Is a Gunshot Detection System Right for Your School?

The Apalachee High School shooting is the latest reminder that gun violence is one of the biggest threats to students in this country. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, guns are the leading cause of death among American children and teens. That means part of fostering a great learning environment on your El Paso, TX, campus is working to prevent and respond to potential active shooter situations. 

Many K-12 institutions are turning to gunshot detection systems as an additional form of defense. However, since the technology is still fairly new, some concerns exist about its overall efficacy. Below, we address some of the most common ones. 

SEE MORE: How a Gunshot Detection System in Your School Can Save Lives

Will Gunshot Detection Systems Result in False Alarms?

Many administrators worry false alarms from gunshot detection systems could cause panic and disrupt school operations. This could also mean that in case of a real emergency, students won’t take the alarm seriously. Though there’s a chance that loud noises could trigger false alarms, these systems are extremely reliable. Most reputable manufacturers boast over 99% accurate detection rates with less than one false alert per million hours of recording. 

Will Gunshot Detection Systems Prevent Violence?

The other concern is that gunshot detection solutions are reactive, not proactive. They will alert the school of gunfire but will not do anything to stop the violence from occurring in the first place, which is why it shouldn’t be your only measure to address gun violence. Schools should also invest in mental health support, conflict resolution programs, and strong access control systems. But while we plan for the best, we must prepare for the worst. 

Do Gunshot Detection Systems Invade Students’ Privacy?

Some gunshot detection systems use microphones to survey sound. This raises understandable issues around privacy laws. However, properly installed gunshot detection systems should be calibrated only to register high-decibel sounds, not conversations between students or staff. And not all depend on microphones. Some use infrared/optical sensors to detect the flash of a gun, and others use radar or vibration sensors to detect the shockwave produced by a gunshot. 

Can Gunshot Detectors Integrate with Other Security Measures?

Another concern is that standalone gunshot detectors are not of much use on their own. And we agree! During our installations, we always integrate your gunshot detection systems with other security measures to ensure the best possible response during an emergency. Here are just some of the examples of how that works:

• Automatically focus cameras on the area where gunfire is detected for real-time visuals.
• Access control systems trigger automatic lockdowns to limit the movement of intruders.
• Emergency notification systems alert administrators, law enforcement, and first responders instantly.

Maximize your school’s safety with a comprehensive security solution. Call now or fill out our contact form to learn how gunshot detection systems, combined with other security measures, provide faster and more efficient responses during emergencies.