As a security assessor, I provide school systems with best practices and strategies to keep staff and students safe. I evaluate existing security measures, listen to staff and administration concerns, and focus on threat mitigation. The most consistent concern I hear is school shootings, which are emphasized in the media, like the most recent shooting in Winder, Georgia.
In light of tragedies like at Apalachee High School, we continuously learn how to improve our response techniques. The rapid response of first responders in this situation saved many lives. The school had just implemented a new Centegix badge I.D. panic alarm system that allowed staff to notify law enforcement quickly, and first responders arrived in just two minutes.
This is just one example of how investing in the latest technologies and security measures can significantly protect staff and students in an emergency. This blog will look at three examples of new technologies in schools and provide prevention resources for schools looking to expand their security measures.
New Technologies In Schools
Let's explore Centegix and other emerging technologies that improve school security.
Badge I.D. Panic Button
A badge I.D. panic button is a discrete card-like device that fits in a lanyard sleeve. It allows easy button-pressing access for school emergencies, initiating a school lockdown, and notifying first responders within seconds. The device pinpoints the exact location of the alert, reducing response time and directing help straight to the threat.
Panic buttons installed in the main office, principal’s office, and other key areas are not new in school security. Placing them in discrete locations has been a best practice. This differs from the badge I.D. panic button because the traditional panic buttons are limited in number and usually hardwired to the alarm system. In an emergency, all staff members may not know the location (or be able to get to the location) and correct use of traditional panic buttons.
With the ID badge panic button, every employee can signal law enforcement for help within seconds of identifying a threatening situation. It enhances the safety and security of schools by streamlining communication during emergencies. To do so, the system instantly alerts first responders to the precise location of the emergency, eliminating the need for verbal communication during critical moments. It also quickly alerts key personnel, improving coordination and response time. Such communication is particularly helpful in large schools and on campuses.
Audio and Video Analytics
Schools have consistently used security cameras inside and outside school buildings to record a situation gone awry and to deter crime. Recently, audio and video systems have evolved to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify, analyze, and report abnormalities, detect potential threats, and expedite first responders. System analytics can be programmed to detect abnormal sounds, including gunshots, explosions, glass breaks, and even identify keywords, such as someone asking for help.
School personnel can review and analyze video footage to gather evidence and learn more about a past situation. Additionally, AI-powered video analytics allow users to filter the footage and data to find specific details related to the problem, such as a vehicle make and model or the color of a person’s clothing.
AI systems can identify and track objects or people, detecting suspicious movements and triggering real-time alerts. They can also enable security cameras to recognize and verify individuals, allowing for enhanced access control and identifying unauthorized people on school property.
Visitor Management Systems
Computer-based visitor management systems help schools keep track of visitors. It is a best practice for schools to use systems that can check the visitor’s information against national and local criminal databases, and issue visitor badges to be worn on school property. This security measure is a proactive approach toward protecting students from sex offender registrants and non-custodial parents.
Visitor management systems can also work with key control systems to manage visitor access. Similar to exterior protections, such as electronic door locks, these internal protections ensure that guests are only allowed in areas where they have a legitimate reason to be. Advanced systems can also integrate with emergency notifications and real-time tracking to ensure a safe and efficient visitor experience.
Prevention Resources
Schools can reduce risks by using multiple technologies and proactive strategies to create a safe and supportive educational environment for our children. By adopting recommended best practices, schools can make a concerted effort to prevent and respond to emergencies. No method can guarantee complete safety, but combining these approaches can substantially improve security.
Understandably, many school districts may not have the budget to implement large-scale changes all at once. School grants, such as the ones offered through SchoolSafety.gov, are available for all school districts and can allow security measures to be implemented incrementally.
School administrators can also consider implementing low-cost security measures while awaiting funding for larger security projects. Best practices for improving school safety include lockdown drills and training, encouraging anonymous threat reporting, and enhancing natural surveillance. These are just some examples of low-cost measures that can be incorporated into your school’s routine to improve threat mitigation.
Final Thoughts
Ensuring a safe learning environment for our children requires collaboration among school staff, parents, and first responders. School safety is one of the most critical challenges we face. By implementing new security technologies, we can create safer and more secure schools for future generations.
