Increasing School Violence Mandates Increasing School Security
Learn About the Latest School Security Threat Management Systems
This is an undoubtedly challenging time for our school systems. Shortages of teachers, substitutes, and bus drivers have left schools scrambling for alternatives. Increasing workloads have only furthered teachers’ discontent. According to a survey conducted in February 2022, 66% of Texas educators recently considered leaving their jobs.
Not only does this affect the classroom environment, but it also decreases the staff that walks the hallways, keeping an eye on the kids when they're out of class. This and increasing stress in school and home environments have resulted in rising violence and the need for improved school security threat management.
Unfortunately, we all remember the accidental deadly shooting at a Bellaire, TX, high school in 2020. From 2016-2019, the Houston Independent School District recorded 92 disciplinary actions for guns. According to the Dallas Morning News, at least 101 incidents of gunfire occurred at schools in 2021, resulting in 56 injuries and 21 deaths.
Fortunately, there are several steps that schools across the country and in Texas are taking to help create a safer environment for our kids.
SEE ALSO: Incorporate Active Shooter Technology Into Your Emergency Response Plan
Video Surveillance
One of the most effective measures against school violence is video cameras. While gun incidents are frightening, schools see much more in bullying, other types of violence, and drug trafficking. School video surveillance systems act as a deterrent and additional eyes that are especially needed during staff shortages.
The latest cameras offer several benefits, including license plate and facial recognition and the ability to scan and zoom in on a situation. In addition, they can detect unusual occurrences, such as someone slamming another student into a locker, and send alerts to security and other personnel.
Two-Way Communication Systems
Today’s two-way communication systems offer every classroom access to radios and intercoms. These systems provide emergency notifications in extreme weather, natural disasters, or an active shooter event in the area. Depending on the situation, immediate notification can come in via messages over the public address system, text messages, or two-way radios.
Access Control
A rising number of schools control access to their buildings. That’s good news. Limiting access is a proven way to save lives. Additionally, when all security measures work together, a school’s safety system improves exponentially.
For example, should a surveillance camera spot an intruder, that school area immediately goes into lockdown, and teachers and other staff members are alerted through the school’s communication system. Likewise, if a gunshot is detected, the security system launches a total school lockdown and triggers mass communication to all staff.
Keeping our kids safe should be the number one priority. At ASAP Security Services, we’ve been installing integrated security solutions in Texas’ schools since 1947. We continue to advance our solutions, delivering the latest technologies that work together to provide a safe environment for students and staff. To learn more about school security or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact ASAP Security Services today.