Schools are entrusted to educate our nation’s children. But given the volatile and sometimes violent world we live in today, schools also need to protect their students, as well as their staff and visitors, from security threats. Robust physical security solutions are answering the call. And, thankfully, advancements in technology are enabling schools to implement more modernized systems and solutions that go beyond traditional measures and further elevate their level of security. Solutions that are now being widely adopted in schools span access control systems, metal detectors, gunshot detection technologies, and video surveillance systems. In addition, unification and automation capabilities are further enhancing their capabilities.
School security starts with being able to manage, restrict, and control who is coming and going in and out of the building. Access control systems empower schools to do that; these solutions rely on various means of credentialing, such as keycards, PIN codes, or biometric scanners – all meant to prevent unauthorized access and ensure that only approved individuals can enter. Furthermore, visitor management systems can aid in the process. This software-based technology provides a standardized approach to visitor registration, check-in, and check-out processes. The security of these systems is far superior to the traditional manual methods of signing in visitors because they rely on digital tools that empower organizations to closely track who enters and exits.
Metal detectors provide schools with an extra layer of security as they serve as both an obstacle and a detection tool. They alert guards to metallic objects in student backpacks, preventing potential threats and offer high-precision threat detection. Often the mere presence of a metal detection system serves as a deterrent to people looking to enter with a weapon.
Surveillance cameras have long played a large part in protecting schools. Video surveillance enables real-time monitoring of school grounds and certain interior locations which allows security personnel to quickly identify and respond to suspicious activities. In addition, the recorded footage can be referenced to investigate incidents and provide valuable evidence for resolving disputes or identifying perpetrators.
Active shooter incidents remain the most volatile threat to school campuses. Gunshot detection systems can instantly identify the sound of gunfire and send alerts to school administrators and law enforcement, enabling a rapid response. Every second counts in these emergency situations; these systems can trigger automated lockdown procedures to secure classrooms and other areas to protect students and staff.
As security technologies have continued to advance, the benefits of integrating them into a unified system have become all the more clear. A unified security platform allows for seamless communication between different security components. Video surveillance, for example, can be linked with access control and gunshot detection systems to provide a comprehensive security solution. These integrated systems can automate responses to security threats, such as locking doors, sending alerts, and activating emergency protocols.
We at NextGen implement these advanced technologies to provide schools with a safer, more secure environment for students and staff. Call on us to learn more about how we can help elevate security at your school.