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Enhance School Security with these 6 technologies

by Paul Kazlauskas

1) Mass Messaging Software
If schools can only invest in one type of communication tool, mass messaging software should be it. This type of technology allows schools to send messages to students, staff, faculty, and parents when there is a threat. The messages can either be email, voice, or text. While a great tool for emergencies, this type of technology can also be used for more benign needs such as important reminders or notices to the school community.

2) Social Media Scanning Software
Cyber bullying is an important issue for schools nowadays. Many instances of cyber bullying occur on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Since social media is used by so many students, it is important for the school administration to be on top of what is being said between their students so any conflict doesn’t lead to school violence. Social media scanning software scans posts against a proprietary database and alerts school officials to messages that pertain to school violence, suicide or cyber bullying. The goal is to allow the school to intervene before anything serious occurs. Tools like this have been used to successfully prevent teen suicide and school violence.

3) ID Card Access
Traditional locks that need to be opened with a key have their issues. Electronic access control is much safer and more effective. If someone loses an electronic key card, that card is simply deactivated so anyone who finds it can’t access an area they shouldn’t be in. If a traditional key is lost or stolen, the entire lock needs to be changed and new keys issued to everyone at a great expense. The important thing to remember is that all access points/school entrances need to be outfitted with electronic access control, not just the front door.

4) Desktop Alerts
In the event of an emergency, desktop alerts allow for warnings to pop up on the screen of every campus computer on the network. This is a great way supplement mass messaging software that send alerts via text or email. If a student or teacher is working in an area that does not have wireless or great cell service, they are still able to see a notification on their desktop PC.

5) Panic Buttons
Panic buttons are tiny contraptions worn by school staff that allow for instant contact with authorities and school administration in the event of an emergency. If trouble arises, the staff member simply pushes the button to make everyone aware of a threat in the school building. Some models have the ability to also be voice amplification systems, which would allow for even faster communication of a distressful situation. When every second counts, panic buttons allow for mass communication almost instantly.

6) Video Surveillance
A video surveillance system can be a great crime deterrent/security tool. People who realize they are being videotaped are less likely to commit a criminal act. Even if an incident does occur, video surveillance cameras are a great tool to help figure out what happened. In a school, it may not be reasonable to expect a staff member to watch the monitors all day. However, the cameras are great tools for looking back at the incident to determine exactly what happened and who may have been involved.

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