Page 75 - Security Today, November/December 2023

SECURE CAMPUS Research new security technology. Administrators should collect information annually on the distinct types of physical security solutions available ranging from perimeter protection, video surveillance, access control, vape detection, metal de- tection and gunshot detection. It is impor- tant that schools understand what types of technology are available to them. Assessment of current security system. Is your system antiquated and in need of an update? There can be too many false event alarms if you are us- ing older video cameras equipped with motion-based pixel detection. The latest AI and deep learning algorithms can de- tect and classify distinct objects (people, vehicles, faces, and license plates), while clearly distinguishing from its environ- mental surroundings. Investment analysis. Once you have assessed the current security system, it is important to determine how much mon- ey needs to be allocated for upgrades. Understanding the security investment up front and the time it will take to imple- ment will help schools plan their budgets accordingly. By using the steps above, schools will benefit with faster response times to threats, better informed teachers and staff members on how to manage emergencies, and improved situational awareness if an incident takes place. Another important aspect of keeping schools safe is using an open platform data-driven VMS system. Many schools do not use an open platform, which creates a problem when trying to integrate to other security sys- tems. Using disparate systems can make it cumbersome for schools to quickly moni- tor their building. The best scenario is having one dashboard to view data and make real-time decisions. By having an integrated system, schools can monitor an entire building and analyze copious amounts of data from various sources. When there is a dangerous situa- tion such as an air quality issue, an active shooter, or a vaping issue, schools can mitigate risks quickly. A breakthrough in vape detection technology includes all-in-one IoT smart sensors that offers additional health and safety uses in privacy areas. These devices are important for the long-term invest- ments of schools, as once the vaping prob- lem is stopped, schools can now monitor air quality issues and create a healthier environment for students. Another big push for schools is deploying a lockdown & emergency response system. This can help schools protect children, staff, and first responders from death and injury. Teachers need access to the latest lock- down and emergency response systems to successfully lock down their classrooms and ensure the safety of their students. Some examples of existing tech- nology-based systems commonly used in schools include: 1. Mass notification systems that can send emergency alerts to parents, staff and students through various channels such as text message, email or social media. 2. Install panic buttons in class- rooms and other areas of the school to quickly notify authorities in case of an emergency. 3. Lock down systems whereby teachers can quickly lockdown their class- room by pressing a button. 4. Video surveillance systems used to monitor activity in and around the school, as well as to provide evidence in case of an emergency. Moving forward we will see many more schools implementing a complete security solution. However, the first step is assessing the security health of the school with annual check-ups. One of the chal- lenges continues to be proper training of staff members on the security technology and safety procedures. It is important to hold safety drills to make sure everyone in the school is on board and ready to react in an emergency. Another key consideration is the sys- tem’s analytics capabilities. Schools should look for a security system that provides comprehensive data analysis and reporting tools. An annual security check-up allows administrators to identify areas that need improvement and make critical changes. It also allows teachers to ask questions if something is not clear. School safety is a team effort, and holding annual se- curity check-ups is just what the doctor ordered. 31