A school district’s Duty of Care requires security procedures that protect its students, staff, and property. Proactive measures monitor, analyze, and identify a potential security event before it actually occurs or, at the latest, in the nascent stages.
Examples of Proactive Security
A proactive security approach includes security measures that anticipate potential situations and help prevent crimes from occurring. The physical manifestations of a proactive security system such as signs, cameras, motion-activated lights at points of access, and well-designed site lighting, act as visible deterrents to thieves, vandals and others with criminal intent.
Proactive security measures range from a simple padlock to a sophisticated security system. They can be physical barriers, such as heavy doors or electronic access, pressure sensors, surveillance cameras and keycard readers. Other measures include security fencing, locked gates, and hall monitors. Proactive security planning also involves security professionals such as school resource officers and security consultants.
Proactive security measures today encourage a culture of see-something/say-something with teachers, support staff, parents and the community. Closely following security protocols such as locking doors or verifying access can help minimize threats. A growing number of cities are developing interconnected video surveillance systems that have software capable of monitoring, analyzing, and determining whether the system is monitoring a potential security threat. If the potential threat is verified by 24-hour monitoring personnel, law enforcement is dispatched. Such systems have already proven their efficacy in stopping unacceptable behavior before it can escalate to the level of a security threat.
Prevention Begins with a Security Assessment
When it comes to school security, we must always all be vigilant. The utmost degree of security protection begins with objective analysis and the understanding that there is always room for improvement. Be proactive by teaming up with mental health professionals, school security experts, and law enforcement to find out where your security measures can be bolstered.
Sonitrol Great Lakes has been protecting schools for more than 50 years, and has a dedicated team devoted to the education market. Contact us today for a no-obligation security consultation.