Advanced technology has an essential role to play in high school security. It is impossible to see every corner of a school, and hiring an entire team of security personnel is extremely expensive.
Technology can minimize and mitigate our schools’ unique threats to safety and security. This does not relate purely to active shooter events but also to bullying, self-harm, and other forms of violence.
Here are some technology ideas for a high school that are scientifically supported to reduce violence, minimize security threats, and make schools safer.
Access Control
Most schools use access control systems to oversee high school access. Staff are encouraged to wear ID badges, and teachers are provided with fobs to exit/enter specific areas.
Visitor badges and sign-ins are also used to monitor who enters the school. This can then be recorded in an automated log, outlining everyone visiting and leaving.
Student ID System
Smart identification cards advance high school security in a big way. Student ID cards have a memory chip. This way, students can enter and exit, and access is only allowed to individuals with preauthorized approval.
Anyone entering without an ID card can set a silent alarm, notifying security personnel of a threat.
IP Cameras
Internet Protocol (IP) cameras have a higher frame rate, resolution, and coverage than traditional CCTV surveillance monitoring. IP cameras record such high-quality video that they can pick up on facial features and clothing details, unlike any other type of video camera.
Monitor every entrance and exit in the building and track movement through the school manually or through AI technology.
Indoor Positioning Systems
IPS, or indoor positioning systems, are advanced systems that use Bluetooth signals to map out a blueprint of an entire school in real time.
In the event of an active shooter or security threat, IPS can advise emergency personnel of where people are and require no verbal communication. It’s among the best ways to manage an active threat quickly.
Facial Recognition Software
Facial recognition software can deter, detect, and delay- all key to securing a high school. It can be done through real-time image and video processing, comparing images against a database of known individuals, and even confirming or assigning identities.
Different software exists in this space, some more controversial and scrutinized than others.
Weapon Detection Technology
Metal detectors, X-ray machines, and handheld metal detectors have been used for high school security since the 1990s. They don’t work. Threats have risen, and so has violence.
Weapons detection systems for schools are the ideal solution. These systems can detect concealed weapons as students walk by through AI software, cameras, and electromagnetic sensors. There is no intrusive screening.
Panic Buttons
At any time, a teacher or staff member may need to alert security and law enforcement to a potential threat. Have emergency panic buttons set in strategic locations.
Discreet devices can be monitored remotely and help notify police of activity. While this tech is not widely used, it has proven to be an effective security tech that is gaining interest.
Automated Emergency Alerts
Automated text messages to staff, students, faculty, and parents can keep people safe and advise them of a situation such as an active shooting. There are many ways to create an automated alert system. Mass notifications, however, can keep people safe on and off high school grounds during a developing threat.
Gunfire Detection Systems
A smoke alarm detects signs of a possible fire. A gun detection system works similarly, except it alarms if it believes a weapon has been discharged. This type of technology is so advanced that it can notify the police of what type of weapon was discharged. It can also give an approximate of the shooter’s whereabouts.
Smartphone Crime Reporting Apps
Crime reporting and security monitoring apps minimize violence. These apps can be installed on any smartphone. Students can use them to report suspicious behavior, send confidential messages to security, take videos, discreetly record audio clips, and more. They can even ping a location and distress signal to security if needed.
Hire an IT Cybersecurity Expert
In 2022, cyber attacks on the education sector increased 44% compared to 2021. In North America, more than 2,000 attacks happen every day. Many of these are minor. However, not all are, and they can affect everything from sign-ins to payroll and security.
Hire an IT professional to ensure systems are regularly checked, and best practices are applied to cybersecurity.
