How to Choose a School Security System

Schools often face several challenges, including parking lot theft, vandalism and shootings. Protecting students and staff is critical, and it starts with high-quality, tailored security.

Choosing a school security system is hassle-free when you understand the threats your school faces and the core components needed to control those threats. With the right information and security partner, you have the peace of mind of a robust, reliable security system.

1. Begin With a Professional Security Assessment

Before considering any type of security hardware, it’s crucial to get a comprehensive risk and vulnerability assessment. This process is detailed in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA’s) K-12 School Security Guide, which you can peruse alongside the school security assessment tool (SSAT).

These resources give you an idea of what’s covered in a risk assessment. They also provide guidance on what you’d want to discuss with your security partner before they perform the vulnerability evaluation.

Some of the factors assessed include:

• Identifying infrastructure weak points: This process involves examining the physical security on campus, including fences, gates and locks, lighting and dark areas, entry points, roof and upper-level access.
• Analyzing traffic flow: Usual patterns are scrutinized to identify unusual behaviors more easily. The number of visitors, how students and staff move between classes, deliveries and vendors, and entry points are all monitored.
• Understanding specific threats: Identifying individual threats moves the assessment from general to specific. A professional security partner will consult with the local police department for an integrated security plan. They’ll also look at local crime statistics, whether the school is in an urban, suburban or rural area, and the school’s history.
• Evaluating your policies and procedures: A school’s procedures can highlight vulnerabilities. The duration and quality of its drill practices, emergency plans, staff training and general staff communication are all scrutinized to identify gaps.

2. Identify Your Core Security Components

Once your security partner has completed your risk assessment, you should have a clearer picture of your school’s unique vulnerabilities. You’re now ready to select the right technology for layered security, which provides solutions for the building’s outer property line, its immediate exterior, like doors and windows, and its interior.

Intelligent Access Control

Access control manages who enters and exits the school. From core staff and students to guests and deliveries, it helps secure the perimeter of the building. Various technologies use biometric entry systems, keypads, tags and access badges to control entry to the main building, labs and administration offices.

Advanced Video Surveillance

Security cameras can act as strong deterrents to crime and bullying, making them valuable additions to a layered security solution. Modern systems go beyond simply recording incidents. Some features, like AI-powered analytics, analyze historical data and detect unusual activity that deviates from the norm.

These modern systems also have real-time monitoring capabilities and high-definition clarity.

Integrated Alarm and Communication Systems

These systems link access control, CCTV cameras, intruder alarms and fire detection with real-time messaging and alerts on one intelligent platform. They facilitate live monitoring, rapid response and better communication among staff, and notify first responders. Schools are more empowered to take quick action, providing peace of mind and added control during an incident.

3. Consider Key Factors for a Future-Proof System

To choose a quality school security system, focus on its long-term viability. The system should be advanced enough to scale with your school’s growth and needs, yet relatively simplistic and easy to understand and manage. When browsing for security solutions or considering security partners, focus on the following core factors for a future-forward security system.

System Integration for Streamlined Security

Components that can work together on one unified platform are valuable for a security system. An integrated system creates a direct link between an occurrence, getting notified of the occurrence and dispatching for help. For instance, an access control event may have triggered a camera feed, as it detected unusual activity in a certain area for that particular time of day.

Security guards are instantly notified, allowing for greater security and streamlining management for more efficient systems.

Scalability and Adaptability

Schools grow, and the communities and environments they are in also change. A security system that can scale and expand with your school is flexible and adapts to your needs. From extending existing features to provide coverage for new buildings to implementing new technologies and additions, look for security solutions that won’t hold you back.

Ease of Use and Staff Training

Technology and security systems are only effective if people know how to use them. Staff should be comfortable familiarizing themselves with new systems, and security guards should be confident managing them. Your chosen security partner should also provide staff training for those who will be handling the security systems daily.

4. Select the Right Security Partner

Before choosing a security partner, it’s important to weigh the school’s needs against the company’s offerings. It’s also vital to check the company’s experience and look at its overall services to determine if it is a good fit for your school.

Check if They Provide Tailored Solutions

The security partner you choose should assess your school’s individual circumstances and discuss the right solutions with you. Look for a provider that will offer customized security systems, taking into account the school’s history, environment, threats and infrastructure.

Look for a Company Experienced in Education Security

Educational institutions have unique security needs. It’s critical to keep staff and students safe while still making it easy to access the premises. Choose a security partner who:

• Has seasoned experience in education security.
• Acts swiftly when an incident occurs.
• Can work with different budgets.

Assess Industry Expertise and Track Record

A track record is important, as it gives you confidence that your security partner has experience dealing with multiple incidents and knows how to neutralize and manage them. Check the company’s website for information about when it started, who the owner is or any other details.

Check Credentials and UL Listings

When a company’s alarm systems are Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-listed, it means its products undergo strict and rigorous testing. These products are certified to be reliable, safe and high-quality, giving you the peace of mind of premium solutions.

Choose Wayne Alarm Systems for a Safer School

A well-fortified school allows everyone to focus on education while your security partner focuses on safety. Wayne Alarm Systems has been a trusted provider of quality security systems for over 50 years. Our skilled team provides comprehensive solutions for educational institutions, tailoring our products to each school’s unique needs. From an initial consultation to professional installation and 24/7 monitoring, we provide all-around services.

To learn more about how we can help you with tailored solutions, contact us online today for a free, no-obligation consultation.