The Importance of Auditing Your School Security Systems and Procedures

In the wake of school security events, local authorities have called upon school districts to review their security measures and safety procedures. This involves taking an in-depth look at the school security systems and determining if they prepare you for emergency events. Will they help you take the immediate action that’s sometimes necessary to limit disruption and even save lives?

Of course, it’s easy to miss the little details that make a big difference when you return to the same location and environment in Fort Worth, TX, day after day. That's why, for this reason, and many more, ASAP Security Services sets up regular appointments to look over a school’s security system and address any shortcomings. At ASAP Security Services, we’ve been protecting Texans and their children for over 75 years.

SEE ALSO: How to Improve Your School’s Access Control for Greater Security

What Is a School Security Audit?

During a school security audit, our certified technicians will examine the different areas and systems that make up your school environment. This may include outdoor open spaces, restrooms, lighting, hallways and stairwells, libraries, laboratories, portable and regular classrooms, and cafeterias. Then, we’ll take a look at the security systems you have in place, such as surveillance cameras, access control, communication systems, alarm systems, gun or metal detection, and emergency procedures. 

We’ll examine your current strategies and how they're implemented and then suggest how to fill any security gaps should they exist. Sometimes, minor alterations can significantly affect a school’s security, mitigating risk factors and increasing safety levels. 

Here are a few of the safety issues we may spot in today’s school systems. 

Outdated Surveillance Cameras

security cameras lend an extra eye, keeping students and staff safe from intruders as well as internal threats. Cloud-based surveillance systems allow personnel and security to view suspect areas with crystal-clear video, with some offering two-way communication from anywhere and at any time.

Surveillance systems can also send alerts when something out of the ordinary occurs, or a person enters an unauthorized area. Notifications are immediately sent to staff, who can determine if a call to first responders is warranted. We can also program these systems to send alerts to our monitoring facilities where trained professionals can keep an eye on school grounds 24/7 and make knowledgeable determinations regarding contacting law enforcement and the fire department. 

We'll also make sure you have extra eyes on out-of-the-way areas such as intramural fields and parking lots, where students congregate and problems can arise. Today's cameras offer 360-degree views that capture large sections of an area at one time. 

Insufficient Access Control

Today’s security systems work in conjunction with each other. For example, if someone tries to enter an off-access area, the access control system notifies the cameras that zoom in on the perpetrator. If warranted, an immediate lockdown occurs. If a mass notification system is in place, everyone in danger can be notified and take immediate action that can help limit any damage to people or property. 

At ASAP Security Services, we specialize in school security, helping personnel create a secure and safe environment for all concerned. To learn more about school security systems or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact ASAP Security Services today.