Security Equipment Boom In Schools: How You Can Get On Board

Security equipment is quickly becoming a must in education and childcare institutions, especially with the very real threat of gun violence creeping all across the nation. Common surveillance systems need to work hand-in-hand with other more proactive measures to prevent casualties during these shootings, which is why security service providers need to step up their efforts to match the evolving needs of the educational community.

Installing Additional Security Hardware

A surveillance camera network used to be a luxury that very few educational institutions could afford. The lowering costs of this particular branch of security equipment make it so much more accessible than before, especially with the advent of low-cost IP cameras that hook up with the average computer.

Other additional hardware, however, is necessary to identify, isolate and frustrate would-be attackers. A school-wide alarm system is necessary, especially one that will tell students and teachers whether the alarm was triggered by a fire, natural disaster or shooting. Metal detectors placed near the major entrances will be of great help in singling out anyone that attempts to bring a firearm into the school. And finally, an intercom system will be of great help in alerting security personnel of a possible shooting incident while simultaneously notifying students of what is happening around them. This is a niche that security service providers can fill in.

Long-Term Maintenance And Testing

Security equipment will be rarely – if ever – used in most schools, making it easy to neglect and fall into disrepair as the years roll on. They will, however, need to be in tip-top shape in order to do their jobs properly the very second something wrong happens. The last thing you want to do is see a high casualty count because a security camera is down or the alarm system fails to trigger properly. Some tech-savvy perpetrators can even exploit weak points in the software used by the security equipment, possibly shutting them down to mask their activities.

This is why it is important that a security service provider extends routine testing services. Ongoing support for the security equipment sold will be a major incentive for school administrators to select one provider over another. Extensive warranties and ongoing firmware updates will ensure that all the aforementioned equipment will last as long as possible, especially when coupled with proper maintenance from technicians that can check if the hardware is still in good working order.

Crafting A Reaction Plan

The aforementioned security equipment can only do so much on its own. School staff, security personnel and even the students themselves need to be trained on how to react during an emergency. Teachers will need to be trained to identify students that may pose a threat. Security personnel need to know how to screen students for firearms. A security service provider will be much more appealing if it can assist in formulating these reaction plans.

For example, students will need to know how to recognize an alarm pattern noting a shooting or terror incident as well as an escape route that will keep them away from the perpetrators. Teachers will need to learn how to guide their students to safety as well as report to security which areas have been evacuated and which areas perpetrators are located in. Security personnel will need to be trained on how to at least delay perpetrators to give the students and staff as much time as possible to escape. These same personnel will also need to use surveillance equipment to identify danger zones and steer people away from them. All this provides an opportunity to provide additional security service training.

The grim reality of our times forces us to take all these factors into consideration. Obtaining the right security equipment and training people to react quickly to incidents of violence like this will help minimize or even eliminate casualties altogether.