Page 62 - Security Today, November/December 2022

CoverStory since these locations typically contain multiple perimeter openings across multiple buildings. Suburban and rural campuses tend to build out rather than up, which means a larger footprint encompassing school grounds, sports facilities and parking lots, which also need securing. Regardless of a school’s geographic setting, system redesigns and upgrades can help correct gratuitous master-key distributions and confusing credential policies that have historically cropped up in these locations. One solution is to implement Intelligent Key Systems with eCylinders. These technological upgrades can be retrofitted into almost any lock—from a traditional school door to a padlock on a chain-link fence. The brass key is replaced by a smart key. This provides the benefit of an audit trail for accountability and easy credentialing that can be added or revoked using software. It also eliminates costly rekeying if a key is lost. Simply put, if key control is a continuing issue, Intelligent Key technologies will likely be the smart way to go. Electronic Access Control in K–12 Settings Today’s school designs feature more mixed- use indoor and outdoor environments for project-based experiential learning and greater collaboration. New designs also call for increased daylighting and more fluid movement, while also requiring solutions that protect against attacks and forces of nature. Configuring and specifying security options for more open spaces, more flexible classroom locations, and more glass can be complicated. Electronic access control (EAC) is an effective way to make the shift more manageable. EAC allows for instant customization depending on the entry or classroom configuration and who needs to be where and when. If a school has the flexibility of onsite control, authorized teachers and staff can nimbly manage access around time of day, facility use, room capacity, and changing situations, including unexpected events. EAC for office security is another obvious need. It extends beyond staff safety and protecting records and privacy to securing servers; communication equipment; and supplies, including nurse’s cabinets where medications need to be safeguarded and discreetly accessed. Why Training is Essential Whether it’s an electromechanical or intelligent lock, electronic access control, or specialty door systems, it’s crucial to get things right, from installation to deployment and beyond. That’s why it’s also critical to include comprehensive training and learning experience resources within a security plan. Locksmiths, integrators, and school staff need to fully understand the many details of how to install doors, frames, and hardware properly and securely, and how to operate them correctly. Lives are depending on it; there’s no room for shortcuts. The training resource also needs to put a strong emphasis on building code knowledge and compliance. Practice Drills for Door Security After products are installed, it’s imperative that a school’s entire staff learns the correct way to implement and use these solutions that will yield the best outcomes. Practicing scenarios through drills is important to ensuring everyone executes appropriately when the need occurs. Fully comprehending how these products work helps staff understand why they shouldn’t alter the opening with a door wedge or a secondary locking device. If the correct solutions are integrated, and staff executes a response according to plan, these solutions will help keep our schools safe. Planning School Security As emphasized at the outset, the best way to land on the right fit of solutions is to establish a broad, cross-functional team or committee of stakeholders to perform a risk assessment analysis and security plan that identifies the needs of the school. Professional security consultants are also readily available to help guide the planning process and to educate teams on the most practical, innovative, and cost-effective technologies so be sure to tap into that invaluable expertise. We encourage you to check out Securing Your K–12 School from Curb to Classroom. It’s a valuable resource that offers helpful information and covers a full range of leading door security and access control solutions available today. StayVigilant Once your security measures are in place, we also urge you to use the School Security Checklist to the side to maintain compliance, awareness and to identify where improvements may be needed. Ron Baer is Director of Business Development – K-12 for ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions. The School Security Checklist 1. Conduct an audit of all doors and look for the following: • Perimeter doors: - Are they locked and secure? - Are all components (door, frame, lock, door closer/power operator) functioning properly? • Classroom doors: - Do they have working locks? - Can they be locked from the inside? - Is it easy to tell whether the door is locked? - Are all components (door, frame, lock, door closer/power operator) functioning properly? 2. Conduct weekly sweeps of all doors to ensure they are closed and locked while school is in session. 3. Review and, if necessary, update access control procedures to help ensure: • A policy is in place to verify exterior doors are closed and locked and that visitors can only enter the facility through primary entrances. • Staff have been trained on visitor procedures, including what forms of identification are allowable, and under what situations visitors are permitted to enter the building. • A policy is in place requiring classroom instruction to be conducted with doors locked. • A multi-disciplinary team is established to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement of current practices or facility features and conditions. 4. Implement an Intruder Detection Audit program of random inspections to identify weak access points, as the State of Texas has implemented. 18 campuslifesecurity.com | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022