Page 58 - Security Today, November/December 2022

CoverStory "The push for immediate action is understandable; keeping students safe and secure is among the primary missions of a school. But reacting with haste should not override common sense." By Ron Baer Access Solutions for Safer Schools: FWrom Simple to Substantial ith school back in full swing, K–12 access control and hardened door and glass technologies. In a administrators continue to focus on the surprising number of cases, it’s a matter of simply adhering to proper critical issue of student, faculty, and staff procedures, like making sure perimeter doors are not left unlocked or safety. The goal is creating and securing a propped open. positive learning environment where But no one solution fits all or should be considered a panacea. students feel confident enough to fully focus and engage—and at ease Collaborating with consultants to carefully identify school security enough to enjoy the school experience. Doing whatever is necessary to prevent another horrendous attack, unfortunately, will remain top of mind for the foreseeable future. But there is hope. We’ve learned a lot the hard way from these tragedies. What’s become apparent is that there are some very practical and readily available door security solutions that can help. Many are relatively simple and affordable fixes. Others require retrofits for stringent needs and gathering expert information from leading sources about product advancements are critical steps toward achieving a higher level of school safety. Staying Level-Headed in the Midst of Tragedy Determining the best K–12 door security and access control measures remains a vitally important, evolving, and complex challenge. In the aftermath of an attack at a school, even in a distant city, that challenge quickly ramps up to a heightened sense of urgency. School districts 14 campuslifesecurity.com | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022