Reducing Violence in Schools with Security Alarm Monitoring

As reported by KSAT, San Antonio, TX, schools faced 952 incidents of fighting during the 2023-2024 school year, up from 825 the previous year. One student reported witnessing a recent fight that ended with a student experiencing a seizure. This year, we’ve seen videos showing students pulling guns right outside of high schools as fighting erupted. Social media “Fight Pages” consist of students livestreaming and posting fights as they occur.

While much of our attention has gone to the mass shootings that leave extensive tragedy in their wake, just as necessary to address is the fighting and bullying that occurs regularly. This environment leaves students frightened and on guard, creating a place unconducive to learning. 

Here, we’ll explore the role of surveillance and security alarm monitoring in protecting students from the rising violence and the many challenges our school districts face.

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Introducing School Alarm Monitoring

School alarm monitoring supports internal and external security and behavioral threats through the use of sensors, such as those that detect motion and breaking glass. These sensors are placed strategically throughout the school, notifying administrators or security personnel should someone enter an out-of-bounds area or an out-of-the-way place where bullying, drug use, vandalism, or fighting commonly occur. 

Acting as an early warning system, those in authority can reach the site before an altercation breaks out and someone is seriously injured. Through continued diligence and monitoring of student behavior, schools can take appropriate action to create a safer environment. 

Integrated with Video Surveillance

An integrated security system ensures optimal proactive security measures, working together to enhance protection. Today’s smart video surveillance systems respond to sensors, focusing on the triggered area. School officials receive alerts, enabling them to check the area immediately through remote monitoring of live footage. In emergencies, law enforcement can access this live video footage, enabling a rapid response. 

In the event of an injury or reported bullying, security cameras generate permanent recordings that can be accessed during an investigation. This limits “he said, she said” investigations in which the truth is not always easily discernable. Today’s high-quality footage creates invaluable evidence used to identify and prosecute responsible parties. 

Acting as a Deterrent

Once it becomes clear that a school has taken this proactive measure, is monitoring their students, and will intervene and prosecute, students are far less likely to attempt harmful or illegal actions. Schools using security cameras and alarm systems that are actively monitored can experience a significant reduction in a variety of crimes, including bullying, theft, vandalism, and drug use.  

While many challenges exist in today’s school environments, the benefits of school surveillance systems and alarm monitoring far outweigh the concerns. To address these issues, ASAP Security Services developed the SECURED podcast. This platform provides an inside look at what schools, top security experts, and legislators are doing to combat the escalating violence.

To learn more about what your school can do or to schedule an onsite security evaluation, contact ASAP Security Services today.