Page 106 - Security Today, October 2019

in a 1995 Ford Thunderbird and the Bluetooth connection in a 2018 Tesla Roadster. Analog cameras require a human to be actively engaged with the camera system, and even those schools that can afford dedicated security personnel must face the reality that a human being really can’t look at a wall of 12-16 cameras and fully process what they’re seeing. For this reason, we have found that more cameras do not necessarily imply better security. If the secu- rity staff monioring a 200-camera system cannot comprehend what they’re seeing quickly or reliably enough to take action, what, then, is the point?
Better Tools Create Better Results
Today’s tools address this challenge in a novel way: by removing the human factor. Where analog cameras require someone to notice sus- picious or out-of-place activity, IP cameras can detect it automati- cally. Security teams can program cameras to alert the appropriate authorities or personnel if certain conditions are met. These param- eters might include motion detection to identify intruders, supported by size parameters to prevent a squirrel from tripping the alarm.
These cameras can help campuses increase their surveillance cov- erage with fewer cameras, and those equipped with a radar detector are particularly effective. Rather than deploy four cameras to cover a certain area, schools may find that only two IP cameras are necessary, with a radar detector on the zoom capable of focusing on incidents that meet the pre-established parameters and providing authorities with the best possible glimpse at the culprit.
This innovative technology can also help secure entry points via video/audio intercom access control. Door intercoms allow staff to properly vet visitors before they gain entrance—a critical way to potentially thwart or slow an intruder. Too many school tragedies have begun with the assailant walking through the front door or gain- ing access via a door that was not properly secured. An intruder will likely “show their hand” at the main door when they become agitated
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or attempt to force entrance. Either way, this can provide staff with critical time to appropriately respond and alert authorities.
Thermal cameras also represent an interesting way to supplement security. These cameras are generally more affordable than standard video cameras, and maintain their effectiveness in rain, snow, sleet, fog or any other type of weather. They are an ideal solution for roof- tops or other forbidden areas because they can trigger an alarm as soon as an individual is detected.
This sort of detection is not limited to potential intruders. Adventurous students may decide that the roof is a fun place to be, putting the school at risk of a lawsuit should they be injured. Effec- tive thermal surveillance can mitigate the school’s liability through active detection. This further highlights an important aspect of this technology: affordability. Not only are the cameras becoming more affordable, but the reduction in security and surveillance personnel they enable and the possible lawsuits they mitigate mean that the technology is not only effective but also has the potential to pay for itself.
When It Comes to Campus Security, Prevention Is Key
The Partner Alliance for School Safety (PASS), a respected school security organization, recently released a revised edition of its recom- mended guidelines for K-12 school safety, calling for a layered and tiered approach to security. The guidelines focus heavily on access control and perimeter security, with specific recommendations regarding security cameras and effective alarms. As tools like IP cam- eras, radar detectors, thermal cameras, and more become increas- ingly accessible, it will continue to be easier than ever for campuses to bolster the security capabilities and ensure that their students are as safe and secure as they can possibly be.
Bruce Canal, CPP, is the business development manager – education, at Axis Communications.
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campuslifesecurity.com | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019
Circle # ... Advertiser ................................................................. Page ............URL
715 ............ AVIGILON ............................................................................31 ...................www.info.avigilon.com/education 709 ............ CEIA USA ............................................................................13 ...................www.ceia-usa.com
702............ DESIGNED SECURITY INC ..........................................3......................www.dsigo.com
701 ............ DSX ACCESS SYSTEMS................................................36 ...................www.dsxinc.com
707............ FIRST RESPONDER TECHNOLOGIES.....................7......................www.1stResponderTechnologies.com 710 ............ GAI-TRONICS....................................................................33 ...................www.gai-tronics.com
703 ............ GARRETT METAL DETECTORS....................................21 ...................www.garrett.com
712 ............ IPVIDEO...............................................................................25 ...................www.ipvideocorp.com
706 ............ NIGHTLOCK.......................................................................19 ...................www.classroomlockdown.com 718 ............ MARKS USA Division of NAPCO SECURITY.............11 ...................www.marksusa.com
713 ............ PRIMEX WIRELESS.........................................................27 ...................www.onevue.com/notify
708 ............ SAFETY TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL................35 ...................www.sti-usa.com/sp362 711............ SALIENT SYTEMS.............................................................5......................www.salientsys.com
717 ............ SECURITY TODAY ACADEMY ......................................15 ...................www.securitytodayacademy.com 705............VIKING ELECTRONICS..................................................2......................www.vikingelectronics.com
714 ............ ZENITEL...............................................................................29 ...................www.ic-edge.com
704 ............ ZKTECO USA.....................................................................23 ...................www.zktecousa.com