School administrators and staff have many priorities, and safety is undoubtedly at the top of the list. Increased crime and violence on school campuses across the country have once again pushed security and protective measures to the top of every school district’s priority list. Unfortunately, in today’s world, locking doors and having an on-site security staff may not be enough to protect students and staff during emergency situations. Security cameras and CCTV, access control, visitor management, and emergency notification systems are all critically important in providing a reliable first line of defense for school districts.
Access Control
Most school campuses have outdoor areas like playgrounds, laboratories, and athletic fields, and almost all school buildings have at least two points of entry. Having the proper hard and software technology is critical in protecting students and staff throughout the day, no matter where they are. Access control and visitor management systems are the first line of defense for keeping unauthorized personnel off of school grounds. However, adding security cameras and CCTV offers an extra layer of protection. Often vulnerable access and entry points can now be monitored and observed in real time, significantly decreasing emergency response time.
Crime Prevention
Whether it be violence, theft, or drug/vaping device usage, security cameras and chemical detection systems are effective measures to mitigate unwanted and/or illegal activities on school grounds. When strategically integrated and installed on the school’s campus, including entrances and high-risk areas like parking lots and outside restrooms, these mechanisms can be used to monitor, alert, and investigate incidences that may occur. When installed in plain sight, these solutions can also act as a deterrent, preventing incidences from happening at all.
Student and Staff Safety and Comfort
Security cameras provide 24/7 monitoring in high-risk areas where harassment and/or bullying often occurs, granting students and staff an extra sense of security throughout the school year. Additionally, if allegations of incidents are made, evidence can be pulled from recorded footage to confirm allegations, or prove innocence, and provide additional information to determine appropriate repercussions.
Emergency Situations
In the case of an emergency such as a natural disaster, fire, storm warning, or an active shooter situation, automated public address and notification systems can enhance the school’s ability to react and respond quickly. Communicating efficiently and effectively will improve the chances of a safe, calm, and timely response by both internal and external personnel (such as law enforcement). In turn, parents can feel a sense of relief that if an emergency situation were to occur, their children are in a safe and secure environment.
School districts face emergencies almost every day, whether it is mental health emergencies, weather related, bullying related, or even violence related. No matter the event, effective, timely communication is key. Being prepared, alert, and armed with technology that helps identify and prevent risks is incredibly important for keeping students, teachers, and staff safe and protected.
One solution alone may not be enough. It takes early prevention, open communication, on-site coordination, and fast emergency response to keep our youth safe and focused on learning. Stark Tech is a master systems integrator, customizing solutions that help improve communication and safety campus wide.
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