Houston, with its bustling urban environment and diverse population, is home to a vast array of K-12 schools and college campuses. While the city offers immense opportunities for growth and learning, these schools, like many others, face a set of unique security risks. 

From the bustling corridors of inner-city schools to the quieter classrooms of suburban campuses, the safety of students, staff, and faculty is paramount for all. Enter the world of access control systems–the technology addition that can change the game for school safety.

Keep reading to learn how this innovative addition to your campus can protect students and faculty like never before possible.

The Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University developed a policy research brief regarding providing safe school environments. Within it, they offered the best design practices to improve school safety. 

One of those practices is access control and installing a buzzer system with surveillance cameras. Administrators should be able to spot visitors easily and prevent unauthorized people from entering. Other countries require new public schools to comply with these safe school design guidelines and strongly recommend existing schools implement the practice.

The report noted that while U.S. schools have crisis plans, including mandated lockdowns and other measures to address violent behavior, more attention needs to be paid to the schools' physical environment. They believe lack of attention to this detail places students in vulnerable and potentially violent situations. 

Let’s explore what their findings mean to schools in Lubbock, TX, and how you can help your students and staff stay safe.

As the landscape rapidly changes in our schools, upgrading video surveillance systems has been a top priority in order to prevent vandalism, bullying, theft, and violence. And while security cameras and video management systems are critical in enhancing school security, it’s the access control system that acts as a first line of defense and ensures no unwanted visitors enter the property.

On June 7, 2023, Katy ISD conducted a mock, full-scale mass shooter response drill in Katy, TX. The first of its kind in the area, it illustrates the steps the district is implementing to increase school security and safetyùmake sure your school isn’t left behind. Violence in schools is increasing, and protecting students and staff while they should be learning and teaching should be the top priority. 

Austin ISD, one of the largest school districts in Texas, has moved quickly to address security issues. The district’s interim superintendent Matias Segura spoke with KXAN about the needed changes. “We adjusted our operational procedures so that whenever there is a deficiency identified, whether it is a door that may not be locking or a camera that is not working, it becomes a priority and is addressed in a very short time.” 

Regarding additional safety upgrades, she stated, "I think, unfortunately the challenge that we have is it can't happen soon enough.” Integrating newer, cutting-edge technology takes time, yet it’s this technology that’s required in today’s school environment. Projects to begin in August 2024 for schools in Austin, TX, include better fencing and door locks, upgraded security systems, and security vestibules—a form of access control. 

This latter upgrade is critical, providing the first line of defense when protecting students and staff. And, while security vestibules offer administrators control over who gains access, additional access control measures provide a needed layer of protection. Let's look at a few of the critical security features it offers.

Does your Houston, TX, school have the access control needed to keep your staff and students safe and accounted for? As the requirements for school safety continue to evolve, ASAP Security Services stands on the leading edge of complete campus security. Keep reading to learn why access control is essential to overall school security measures and how ASAP goes the extra mile. 

As many probably remember, in September 2022, two high schools in the Austin, TX, area received threats in just 24 hours. In March 2023, one student died and another was injured when a student at a high school in Arlington opened fire. According to Forbes, this marks the second school shooting in less than a month and places Texas as the number one state for gunfire on school grounds since tracking started in 2013.

In response, many schools across Texas have fortified their entrances, installing access control. They’ve created one secure entrance or vestibule, where staff can monitor who comes and goes, as well as a strong perimeter to stop those intending harm.

Let’s look at how these access control systems offer the first line of defense while maintaining a calm atmosphere and a sense of safety.