The Importance of Preemptive Measures in School Security

About six months ago, hundreds of students walked out of schools in Dallas, TX, in a demonstration of gun violence at schools. The protest came shortly after the deadly school shooting in Nashville, about one month after a student at Dallas’ Thomas Jefferson High School was shot and another student killed outside of Lamar High School.

A new law took effect at the start of the 2023 school year, requiring all Texas public schools to have at least one armed guard on staff. However, many of the campuses cannot comply due to budgetary constraints and insufficient officers.

So, what can schools do? The most important considerations are preemptive measures that stop an intruder or someone intending harm before they take action. Let’s explore how intrusion detection works and how it protects schools. 

SEE ALSO: 5 Reasons You Should Add Video Surveillance to Your Campus

How Does Intrusion Detection Work In Schools?

These systems use advanced technology to detect potential threats before the unthinkable occurs. In addition to active shooters, it also protects students, staff, and schools from bullying, vandalism, and theft. 

Using sensors and AI-enabled video surveillance, the system can detect those attempting to enter school grounds without authorized access. This may include people placed on a school watch list or integrated lists from law enforcement. They also detect unusual activity, relying on pattern recognition to spot potential problems.

Some activities that trigger a response include someone carrying a concealed weapon, aggressive behavior, or a crowd gathering in an unusual area. When something unusual is noted, the system alerts security officers and administrators. If warranted, it also sends a notification to local law enforcement.

Do Intrusion Detection Systems Integrate With Access Control?

Yes. That's one of the essential elements schools need to consider when establishing a secure campus. Do the various security measures work together? In this instance, an integrated system recognizes a threat and proactively puts the school into lockdown. 

Integrated with a mass communication system, it can also notify all staff of the measures they must take to protect themselves and their students. Depending on the security event, specific areas of the school may go into lockdown while others are evacuated.

In today’s environment, it’s nearly impossible for security personnel to assess every person and object they possess when entering school grounds. AI technology performs these tasks autonomously, constantly monitoring and analyzing for possible intrusions, criminal intentions, or bullying. 

These systems continue operating 24/7, keeping security notified should someone attempt to break in or hide an object on school grounds they intend to use against students or staff in the future. 

Creating a Safer Environment With Intrusion Detection

Until we can eliminate the cause and agree on a feasible solution, schools throughout Texas and the nation are doing what they can to protect staff and students from school violence. Intrusion detection offers significant benefits to this end. 

At ASAP Security Services, we provide the latest AI-empowered security systems to give our schools the best chance at deterring crime. To learn more about intrusion detection systems or to schedule a consultation or site survey, contact ASAP Security Services today.