Page 14 - Campus Security Today, July/August 2024

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
BEST PRACTICES FOR A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO VIDEO SOLUTIONS IN CAMPUS SECURITY
AUTHOR
BRUCE A. CANAL, CPP IS EXECUTIVE LEAD, EDUCATION AT GENETEC.
IMAGE
V ideo surveillance is one of the most common security meas- ures implemented by educational institutions today, but installing cameras is just the beginning. Adopting a holistic, comprehensive approach to video surveillance is a more ef- fective way to safeguard campus communities and fully real- ize the value of your investment in physical security systems.
A holistic approach to security recognizes the importance of strategic planning and deployment of surveillance systems, as well as integrating these technologies with behavioral and environmen- tal security measures. It also involves the development of policies and procedures to ensure adherence to privacy regulations, robust data management practices, and thorough training. Such a system is dynamic, too, embracing a commitment to continuous evalua- tion and improvement as technology evolves and new risks emerge.
To put it simply, a comprehensive approach recognizes that the system is stronger when every part of it works cohesively. The focus isn’t so much on the technology itself, but on what it can do for you. Start by identifying the problems you need to solve or the outcomes you hope to achieve, and then consider what combina- tion of solutions is most effective.
MULTIPLE COMPONENTS WORKING TOGETHER
Most K-12 schools today establish a single point of entry for visitors and assign reception staff to respond to access requests. Video cameras are often installed at main entrances to ensure there’s a record of who comes in or out of the school. A holistic approach recognizes that the camera is only one piece of the puzzle. The hu- man element and other technology components also play a part in keeping the building secure. A school may have a top-of-the-line
door security system installed. However, if the receptionist door buzzes in visitors without fully vetting them first, the system isn’t as effective.
For a more thorough approach, make sure you not only have the right technologies in place but also train staff and stakeholders. They need to be em- powered to play their part in keeping the
building secure. Help students and teachers understand why they shouldn’t prop open doors or let someone in when they knock at the back door. Receptionists should be trained on what to do when they’re not sure if someone can be allowed in.
Security technologies, behavioral interventions, and environ- mental design work together to improve campus safety. Instead of defaulting to adding more cameras when there’s a security con- cern, consider repositioning cameras for more effective coverage or adding lighting or pruning shrubbery for a clearer view.
COMBINING VIDEO SOLUTIONS WITH OTHER SYSTEMS
Sometimes a camera is not the best solution. For example, if your school has a problem with students vaping in bathrooms, privacy concerns would rule out adding a camera inside the bathroom to deter vap- ing. A better option may be to install a sensor that can detect vaping emissions. However, a hallway camera could also be installed and programmed to turn toward the door when the sensor sends an alert. Thus, school officials can see who exits the bathroom after the alert.
Door alarms due to propped or forced doors are often not an emergency. However, when nuisance alarms occur frequently, security teams may mistakenly dismiss the signs when there’s a real problem.
To alleviate this issue, a comprehensive approach can employ video surveillance to complement the access control system. Nearby cameras automatically turn toward the door when an alarm goes off. The system could even be designed to send different kinds of alerts or notifications depending on what the camera sees.
“ THE HUMAN ELEMENT AND OTHER TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS ALSO PLAY A PART IN KEEPING THE BUILDING SECURE.”
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