School security is far from a simple issue. When you take into account how complex a typical campus is—the number of entrances, facilities, students—the problem becomes even more complicated. How do you monitor the movement of hundreds, sometimes thousands of people across a campus? How do you ensure the security of those people in the event of an emergency?
There are no set guidelines for school security systems since each school property poses its own unique challenges, but there is a basic structure that most schools should have in place.
Access Control
A comprehensive security system should aid in the movement and restriction of individuals through each point of access on campus. The most basic access control system uses a pin code or key card system to lock or unlock a door. Today’s systems can go far beyond this, however, offering biometric access as well as the ability to track and record access for unparalleled school door security.
One of the most valuable access control features on the market is dynamic mapping. This advanced access control feature allows the user to monitor each access point on a graphic map, giving them the ability to pinpoint exactly where an alarm is coming from.
Surveillance
The safety of students depends not only the ability to monitor who enters and exits the school, but who is walking around once inside. With an appropriately installed camera system, school administration can monitor all aspects of traffic on campus. Camera systems also allow for a real-time reaction to a possible threat, as well as a video log for any incidences that come under scrutiny.
Visitor Management Systems
Gone are the days of paper logs and half-asleep desk attendants. Today’s visitor management systems can identify a visitor, run a background check, print a badge, and limit access all in a short amount of time. A visitor management system may be installed at a kiosk or utilized by a staffer at the school’s front desk.
Visitor management systems also provide a lot of valuable data. The logs can be used to track how many times a person has visited the school, and determine if that person needs to be accounted for in the event of an emergency.
Emergency Features
Access control, surveillance and visitor management are only one part of a valuable school security system. Most schools possess the basic fire safety technology comprised of audible alerts, strobe lights, and panic buttons, but these systems may not be adequately suited to other scenarios a school may face. Emergency notification systems and security buttons have grown in popularity in today’s security market.
Emergency Notification Systems
How do you inform students, faculty, and parents about a possibly dangerous scenario in simple, discreet way? You use the one device that almost everyone has in their pocket. Emergency notification systems can send a brief one-way text message or email to a person’s cell phone, easing the flow of valuable information and minimizing speculation that can sometimes lead to panic in an emergency situation.
Security Buttons
Security buttons are one of the most recent and talked-about features available for a school security system. A security button can be physically hardwired to a wall, typically in a well-trafficked area, or they can be wireless, and worn around the neck of school administrators. Security buttons execute a number of actions with one press:
– secure all doors on the property and inhibit electronic access
– contact police and other emergency services
– issue a customized alert over the school’s intercom
notify students and parents through a text alert system
Customized Systems
There’s no perfect example a school security system. Each school is different and has its own unique needs, which is why at Customer 1st Communications we specialize in tailored security systems, built around your needs and your budget. If you would like to install, upgrade, or simply evaluate your school’s security system, call the experts at C1C. Our knowledgeable and experienced technicians will be glad to help. Call 855-TECH-C1C (855-832-4212) or contact us online for a free consultation.
