The experts can help
When school administrators contact Sonitrol Great Lakes for help securing their facilities, they are connected with a team of dedicated school security experts – all part of Sonitrol’s Education Market Team.
One of these experts is Bill Cousins, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, who has teamed up with Sonitrol Great Lakes to secure school properties and better protect students, teachers, support staff and real property.
School security assessment
We caught up with Cousins recently to ask how he goes about performing a preliminary school security assessment. Here are some excerpts from that interview:
“When I go for a school security audit, I always meet with the top administration, then with teachers and custodial staff because they’re the ones who know the inner workings and problem areas within the school,” Cousins says. “Additionally, if there are school security or police on site, I always meet with them to obtain their input, and depending on the circumstances, I’ll also consult with the local police department.”
Cousins concentrates on three conditions for improving school security: prevention, training, and rapid response. “The school staff should have training to help identify students who are at risk and know the warning signs. Is anyone from the school monitoring social media, and if not, why not? Training also includes what to do if there is a serious act of violence or active shooter,” he advises.
Detection entails security technology such as cameras and access control. “Where are the cameras located? Do they cover the exterior of the building? Does the school have the ability to lock down or lock out a potential threat?”
According to Cousins, rapid response includes working together with local police to ensure they know the school’s layout in the event of an emergency. “Don’t hesitate to invite the police to tour the building(s) so that they’re familiar with it,” he recommends.
He concludes: “One problem faced by security consultants and schools is that once you make them aware of the problems and provide recommendations, they’re obligated to enact the recommendations to mitigate problems. If they fail to do so, the school district’s civil liability is increased because they were made aware of the problems and given solutions but failed to implement them.”
When Cousins conducts a security assessment, he uses computer-aided design (CAD) to identify vulnerable areas on school campuses and buildings, placing necessary access controls, cameras, and other detection devices. In turn, Sonitrol Great Lakes provides the technology, hardware, installation, and verified 24/7 protection monitoring services to provide perimeter and interior security.
Sonitrol Great Lakes can provide schools, colleges, and universities comprehensive, verified security solutions. Please contact us to learn how we can help protect your students, faculty, and support staff.