Protecting Students & Staff with Updated Security

A school surveillance system is one of the most effective security systems for protecting our children, staff, and school grounds. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, from 2009-2020, the use of security cameras in public schools increased from 61-91%.

While the statistic is encouraging, surveillance systems have changed dramatically through the years, thanks to advanced technology. Additionally, what constituted suitable coverage several years ago no longer suffices in today’s environment. 

For many schools, it’s time for an upgrade. The good news is that the federal government is taking action to help schools create safer environments. For example, in October 2022, two school districts in the Lubbock, TX, area received federal grants totaling over $209,000 to improve their school safety measures. 

As U.S. Senator John Cornyn shared with KCBD, “No parent should fear for the safety of their student when they drop them off at school, and no student should be afraid when they walk into the classroom.” 

Let’s explore what to look for in a robust school surveillance system.

SEE ALSO: How to Use a School Surveillance System to Protect Your School

Types of Cameras and Coverage

While schools may have pan-tilt-zoom cameras, it’s not uncommon to see significant gaps in coverage. A security assessment ensures that all hallways, entrances and exits, stairwells, parking lots, common areas, and building perimeters are covered. Additionally, it's essential to ensure compatibility between cameras, video management software, and access control systems. 

With adequate coverage, security can monitor all points of entry, eliminating intruders while reducing speeding in parking lots, vandalism, and loitering. They also help to prevent negative behavior on school grounds and have been shown to provide a proactive measure, preventing crime by their simple presence. 

One of the most important considerations is acquiring sustainable solutions that will be supported long into the future. This ensures schools won’t have to allocate annual funds for replacing antiquated security equipment and, instead, can fund needed programs for students.

Viewing Video Footage

In the past, individuals could only view live video footage from one location on the school grounds. Today’s cloud-capable systems enable remote viewing, allowing school administrators and security personnel with the proper access credentials to view footage at any time and from anywhere. 

Today’s Features

The latest video surveillance systems offer night vision, low-light recording, motion activation, cloud storage, HD video captures, and remote monitoring. Thanks to modern video analytics, security personnel and administrators are alerted when unusual activity occurs on school grounds.

These cameras are smart, detecting banned vehicles and persons and alerting operators. They also address unusual activity, whether a car parked in an odd area, someone loitering by the gate, or a person climbing the school’s perimeter fence.

Why Schools Trust ASAP Security Services

ASAP Security Services has been working with school districts throughout Texas since 1947, implementing newer systems as advanced technology ensures more reliable and broad-spread security measures. To learn more about the latest school surveillance systems or to schedule an onsite security evaluation, contact ASAP Security Services today.