How to Approach School Safety Holistically

One of the things that tend to happen with acquiring infrastructure of all types is that they become islands without connections and interoperability to other islands. In business, companies often buy software solutions based on a specific need – human resources, production, customer service, and so on. Often, they invest heavily in customizing these systems for their needs. There almost always comes a time when these systems need to share information with each other for the business, and that’s when companies often find out how difficult and expensive it can get.

If you are a school administrator at any level, you can undoubtedly come up with these types of examples. Often inertia keeps your organization from moving forward with a new initiative to integrate systems at the cost of productivity, money, and other resources. Compound that with the fact that most school systems are typically strapped for funding, and often the subpar status quo continues.

ASAP Security Services has a long history of serving school systems around Texas with security and technology solutions. We not only offer point solutions, but we also encourage school districts to think about school safety systems strategically, as the safety of our kids is paramount. And that means looking at security solutions that work together, both proactively and reactively, to keep schools in the Rio Grande Valley and Texas as safe as possible.

Read on for some examples of this holistic approach to school security.

SEE MORE: Does Your School Need to Upgrade Its Existing Security System?

Access Control

School shootings get a lot of attention, for obvious reasons. But one of the best ways to increase school security is only to let those people in that should be there. Access controlled doors with electronic locks and touchless identification systems can keep unknown and unwanted people out. You can then route visitors to any office entrances where they can identify themselves and register. Access control software can also record known people like parents, suppliers and more, and cross-reference them with databases if there are known issues with them being at a school.

Video Surveillance

School campuses can be challenging to cover for security. Todays’ security cameras with advanced video analytics offer a technological solution. Employ security cameras in areas to protect entries, discourage vandalism, and keep an eye on school buildings and facilities after hours. Facial and license plate recognition technology can help track a perpetrator after the fact if something happens. But with a school protected with a visible and well-integrated video surveillance system, they will think twice before attempting something and risk identification.

Mass Notification

Communications platforms have proliferated and keep doing so. We have mobile phones, landlines, text messaging, email, Twitter and more. When an emergency happens, you want all constituencies to get consistent, actionable information quickly, whether from a coming storm, a fire, or a danger from an intruder. Mass notification systems enable school staff to notify everyone in a consistent fashion. It can also coordinate with two-way radio systems and built-in alarms. Mass notification systems can also provide ways for the staff or even students to notify the administration of an unseen threat. They can also work effectively in non-emergency situations, keeping parents informed of changes in school hours, shifts due to temporary weather issues, and more.

Gunshot Detection

It’s unfortunate to have to discuss gunshot detection concerning schools, but school shootings have been a sad reality that some have had to face in Texas and across the country. Technology cannot help what causes school violence, but it can help get authorities to the scene faster and avoid a more significant incident. Using infrared, acoustic, or shockwave sensors, gunshot detection systems can accurately pinpoint the location of a shot to allow police to get to the right place quickly.

When gunshot detection is integrated with other school security measures like mass communication, accurate information can save lives by helping staff respond with lockdowns and procedures to prevent widespread panic and keep students and staff safe.

Let ASAP Security Services show you how a holistic approach to school security keeps our education system safer. To learn more, set up a consultation with our team by calling (877) 418-ASAP, filling out our contact form, or start a live chat with us below. We look forward to working with you!