In School Security Part 4, we discussed high profile, high-risk areas for theft and other incidents. In Part 5 we explore less obvious theft risks.
Parking Lots
Parking areas are high-risk areas for nighttime assaults They’re also a risk area for daytime property theft when hundreds of students, teachers, and administrators are parked and in the building. It’s important to consider devices that are very conspicuous. Security cameras and emergency call stations can be a deterrent. Emergency call stations, for example, may be equipped with cameras that are clearly mounted to the top. Likewise, cameras in large housings can be placed on light and utility poles.
Nurse’s Office
Medical offices contain valuable equipment, sensitive data, and medications. It’s critical to control access to the office and medicine storage units. Video surveillance, access control, and intrusion detection can be integrated for simplified incident investigation.
Maintenance Facilities
Expensive tools and maintenance equipment are a target for theft. They’re also a potential danger to students. Maintenance facilities are usually remote and to the rear of the school, so if they’re not secured properly, they can easily be trespassed and vandalized after dark. If left open during the day, maintenance facilities pose an unnecessary risk to students. It’s important to include these locations in the access control and video surveillance plan.
Sports Facilities
Schools invest a good deal of money in high-profile sports facilities. Storage areas usually hold expensive grounds equipment, sports gear, and concessions. Again, proper video surveillance, intrusion detection, and access control measures should be deployed in these areas.
What to Do
During school hours, door locking hardware that’s integrated with an access control solution is the best option to protect valuables and data. Issue authorized staff and administrators a credential and PIN number. The most sensitive doors can be secured and easily accessed by authorized personnel with proper credentialing. The access control system can also create personnel activity log files. Investigations are easier and more objective with a consistent personnel log. Integrate the access control system with the video surveillance system to marry video clips with the access log files for visual verification.
The video surveillance system should be running at all hours. Video evidence is critical for identification and prosecution of criminal activity. Visible cameras indoors and out are also a deterrent. Consider deploying large, conspicuous camera systems outdoors so that criminals understand that your property is not an easy target. Low or no light areas need to be protected by specialty cameras, capable of capturing images in challenging lighting conditions.
Solution
The goal of a security assessment and site survey is to uncover potential threats at schools, buildings, and campuses of all sizes. Ultimately, these solutions can help integrate a variety of technologies as part of a plan that works in unison to help secure occupants, protect valuable assets, and assist in preventing physical access to sensitive areas.
Contact the Vision team to discuss security options at your school or campus.