Now is the Time to Invest in Improved Security for K-12 Schools

With lots of discussion in Washington about infrastructure, we shouldn’t forget that schools are just as important as roads, bridges, and broadband. The closure of schools with the pandemic brought home just how essential the safe operation of schools is to the fabric of every community.

Fortunately, schools in Texas don't have to wait for the dust to settle on a federal infrastructure plan. The last Coronavirus relief bill (CRRSA) provided an additional $54.3 billion in aid to elementary and secondary schools. And that funding is applicable to much-needed K-12 security upgrades for schools in San Antonio and other cities around the state.

That money can be used for all types of security infrastructure improvements in schools. As school administrators and district security officials explore how to fully reopen schools safely this fall, let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable school security solutions below.

SEE MORE: Deter, Detect, De-Escalate: The Three Keys to Your School Security

Access Control and Visitor Management

The first line of defense in securing a school is to have only the people that belong on the premises be there. Anyone else that sets foot on school grounds should be screened, vetted, and tracked. That’s where good access control and visitor management solutions come in.

Access control provides credentials to students, staff, volunteers, and others who need on-campus access to their permitted areas. Keycard access systems and electronic door locks allow for quick – and easily revocable – access to school areas. Students can't enter the teacher lounge or certain administration offices, and outsiders can only access the school through staffed entrances.

Visitor management provides an additional layer of security. Visitor IDs can be scanned for convictions, sex offenses, or custody and restraining order judgments. Visitors are issued temporary badges they must wear with their names and who they are visiting at the school. A record is kept of all visitors should the need arise to review a specific visit or issue.

Video Surveillance

Video surveillance allows administrators to monitor areas of the school with less personnel efficiently. Staff can't be everywhere at once, and security cameras can keep vigil on playgrounds, parking areas, remote areas in-between buildings, and hallways to guard against common threats – bullying, vandalism, drug-dealing, fights, and more.

With advanced video analytics in the latest solutions, staff can be alerted to unusual incidences like people or vehicles in areas where they shouldn't be or at off-hours. Further, video surveillance integrated with access control makes for a more comprehensive security solution, as tampering with locked doors or entrance through windows or other openings can be captured on camera and trigger notifications for a quick response by security personnel or law enforcement. 

Emergency Management

Do your schools have up-to-date emergency plans? For a serious incident, such as a fire, school violence, or a hazardous material emergency, can the school manage accurate communication to all parties, press inquiries, and worried parents rushing to the school?

Proper emergency communication and messaging solutions are essential, as well as a detailed plan. Multi-channel communication solutions can direct staff and students to safe locations in an emergency, whether to evacuate outside or to go into lockdown modes. Communication can happen simultaneously over digital signage, the PA system, intercoms to classrooms, text messaging, and an app on student and staff devices.  Parents can also be instantly notified via email, text, and apps, while authorities and press can be informed via email and text. Two-way communication capability can help administrators, first responders, and law enforcement assess where help is needed and who is safe in a volatile situation.

Schools should also have a physical plan and playbook for a variety of emergencies. A school emergency map – not relying on digital access – should be available to manage the crush of constituencies that may surround a school in a crisis. Printed instructions with backup plans can also help in the event of systems not working due to power outages or technical malfunctions.

ASAP Security Services has vast experience across Texas with sophisticated security and surveillance solutions in the public and commercial sectors. To learn more about K-12 school security solutions, set up a consultation with our team by calling (877) 418-ASAP, filling out our contact form, or starting a live chat with us below. We look forward to working with you!