectors that send notifications when unauthorized doors or windows are opened or broken glass is detected. They are often combined with door entry systems that enable lockdowns for specific rooms and areas of the entire school. When integrated with video surveillance and access control, intrusion detection systems offer a comprehensive approach to school protection.

What Are the Principles of Intrusion Detection?

The primary intent of intrusion detection is deterrence. By discouraging intruders from attempting to gain access in the first place, campuses are more secure. Security cameras play a critical role in this important principle. 

Today’s AI-enabled cameras offer enhanced protection thanks to facial and license plate recognition. Cameras can recognize people and vehicles trepeatedly visitedly during certain hours or have been placed on a flagged no-entry list. These cameras are intelligent enough to even identify potential weapons. In addition, these systems send real-time alerts to security personnel to enable rapid responses to incidents before they escalate.

Physical deterrents include enhanced perimeter fencing and sensors that detect when someone attempts to breach them. Combined with advanced cameras that zoom in on a potential intruder and immediate alerts, this is a robust security measure. With lockdown capabilities, your school can respond to imminent threats intelligently and quickly. 

Intrusion detection relies on various monitoring and feedback measures to prevent breaches. In a comprehensive system than spans the entire campus, school access control systems and intrusion detection work together to keep our students and faculty safe.

Your Campus Safety Partner

Our team of security experts is committed to providing Texans with the highest level of safety. Our intrusion detection systems are unique to each school's needs and include a site survey, installation, testing, monitoring, and support. To schedule a complimentary site survey or to learn more about improved school security, contact ASAP Security Services today.