As campuses prioritize security upgrades, many are looking to replace standalone technologies with systems that work together as a cohesive solution. While investigating options, decision-makers will ultimately reach a fork in the road.
As security professionals, we have an immense responsibility to protect people, places, and things across many different sectors. This responsibility feels especially crucial in K–12 schools. Fortifying them against emerging threats while still maintaining a nurturing learning environment is complex, challenging, and ever-evolving.
While we’re a long way away from true artificial intelligence (AI), thankfully, that hasn’t stopped the relentless marketing and hype about it in all areas of technology that see the promise of AI to make things faster, better, and smarter.
To help you determine whether a vendor can deliver an effective solution that keeps your schools safe from gun-related violence, here are ten key considerations you should review.
Physical security is a dynamic concept; it’s not a circumstance in which you can switch on some equipment and call it a day. As time goes on and threats change, it needs routine upkeep, supervision and improvements.
Worst-case scenarios tend to dominate the headlines. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true. And when it comes to security—especially campus security—it’s easy to understand. Threats of violence hit close to home when they involve schools, hospitals and other campuses.
Serving as the school district for 10 boroughs and townships in Pennsylvania, the Ligonier Valley School District installed its first district-wide IP video surveillance system in 2021. With remote viewing capabilities, school administrators and the Ligonier Valley Police Department can quickly respond to and prevent dangerous situations from occurring on school grounds.
It doesn’t matter how desperately the infrastructure may be needed, how carefully designed the facility is (with safety, safe operation and environmental safeguards at the forefront) or the positive economic impact it stands to deliver to the community.
- By Katy Hancock, Tim Foley
K–12 districts in Minnesota are reviewing products from SafeWood Designs, which manufactures bullet-resistant products—including doors, wall panels, hardware systems, furniture, and even whiteboards—for schools.
Active Shooter
School administrators, public officials, and law enforcement need to act immediately to prevent the recent tragedy in Uvalde from happening again in our schools.