Page 28 - Security Today, September/October 2024

Leveraging Smart Sensors By Brad Cary
The integration of smart sensors with data-driven video technology provides schools with a com- prehensive solution to enhance safety and secu- rity. This combination offers advanced capabilities such as environmental monitoring, audio analyt- ics, vape detection and unified data management, empowering schools to create a secure and healthy learning environment for students and staff.
New generation smart sensors combine various environmen- tal and safety monitoring capabilities into a single, compact unit. Smart sensors offer a range of features designed to enhance the health and safety of students and staff. With advanced air quality monitoring capabilities, smart sensors can detect and alert school personnel to potential health hazards, such as elevated levels of carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants. By maintaining optimal air quality in classrooms and common areas, schools can promote a healthier learning environ- ment and reduce the risk of respiratory issues.
In addition to environmental monitoring, smart sensors play a crucial role in ensuring student safety. Audio analytics capa- bilities enable smart sensors to detect and alert staff to unusual sounds, such as aggressive behavior, distress calls and even specific keyword alerts. This allows for prompt intervention and support when student safety is at risk. Moreover, smart sensors’ motion detection and occupancy monitoring features can help schools optimize resource utilization and energy efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable and cost-effective operation.
ADDRESSING VAPING CONCERNS
Vaping, often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, has largely unknown long-term effects. However, studies indicate that young e-cigarette users are more likely to transition to conven- tional cigarettes later in life, leading to potentially serious health consequences. The Stanford University School of Medicine re- cently published a study suggesting that vaping may damage the lungs, making e-smokers more susceptible to infections like CO- VID-19.
This troubling trend impacts not only student health, aca- demic performance, and social well-being but also school district finances, with districts spending thousands of dollars annually on enforcement, education, drug testing and prevention efforts.
According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey, nearly 2.8 million U.S. students vape regularly. To make matters worse, stu- dents are also using vape devices to consume THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. Standard vape detec- tors may not differentiate between nicotine and THC vapors, so schools may consider advanced sensors designed to detect spe- cific chemical signatures associated with THC use to address both nicotine and THC vaping comprehensively.
To address the growing vaping concerns in schools, new gen- eration smart sensors are equipped with advanced vape detection technology and can identify the presence of vaping or smoking in
real-time, even in hard-to-monitor areas such as restrooms and locker rooms. By promptly alerting school staff to vaping inci- dents, smart sensors allow administrators to take swift action, en- force anti-vaping policies, and provide appropriate intervention and education to students.
THE POWER OF INTEGRATION
The true power of smart sensors is realized when integrated with data-driven VMS. The VMS serves as the central hub for manag- ing and analyzing the data generated by smart sensors and other integrated security systems. These systems may include cameras, access control systems, fire alarms, lockdown mechanisms, panic buttons and mass notification tools.
“When smart sensors first came to market, they were primar- ily used by school districts to tackle the vaping epidemic. Today, smart sensors greatly assist school administrators with facility management and provide them with long-term analytics and re- porting to help them make informed decisions around everything from indoor air quality, to detecting aggression, gunshots, mo- tion, occupancy and keyword alerts. Today they have evolved into a reliable security device that help make our schools safer and healthier,” said David Antar, general manager of IPVideo, a Mo- torola Solutions Company.
In all cases, the video systems can gather and analyze video data and then send alerts to school staff, first
responders or other contacts based on the school’s situational protocol, providing invaluable site visuals and awareness in the event of an emergency. This integration allows for a unified, single-pane-of-glass view of the security environment, enabling school staff to make informed decisions based on comprehensive, real-time data.
Although there is no perfect solution for all the problems school systems face today, combining strong policies, education and advanced technology can be highly effective. Integrating open platform video technology and smart sensors is a significant step toward a safer and healthier environment for students and staff. However, these technologies should always be accompa- nied by proper education about the potential risks and long-term health impacts of vaping.
The biggest benefit smart sensors provide is to offer instant data that can be used to make faster decisions and initiate actions more quickly. They protect the privacy of individuals by not using audio or visual recordings, ensuring ethical and responsible use.
By combining strong policies, education, and advanced tech- nology, schools can create a holistic security
solution that proactively detects and responds
to potential threats, ensures the well-being of
students and staff and fosters a safer learning environment.
Brad Cary is the business development manager for Education, at Milestone Systems.
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VIDEO TECHNOLOGY