Page 96 - Security Today, October 2019

“It’s time to discuss how we got here and where technology is taking us. ”
Teaching Evolution
Security’s growth and innovation in the education sector
By Lynn Wood
campus technology
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Each day, we continue to see articles with headlines about the steps and precautions being taken in K-12 schools and universities to protect students and staff from would-be attacks. As the risks and their poten- tial for damage become greater, school security staff are realizing the importance of prioritizing safety and implementing solutions that keep their facilities protected.
Headlines in numerous publications consistently share the news, such as “Wisconsin District Plans Security Updates for the 2019-2020 School Year,” “Michigan District Prioritizes Security with $225,900 in Planned Upgrades,” “Montana District Updating Elementary School Security Measures” or “New Jersey School Tests Weapon Detection Technology.” These articles demonstrate how student and campus
safety are at the epicenter of today’s conversations about the future of security—and it’s time to discuss how we got here and where technol- ogy is taking us.
Decrease in Crime
Although reports show a decrease in school crimes the last two decades, school administrators, parents, faculty and communities are remaining vigilant and taking an active stance in determining how to best mitigate the various types of risks that these facilities face. Aside from active shooting threats, schools must also take into consider- ation how to find ways to protect students from other incidents such as theft, assault and bullying.
So how has school safety evolved throughout the years to meet the
24 campuslifesecurity.com | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019