It’s no secret that students learn better when studying and working in a safe environment. If students feel in danger whenever they sit in their classrooms, they might have difficulty focusing on anything but their fear. In such a situation, some students decide they don’t want to attend school anymore.
School authorities are responsible for keeping their students safe, and they can do so by implementing various security measures. Here, we will learn how to secure school premises to help prevent intruders and violent incidents.
Develop an emergency response plan and review it regularly
Each school needs a clear emergency response plan, so everyone knows how to react to different scenarios. An emergency response plan should, among other things, consider evacuation procedures and security drills.
Part of this plan should focus on securing school premises. The different measures the school implements will need to be reviewed and upgraded as security threats and challenges evolve. Similarly, the emergency response plan itself will need to be reviewed and updated from time to time.
Secure the perimeter with strong fencing and bright lights
Installing fencing around a school perimeter is one of the simplest ways to secure its premises. Strong fencing and secured entryways will help keep intruders out while making students feel safer.
It’s also important to install bright exterior lights to increase visibility around the school buildings and discourage trespassers. With bright lighting, people with malicious intentions cannot hide in a dark corner of the school perimeter when the sun goes down.
Implement an access control system to monitor who gets in and out
Implementing an access control system is essential to secure school premises. Such a system can rely on biometrics or a key card entry system, for example, to ensure that only authorized personnel can access certain areas of the school premises. The ability to monitor who gets in and out of a school building will create a safer learning and working environment for everyone on the premises.
Prevent violence with an AI weapon detection system
Metal detectors can help detect concealed guns and knives. Bag checks and pat downs can also be effective, but they can create stress and fear on the school premises.
A more discreet option would be to implement an AI weapon detection system. Students and school staff won’t even know it’s there, so they won’t feel anxious as they enter and exit the building. The AI-powered system detects concealed weapons and discreetly alerts the school’s security staff whenever an intervention is necessary.
Implement visitor check-ins and ID badges
Schools should implement visitor management and access control systems to help secure school premises.
Visitor check-ins, identification, and visitor badges help school staff know who is inside the premises, why they are here, and when they are expected to leave. This ensures that only authorized visitors can enter the school and allows school staff to monitor their movements.
Cover common areas with surveillance cameras
Surveillance cameras can also be used to secure a school’s premises. A high-resolution CCTV system can deter intruders, vandalism, bullying, and violent incidents.
However, whenever an incident does occur, the footage captured by the system will help school officials or local law enforcement understand what happened, who was involved, and who should be apprehended. If a school still has old surveillance cameras that can only capture blurry footage, it is time to upgrade its surveillance system.
Rely on an intrusion detection system to prevent unauthorized access
Schools can also rely on an intrusion detection system, which uses sensors and alarms, to secure their premises by preventing unauthorized access. Whenever an intrusion occurs, the system will alert security staff immediately.
An intrusion detection system is especially useful in the evening and at night when no one is around to notice the presence of trespassers and suspicious individuals.
Hire security staff and train the current school staff
Finally, a school without security staff should consider hiring experienced staff who can prevent incidents and respond to emergencies. Furthermore, current school staff should be provided with the training necessary to allow them to do their part in securing the school premises. School staff and students need to be aware of the school’s emergency response plan and know what to do whenever their safety is threatened.
