How License Plate Recognition Compares to Other School Security Solutions

It was a typical Wednesday morning at the local elementary school in Katy, TX. Students came in from the bus and school dropoff lines, chatting with their classmates and putting away their backpacks and books. Amid the routine chaos, the school's new license plate recognition (LPR) system alerted security personnel about an unrecognized vehicle loitering near the school’s back lot. The license plate didn’t match any in the school's database, and the exact vehicle had been detected multiple times in the past week around the same time frame. 

School security immediately contacted local law enforcement. As it turned out, the vehicle was linked to a series of burglaries in the area. A potentially dangerous and expensive situation was avoided thanks to the proactive measures enabled by the LPR system. 

For school administrators and security leaders in the Katy area, campus safety is a high priority. Technologies like LPR have been proven repeatedly to help avoid safety issues like we described above. But how does license plate recognition capability measure up against other security options? Continue reading to learn more.

SEE ALSO: Mobile Credentials: The Future of K-12 Access Control Systems

License Plate Recognition at School

LPR captures, analyzes, and interprets license plate details, making it a valuable tool for boosting school safety. Whether tracking unauthorized vehicles or supplying information in emergencies, LPR provides schools with a quick and straightforward monitoring method.

Comparing LPR With Other Security Solutions

Schools rely on LPR technology as they rely on other proven security solutions. Let’s explore how license plate recognition can enhance existing school protection practices.

• CCTV Cameras: Traditional surveillance systems allow schools to monitor their premises visually. If LPR were integrated with CCTV cameras, security teams and law enforcement could quickly identify vehicles, especially in high-traffic times.

• Security Personnel: Human guards provide a physical presence at the school, which can deter potential threats. While essential, humans simply can’t offer the same real-time tracking and recognition capabilities of LPR, so it would be a great tool to support their work.

• Access Control Systems: ID cards and biometric readers limit access to school buildings and parking areas. LPR could help address vehicle traffic while access control manages pedestrian traffic simultaneously.

• Mobile Security Apps: Powerful apps alert staff about potential threats. While these software systems offer rapid communication, they rely on human input and can't automatically identify and track vehicles like AI-powered LPR can.

Why LPR Stands Out

Schools can automatically identify and track vehicles with LPR, ensuring rapid emergency response and reducing human error. Here are some other benefits of LPR technology for schools:

• Efficient and effective law enforcement response
• Seamless integration with existing and future security solutions
• Data collection and analysis to identify patterns
• System technology receives regular remote updates

While many security solutions are available for schools in the suburbs of Houston, LPR offers a unique combination of benefits and potential. The ability to recognize and track vehicles automatically, integrate with other security systems, and provide real-time data makes license plate recognition a vital aspect of school security.

If your school needs to revamp its security program, connect with our team here for more information.