It’s easy for school administrators to be overwhelmed with the many choices – technologies and solutions alike – to safeguard their school campuses. In this age of tight public and private education budgets, officials face tough decisions over the price of a security system’s initial purchase, operating cost and system management.
“Most experts agree that a layered security approach works best when schools are faced with budget constraints,” according to Campus Safety Magazine. “Communication, perimeter management, and access control are the key elements to the layers. Preparing for an emergency or even daily incident requires a communication solution to immediately share what is happening internally and with first-responders. Private communication solutions significantly improve the safety and security of locked-down building occupants and the ability for first-responders to maintain order, even as they attend to the most critical situations first.”
William Cousins, school security consultant at Sonitrol Great Lakes, says layered security starts with the perimeter of the property. Among his questions to educators:
- Is access controlled?
- Is there perimeter fencing?
- Is the parking lot properly lit?
- Is the parking lot monitored?
The next layer of security is at the access points of the facility.
- Is entry controlled?
- Are visitors greeted as they enter?
- Are points of entry electronically monitored?
- Are keys or other forms of gaining access controlled and limited?
Finally, Cousins notes, “There is the active security inside the facility while classes, programs, or events are taking place. This could be in the form of emergency response teams, teachers, or staff members who are trained to recognize and report suspicious behavior. It should also include parking lot patrols and monitoring of security surveillance. These people should also be trained in emergency response and be prepared to calmly and effectively handle such situations until law enforcement and/or first-responders arrive on the scene.”
In addition, rapid and reliable and emergency communications – both internal and external – is a very important element of layered security. “When it comes to any type of school emergency; whether it’s a violent intruder, a fire, explosion, or some other dangerous situation; seconds count in getting police and other first-responders to the scene,” says Clay Crost, Director, Education Market for Sonitrol Great Lakes. He adds, “Having a robust emergency notification system in place is a vital part of any layered school safety and security protocol.”
Sonitrol Great Lakes has been protecting schools across the region for more than 50 years. Contact us for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
