Taking School Security to the Next Level with Remote Monitoring

Video surveillance in schools has gone from a security solution installed in high-crime areas to a practice followed by the vast majority. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the 2009 school year saw security cameras in 61% of schools. In 2019, that figure rose to about 91%.

Video surveillance helps secure learning environments by deterring potential threats, from active shooter situations to bullying and drug trafficking. Remote monitoring takes this protection to the next level, ensuring certified monitoring professionals, superintendents, and security personnel can oversee school grounds via live video from anywhere and access stored footage anytime. Cloud-based solutions bring this capability to your security cameras. 

Let’s explore how remote monitoring enhances school security in Katy, TX.

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Remote Monitoring by School Authorities

In an emergency, school superintendents and authorities can view real-time live video from anywhere. They can also view multiple sites simultaneously. Accessing live video feeds helps them coordinate emergency services and make critical decisions.

Should a lockdown occur in response to an intruder, the capability to view what’s happening onsite is essential in making decisions that significantly affect the outcome. They can manipulate pan/tilt/zoom cameras to track potential threats. Today’s advanced analytics also enables cameras to track intruders automatically.

Professional Remote Monitoring

Advanced analytics also identifies potential threats. This information is immediately relayed to school authorities and a professional remote monitoring service. These certified professionals have extensive experience and training, enabling them to quickly determine if the threat warrants contacting law enforcement or other emergency first responders. 

A school has numerous areas to watch over, including cafeterias, hallways, entrances, parking lots, perimeters, and more. Providing an extra set of eyes by well-trained professionals ensures nothing goes unnoticed. It gives security personnel the time to establish an in-person presence and physically monitor school grounds.

This 24/7 remote monitoring stops vandalism and loitering after school hours and protects perimeters. When integrated with access control, a school immediately locks down if a potential threat is spotted.

A Virtual Security Guard

Remote monitoring supplies schools with a virtual security guard, always there, always awake, and always protecting students, staff, and school grounds. Remote monitoring ensures the quickest response times. 

In an emergency, security personnel deal with the event onsite while remote monitors maintain vigilance over the school grounds. These professionals communicate with law enforcement in real-time, relaying what’s transpiring. 

Troublesome Areas

Out-of-the-way areas, bathrooms, and locker rooms are common areas where bullying, substance abuse, and vandalism may occur. Having professionals monitoring corridors outside these areas offers extra protection. Analytics also detects loitering or congregating and sends an alert to administrators and the remote monitoring team, stopping trouble before it occurs.

At ASAP Security Services, we install advanced state-of-the-art security solutions in school districts throughout Texas. Explore our podcast, where we talk to school administrators and top security experts about today’s challenges. To learn more about remote monitoring or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact ASAP Security Services today.