Ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors is a top priority for any educational institution.
However, school security presents unique challenges with multiple buildings, multiple points of entry, a sizable student body, numerous classrooms, parking lots, and sprawling campuses.
To create a secure learning environment, it's important to design and implement effective security systems that cater to schools' unique requirements and challenges.
Here are some best practices for designing and maintaining a comprehensive school security system. This information can be used to develop an intelligent school security system that will assist school administrators in providing a safe and secure learning environment.
What are school and campus security systems?
School and campus security systems encompass a range of measures and technologies designed to protect students, staff, and visitors from potential threats. These systems include security cameras for schools, access control systems, emergency communication tools, and video management software to monitor and manage surveillance footage.
According to a National Center for Education Statistics report, 95% of public schools reported using security cameras in the 2017-2018 school year, demonstrating their widespread adoption. 80% of schools also employ electronic notification systems to inform parents and authorities of emergencies.
The integration of these technologies into a comprehensive school security system is essential for maintaining a safe educational environment and preventing incidents of violence, theft, and other criminal activities.
What are the key components of a strong school security solution?
1. Comprehensive Surveillance with Security Cameras
One of the fundamental components of a robust school security system is the installation of security cameras for schools. These surveillance cameras should cover all critical areas, including entrances, exits, hallways, common areas, and perimeters. High-definition video security cameras provide clear footage, which is essential for identifying and responding to potential threats.
2. Advanced Video Management Software
Integrating video management software (VMS) with your security cameras for schools enhances the effectiveness of your surveillance system. VMS allows for real-time monitoring, recording, and playback of video footage. It also supports advanced features such as motion detection, facial recognition, and automated alerts, enabling school security personnel to respond promptly to incidents.
3. Access Control Systems
Implementing access control systems is another critical aspect of security systems for schools. These systems regulate who can enter different areas of the school, helping to prevent unauthorized access. Strong school access control uses key cards, biometric scanners, or mobile credentials to control entry points and keep track of who is on the premises at all times.
4. Emergency Communication Systems
An effective school security system should include reliable emergency communication systems. Intercoms, public address systems, and mobile alert applications ensure that staff and students can receive important information quickly in the event of an emergency. Regular drills and training on how to use these systems are essential for preparedness, especially for ensuring an effective school lockdown procedure.
5. Regular Maintenance and Updates
Maintaining and regularly updating security systems for schools is vital for ensuring their reliability. Conduct routine inspections of security cameras for schools and other equipment to check for any issues. Keep all software, including video management software, up to date to protect against vulnerabilities and improve functionality.
6. Collaboration with Local Authorities
Establishing partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency services enhances the school security system. Regular communication and joint training exercises can help prepare for potential incidents and ensure a coordinated response if an emergency arises.
7. Privacy and Data Protection
While video security is crucial, balancing security needs with privacy considerations is equally important. Ensure that the use of security cameras within the school complies with all relevant privacy laws and regulations. To safeguard recorded footage and personal information, it's important to implement robust data protection measures.
The critical role of video security systems in schools
While alarm systems, access control networks, and security door locks are crucial for protecting schools from intruders and potential threats, a truly comprehensive school security system must also incorporate video security technology.
School security cameras can be strategically placed in incident-prone areas, as well as at entrances and exits, to provide security teams with live footage of incidents as they happen. Key areas that benefit from enhanced visibility include computer and science labs, faculty offices, teacher’s lounges, server rooms, cafeterias, and storage areas. The recorded footage from these school security systems serves as valuable evidence that can be provided to authorities when necessary.
The most effective school CCTV networks are equipped with video management software for storing and viewing footage. Open-platform video hardware can integrate with the broader school security system, enabling automated recording triggered by alarms and offering remote viewing capabilities for administrators.
Common security camera models include panoramic, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ), dome, and bullet cameras. Each type has specific advantages depending on the monitored area.
The key to Safety and Security for Education:
Layered Security
When working with educational facilities, you need robust, innovative security with multiple layers to solve different and usually escalating needs. Different incidents have different levels of risk, and more severe threats should trigger multiple campus security systems.
AT SCW, we recognize that each educational institution faces unique security threats, challenges, objectives, and requirements. We excel in designing and installing school security systems by leveraging cutting-edge campus security technology. Our experience working with prestigious institutions like Harvard and Purdue has equipped us to protect faculty, students, and visitors effectively.
A layered school security system targets:
Loitering
Cameras strategically placed in stairways help prevent and alert your security teams to truancy, overnight loitering, smoking, vaping, and student-on-student violence.
Liability Risk Reduction
Areas, where performances, competitions, or other physical activities take place, have increased risks of injury. By placing cameras in these areas, you can help enforce safety standards and eliminate legal risk related to false claims of negligence.
Unauthorized Access
Electronic door locks and Bluetooth readers allow you to control access to sensitive areas containing medical supplies, electronic or printed records, security operations centers, or networking equipment.
These same items on your main points of entry and egress allow you to securely lock down your facility during the times when your campus is closed.
Intrusion
Cameras strategically placed outdoors in areas with entry points, such as doors and windows, can alert your security teams to truancy, loitering, unwelcome individuals, and unauthorized access.
Long-range cameras are often also deployed to watch remote assets like gates, parking lots, ancillary structures, or area where there are outdoor activities
In Case of Emergency: Lockdown
Administrators can remotely lock down their institution in various emergencies, including active shooter, natural disaster, and unsolicited visitor situations.
Lockdown plans can be initiated or reverted at any time from anywhere by administrators.
There’s no limit to how many Lockdown plans can be instituted.
Different scenarios dictate different lockdown procedures, which can be customized. For example, a lockdown plan for suspicious packages might only lock down entries near the delivery door/area. Active shooter plans usually lock down all schoolroom doors to keep assailants from kids while also opening all main entrances to allow first responders to enter. Natural disaster or fire emergency plans may require opening all doors.
Hall Monitoring
Hallways can often be the location of bullying, truancy, or even active shooter events.
Monitoring your hallways is a must.
Learn more about SCW's layered security solutions here.
Need inspiration?
SCW is an industry leader in reliable school security solutions. Check out this Sample Security Camera System Coverage Map for a small private school that can be tailored to a range of school campuses.
Modern Hardware & Software Solutions For Educational Institutions
Below is the security technology needed to secure an educational facility. Our commercial-grade security products, including vandal-proof security cameras and school access control systems, cater to schools of all sizes and ensure comprehensive protection.
A robust school security solution consists of the following:
Vandal Proof Dome Cameras - Our vandal-proof dome cameras have IK10 rated glass. IK10 is the highest measurement rating for protection from physical damage for security camera products using the international standard IEC 62262 scale. IK10 is the highest rating possible and should protect against many human-based forms of destructive vandalism.
Cloud Based Access Control - Openpath's access control software is straightforward, scalable, and simple to use. Their open API makes it easy to integrate with the tools you're already using, and comprehensive encryption gives you peace of mind that your system is secure.
Long Range Security Cameras - Our 4k long range cameras can focus at least 75 feet away from their mounting point and still recognize a person.
School Security Camera Systems in Action
Richmond County School District
Richmond County is home to 46,639 residents. Of those, 7,368 attend one of the county’s sixteen public schools.
The Challenge: The existing security cameras at all 16 school campuses were extremely out of date. Many of the cameras were not functional, and the remaining cameras’ images were not distinguishable. They also required increased camera coverage with several areas not currently monitored.
The SCW solution: The scope was huge — replace the entire security camera systems countywide in 16 schools. Replacement of the existing system was intended to provide a quality video feed to improve disciplinary issues with students and to safeguard both staff and students.
The results: "The cameras have been a positive improvement on all campuses. The cameras have become an essential tool in the daily operations of the schools. There has been less theft. Discipline issues have decreased because students know the cameras are there and capturing what they do. The improved coverage allows us to have actual evidence of reported injuries to staff within the building. The cameras have also made dealing with discipline more effective. We can now get actual video of incidents that occur on our campus to show parents.” - Michael Williams, IT Director
Read the full case study here.
Del Norte County School District
The Del Norte Unified School District is a nationally recognized school district that passionately teaches 4000 students across 11 schools. The District consists of eight elementary schools, a middle school, and two high schools.
The Challenge: Del Norte County schools needed an upgrade to their existing security camera systems. The outdated systems left the school district more vulnerable to potential threats than they needed to be, leaving them in search of a reliable partner who could help them modernize their security systems.
The SCW solution: The scope was to replace the existing security camera systems within 11 different schools. Customized plans were designed for each school within the county, utilizing a combination of camera types and equipment to maximize visibility and improve safety. Systems included:
- 513 Cameras (Dome, PTZ)
- 12, 4k NVR’s
- Backup Hard Drives
- Box Mounts
- And more
Hundreds of pieces of modern security equipment were installed in a matter of weeks, drastically increasing the safety of students and staff within the school district.
The results: High-definition cameras delivered crystal clear images, giving school administrators and safety personnel confidence that any potential threat could be identified quickly and effectively. In addition to top-of-the-line camera hardware, SCW also provided a secure online platform where footage from all cameras can be viewed remotely from anywhere in the world, allowing 24/7 monitoring of every campus.
Read the full case study here.
Specialists in School Security Cameras
Why Educational Institutions Choose SCW
For any educational facility, ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors is the number one priority. But unlike other commercial buildings, schools face a unique set of security challenges, such as managing large, open campuses, monitoring multiple entry and exit points, and addressing potential threats like unauthorized intrusions, vandalism, and violence.
As one of the leading school security companies, SCW makes it possible to bring all the moving parts together under one umbrella. With SCW's layered security solutions, you can:
- 1) Lockdown your property
- 2) Watch your perimeter
- 3) Restrict Access to Authorized Personnel
Many schools choose to add additional services to help with maintenance and operations. We take an end-to-end approach to school security (rather than just looking at college CCTV), from design and installation to professional monitoring. Our dedicated, US-based support teams provide lifelong assistance to ensure ongoing safety.
School Safety Starts with You
By following these best practices, schools can create a safe and secure environment for learning.
Investing in advanced security systems for schools, including comprehensive video security and video management software, access control system, and emergency communication systems, is essential. Regular maintenance, collaboration with authorities, and privacy protection further strengthen the effectiveness of a school security system.
Ensuring these measures are in place helps protect the school community and provides peace of mind for students, parents, and staff.
The continual safety of your students and staff is vital. SCW can protect them while providing money-saving time and benefits. And your IT and Security personnel will love our US-based technical support. It comes FREE. Forever. Our promise of world-class customer service and technical support is central to providing you with the best security available, anywhere.
Our specialist security teams boast the history and expertise your school district needs.
Get Started With A Modern Surveillance Ecosystem For Your Educational Facility. Get your free custom quote