More Important Than Ever: How to Improve School Access Control

When mass shootings and violence occur at schools, many people wonder how an intruder was able to enter the building in the first place. At Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, a back door did not lock as it should have, and the gunman was able to enter the building, leading to irreversible tragedy. 

If your Houston, TX school’s administration is concerned about safety and access control, it’s time to upgrade your system. With card readers, automatic locks, and even biometric technology, you can safeguard every entrance and make your institution safer for all.

Here’s how you can improve access control and, therefore, peace of mind in your Texas school. 

SEE ALSO: Discover 4 Surprising Benefits of School Access Control Systems

Create a Culture of Security 

It’s common courtesy to hold the door open for others, but your staff should be advised to be aware of anyone following through the door. If they don’t have a staff or visitor badge, staff should ask the person if they’re visiting and direct them to the office. 

Some schools have designated two separate entrances, one labeled “Staff” and the other “Visitors.” Staff can tap their smart card or enter a pin code to enter through the door, while visitors will press a doorbell to be admitted to the office. A video doorbell will let admin see who’s at the door for better awareness and safety.

Automatic Door Locks 

All doors on the building’s perimeter should automatically lock when closed. A smart security system allows your security officers to quickly check the status of all entrances and if they’re correctly locked, even locking them remotely. A yearly technology inspection should also ensure the technology is working up to standards. 

Access Control Technology

Want to find a safe, simple way to vet who can and cannot enter the building? The most common approach to access control is smart card readers. Faculty quickly tap a smart ID card on a reader and proceed into the building. An alternative method is mobile access control, which allows staff to scan a phone app on a mobile-enhanced reader.

Worried about stolen IDs or depending on cell phones? Biometric access control makes our fingerprints the key to enter. As teachers and administrators walk into the building, they’ll be prompted to press their finger on a scanner to open or unlock the door. We already use fingerprint readers on our smartphones—why not to keep our children safe? Plus, fingerprints can’t be forged or forgotten, making them a reliable access control option.

Implement Two Entry Levels

Even if you install smart card readers at the entrance, intruders often slip in by following a group of people or walking through with someone else. Consider implementing two levels of security at the school’s entrance. A card reader may permit staff into the lobby, and then they’ll tap again to enter the hallways. A visitor doorbell allows guests into the lobby and office, but they’ll need to obtain a visitor pass to see the rest of the building.

Make Safety Your School’s Priority 

If you’re ready to upgrade your school’s security and access control, ASAP Security Services is committed to enhancing the safety of our communities in Texas. Contact us here to learn more about our school security solutions, or click the chat window below for any immediate questions. We look forward to working with you!