Page 73 - Security Today, September/October 2022

"I have seen what other schools and organizations do to secure their campuses, and I think they are all frustrated with their guard systems because they all have challenges with finding employees. So, a technology- based program with trained people makes a ton of sense.” –Tom Konjoyan, Head of School, Village Christian Schools"
remediation measures to ensure full security coverage. In addition to identifying the types of technology required, Elite specified the exact brands and models of equipment that would work best.
Intelligent security device sensors including cameras, motion detectors and access control systems constantly collect data, identify anomalies and analyze potential security events. The Elite Operations Center team manages incidents in a variety of ways, from engaging people through two-way audio/video communications to contacting designated school officials or notifying the local police dispatch center.
Indeed, Elite’s expertise and solutions went even further. Among the issues Village Christian School faced was a lack of police response. Konjoyan explained, “We are not near a police station. We have at times, over the years, struggled to get the police to come out and respond to an issue in a timely manner. But what we have noticed is that when Elite calls the police, they come.”
This is the result of Elite’s direct work with local police departments in the towns in which they have customers. Elite crafted its Law Enforcement Advisory Board to partner with local law enforcement agencies to eliminate or reduce crime by supplying dispatch centers with verified alerts that eliminate false alarms and help officers diffuse emergencies.
How has it worked? The results have been well-received by the Village Christian School community. The feeling is that the school received an excellent security program with great technology and equipment. Elite also presented a financing program that fit within the school’s budget. The Village Christian School and Elite continue to improve the security posture on a regular basis with analysis and innovations.
“I would recommend Elite to any school or any organization,” said Konjoyan. “Elite has been fantastic to work with.”
Tom Konjoyan has served as the Head of School at Village Christian Schools since 2010. He also serves as a Board Member for the Council for Educational Standards and Accountability. He is a non-profit leader with over 30 years of experience leading schools, relief and development organizations, and others.
By Tom Konjoyan
Key Benefits from Elite Remote Guarding Program:
• Eliminates the risk of negative interactions with guards
• Peace of mind that campus is covered 24/7
• Eliminates/reduces crime and unregistered guests on campus
• Immediate verified response program with law enforcement
• Knowing video evidence exists for any incidents/events
• Night/weekend/holiday protection against negative events or frivolous claims
S
S
S
E
E
E
E
C
C
C
U
U
U
R
R
R
E
E
School: The Village Christian School Campus: 25 Acres and 17 Buildings Enrollment: 1,100 K–12 Students Founded: 1949
Location: Los Angeles, Calif. Type: Private
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 | campuslifesecurity.com 13