For school administrators and campus security teams, finding a reasonable balance between physical security and student privacy can be surprisingly challenging. Whilst the development and implementation of comprehensive security systems is key to protecting staff and students from physical harm, placing too much emphasis on security can create a number of new issues.
Research indicates that there may be a correlation between how school security systems and protocols are designed, and students’ perceived level of safety while on campus. For example, one study found that the presence of security personnel and camera systems installed outdoors made students feel safer at school, while indoor cameras contributed to feelings of vulnerability.
Of course, the actual efficacy of installed security systems is more important than any perceived feelings of vulnerability, but it’s important to note how stress and mental trauma can negatively impact students both socially and academically. So, for staff to find a suitable balance between safety and privacy, here’s how smart technology enables non-invasive school security systems.
Smart video security cameras
Campus security teams can safely reduce the number of visible security cameras required to reasonably cover school grounds by choosing to improve the functionality of existing systems via AI integrations. As AI video analytics software is able to autonomously detect threats, staff can reliably respond to unfolding incidents without needing to review multiple camera feeds.
AI-informed video security cameras can be installed in strategic locations and programmed to send real-time alerts to security teams if specific events are detected. For example, cameras can be used to identify crowds forming in unusual areas, persons carrying contraband items or suspected physical altercations, alerting staff remotely for in-person teams to plan a response.
Additionally, if Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras are installed and connected to a wider cloud-based security management system, security admins can freely access and adjust installed cameras from a remote location, covering a much larger area of the property with fewer installed devices. However, security convergence will need to be considered to ensure data is suitably protected.
Strengthened access control
Campus security teams may be able to reduce their reliance on physical security guards, and potentially invasive measures such as metal detectors and pat-downs, by instead choosing to strengthen existing access control systems. By utilizing accessible smart technology to prevent unauthorized property access, teams can better protect students and staff from external threats.
Primarily, mobile credential access systems can be deployed, enabling students to manage and store unique access credentials within their own smart devices. Issued credentials are secured behind the biometric and multi-factor authentication (MFA) systems already present in modern smartphones, and admins can revoke or adjust permissions remotely if credentials are misused.
Mobile systems can reduce the risk of compromised credentials leading to security breaches by removing the threat of lost or stolen access cards falling into the hands of intruders. In addition, access control models can be developed to ensure high-risk areas are only accessible to those with specific permissions, i.e. student housing access requires student or security credentials.
Internet of Things (IoT) integrations
The deployment of IoT sensors used to support existing school security devices can help teams to reliably assess potential threats, without becoming entirely dependent on potentially invasive security measures like visible cameras and guard stations. When connected to a cloud-based management platform, IoT sensors enable staff to respond to threats efficiently and effectively.
For example, discreet IoT motion sensors can be installed in high-risk areas and programmed to automatically alert staff if movement is detected, enabling teams to respond in a timely manner. Additionally, IoT sound detectors may be configured to instantly engage nearby access control points and activate on-site alarm systems if any sounds consistent with a break-in are identified.
Essentially, installed IoT devices provide campus security personnel with a more holistic view of wider school security systems, meaning teams can choose to focus their attention on matters of importance, rather than simply patrolling the property or assessing security feeds from a fixed position. Real-time alerts instead enable staff to make informed decisions regarding responses.
Automated incident responses
A further benefit to the installation of IoT devices and cloud-based security systems is the ability for staff to develop automated emergency responses. IoT sensors and AI-informed cameras can be programmed to activate wider devices, like locking systems and alarms, in direct response to certain stimuli. This ensures threats are addressed without requiring a heavy security presence.
Bespoke responses can be developed to address a range of common incidents. For example, IoT temperature sensors may be configured to activate fire suppression systems, IoT pressure sensors can be used to lock doors or trigger alarms and sound sensors can be used similarly.
Additionally, students can be provided some degree of control over lockdown responses via the use of panic button systems. Stationary buttons may be installed in classrooms and configured to secure doors, activate alarms or even contact local authorities if a potential threat is detected.
Summary
The development of a comprehensive security system is essential for protecting students within school facilities, but too much emphasis on security may be detrimental to students’ wellbeing. By upgrading traditional systems to make use of smart technology, campus security teams can improve threat responses via automation and live alerts to create non-invasive security systems.