Page 42 - Security Today, July 2017

COVER STORY
SCHOOL PERIMETER SECURITY:
THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE
The key to having a successful perimeter and security strategy By Ben Williams and David Corbin
A RASH OF ACTIVE SHOOTER AND OTHER SECURITY INCIDENTS AT SCHOOLS HAS PROMPTED PARENTS AND ADMINISTRATORS TO EXAMINE AND IMPROVE CAMPUS SECURITY. AMONG THE MANY OPTIONS FOR ENHANC- ING SECURITY, ONE OF THE FASTEST WAYS TO MITIGATE RISK IS TO IMPLEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES THAT KEEP UNAUTHORIZED VISITORS FROM GETTING ON THE CAMPUS IN THE FIRST PLACE.
From a design standpoint, security should be thought of in concen- tric layers, and the perimeter is that first layer of defense. Schools need to prevent unwanted intruders from entering the secure space that has been defined for students and staff. Whether that’s a fence perimeter or the exterior of the building, it’s the primary line of defense in protect- ing students and faculty.
In recent years, we have seen more investments in physical security in the form of gates, fences, vehicle barriers and other perimeter pro- tection systems to ensure that campuses are not easily accessible. At its core, perimeter security has more to do with understanding and con- trolling patterns, not just locking doors.
We have worked with many school districts across the country. Each faces their own set of challenges while solving their unique require- ments. The State of Florida, for example, has the Jessica Lunsford Act, or Jessica’s Law, which requires that before stepping onto campus, new staff have to go through an extensive background check. In other words, you have to be approved to carry a badge before you can even think of walking onto campus. This is just one example of how schools in some areas have implemented policies and procedures to mitigate risk externally before potential offenders get on campus.
CS8 WWW.CAMPUSLIFESECURITY.COM | JULY 2017
A SPECIAL SECTION TO SECURITY TODAY AND THE JOURNAL
CAMPUS SECURITY & LIFE SAFETY