Elevating School Security with Network Based Video Solutions
Students can’t learn if they don’t feel safe, and attracting a good teaching staff is only possible if schools can ensure a secure working environment. Safety and security are foundational to a quality education – but the best security solutions offer much more. Across your school grounds, TeluView has got you covered. Integration of network cameras, audio, intercoms, access control, and technology analytics ensures coverage from the front door to athletic fields, from the parking lot to the auditorium and every crucial step in between.
In this article we will discuss different strategies and security measures ready for deployment. These methods stand to support school officials in their quest to upgrade their safety protocols, with a particular emphasis on leveraging the strengths of network-integrated security frameworks.
Increased Communication and Visability
Many experts agree that there are two main areas that can help elevate school security by improving the response in a school setting.
First, teachers and emergency responders need to be able to directly engage in two-way communication during a crisis rather than having to first report emergencies to the school’s main office. 1“Can Technology Make Schools Safer?” Rand.Org, 2016
Second, staff members need easier and faster access to information. This could be achievable by taking advantage of a connected solution that allows staff to access all modes and areas from a single piece of connected software, in order to prevent, reduce, and respond to the entire spectrum of school violence. 2“Can Technology Make Schools Safer?” Rand.Org, 2016
Remaining Vigilant
The tough truth is, our schools are facing threats that are way more complicated than any of us would like to admit. It’s not just the headlines about gun violence that are causing sleepless nights—it’s the day-to-day stuff too, like bullying or just plain unruliness that can turn a place of learning into a place of fear.
Integrating network-based video security solutions is a key step in elevating school security, due to the ability of these systems to communicate with each other, and school staff. Network connected access control systems enable schools to manage and monitor facility access in real-time. These systems also provide insights into individuals’ whereabouts, improving a school’s ability to improve monitoring capabilities and response times.
These solutions aren’t about turning schools into fortresses. It’s about making sure that if anything does happen, we’re on it fast. It’s about remote management, where a principal can keep an eye on things, even if they’re at a conference across town. It’s about creating a place where kids can worry more about their math test than their safety.
Best Practices for School Security Camera Deployment
Identifying Optimal Camera Placement Areas
- Classrooms: Cameras in classrooms can help monitor student behavior, ensure safety during class hours, and provide valuable evidence in case of incidents.
- Hallways: Placing cameras in hallways ensures coverage of high-traffic areas where incidents or security threats may occur.
- Main Entrances: Cameras at main entrances help monitor access points, identify visitors, and enhance perimeter security.
- Existing Blind Spots: Conducting a thorough assessment to identify blind spots and strategically placing cameras to eliminate or minimize them is crucial for comprehensive coverage when elevating school security.
Setting up Camera Feeds and Real-Time Monitoring
- Transmitting Feeds to Monitors: Ensure that camera feeds are transmitted to designated monitors, such as security offices or administrative areas, for real-time monitoring.
- Designating Staff for Monitoring: Assign trained staff members to monitor camera feeds during school hours and respond promptly to any security incidents or emergencies.
Leveraging Video System Analytics
- Enhancing Alerting Capabilities: Implement video analytics software to detect unusual behavior, unauthorized access, or potential threats automatically. This can help improve response times and reduce reliance on manual monitoring.
- Automating Detection: Use analytics to automate tasks such as object detection, facial recognition, or motion tracking, enabling proactive security measures.
Selecting Future-Proof Security Cameras
- Compatibility with Cloud-Based Access Control Systems: Choose security cameras that are compatible with cloud-based access control systems for seamless integration and centralized management of security protocols.
- Scalability and Upgradability: Select cameras that offer scalability and support future upgrades to accommodate evolving security needs and technological advancements.
Maintaining Comprehensive Video Footage Records
- Evidentiary Material Preservation: Establish protocols for the storage and retention of video footage to ensure compliance with legal requirements and facilitate investigations. Regularly back up footage to prevent data loss.
Integrating Cyber and Physical Security Measures
- Data Security Measures: Elevating school security should also include implementing robust cybersecurity protocols to protect the integrity and confidentiality of video data, including encryption, access controls, and regular software updates.
- Physical Security Measures: Secure camera installations against tampering, vandalism, or unauthorized access to prevent disruption of surveillance operations.
Utilizing Software to Monitor it All
Bringing everything together into as few systems as possible can really help simplify the process of monitoring. A single application that can communicate with all of the different systems can enhance the ability of staff to response to incidents. 3“Schools Turning to Integrated Technology for More Proactive Security”, Campus Safety Magazine
Choosing the Appropriate Type of Security Cameras
Dome Security Cameras
- Design: These cameras are characterized by their dome-shaped housing, which makes them unobtrusive and less noticeable. This design is often favored for maintaining a subtle security presence, which can be particularly important in environments like schools where aesthetics matter.
- Wide-Angle Filming: Dome cameras typically have a wide-angle lens that allows them to capture a broad area of view without the need for frequent adjustment. In schools, this means comprehensive coverage of classrooms, hallways, and common spaces.
- Indoor Use: While dome cameras can be used both indoors and outdoors, they are commonly deployed due to their design and the protection provided by the dome housing against dust and tampering.
- Discreet Surveillance: Their discreet appearance can help deter unwanted behavior without creating a sense of constant monitoring, a feeling which can be off-putting for students and staff.
Box Security Cameras
- Visible Deterrence: Box cameras send a powerful message to potential offenders: “Think twice. We’re watching.” Their prominent shape ensures visible deterrence, which is essential for elevating school security.
- Fixed Angle of View: Box cameras provide a fixed field of view, allowing you to precisely define the area under surveillance. This predictability is useful for targeted monitoring. In educational facilities, this predictability helps monitor entrances, exits, and critical zones.
- Interchangeable Lenses: The CS-mount design allows for interchangeable lenses, enabling flexibility in adjusting the camera’s focus, zoom, and depth of field. For instance, you can focus on entryways during school hours and switch to wider angles during events or emergencies.
Bullet Security Cameras
- High-Definition Imaging: Bullet cameras are known for their ability to capture high-definition images, making them suitable for areas where detailed surveillance is necessary. In classrooms, hallways, and common areas, high-definition imaging ensures that incidents are recorded accurately. Whether it’s identifying a visitor or reviewing classroom activities, this feature is essential when elevating school secuirty.
- Outdoor Durability: These cameras are often designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, making them ideal for monitoring parking lots, entrances, and other exterior areas of a school campus. heir robust build protects against rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations. This durability ensures continuous surveillance even during adverse weather conditions.
- Visible Deterrence: The conspicuous design of bullet cameras can serve as a deterrent to potential intruders or vandals, as they are more easily noticed than dome cameras. In educational settings, visible cameras discourage unauthorized access, vandalism, and disruptive behavior. The mere presence of bullet cameras reinforces security.
- Flexible Mounting Options: Bullet cameras typically come with adjustable mounts, allowing for precise positioning and alignment to capture the desired area effectively. This flexibility ensures that critical areas—such as entrances, parking lots, and outdoor gathering spots—are effectively covered
PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) Security Cameras
- Versatile Functionality: PTZ cameras offer the most versatility among the three types, with the ability to pan, tilt, and zoom to cover a wide range of areas and adjust focus as needed. For schools, this means comprehensive surveillance without the need for multiple fixed cameras. PTZ cameras can adapt their focus based on the situation. Whether monitoring a lecture hall, gymnasium, or outdoor play area, PTZ cameras provide flexibility.
- Adaptable Filming Angles: PTZ cameras can be remotely controlled to change their viewing angle, making them ideal for monitoring large areas or tracking moving subjects. This adaptability makes them ideal for monitoring large areas such as school courtyards, parking lots, and sports fields. In educational settings, PTZ cameras can follow moving subjects during events, ensuring that critical moments are captured.
- Automatic Tracking: Many PTZ cameras feature automatic tracking capabilities, allowing them to follow moving objects or individuals within their field of view. For schools, this means enhanced security during crowded events or emergencies.
- Remote Accessibility: PTZ cameras can often be controlled remotely via computer or mobile device, giving security personnel the flexibility to monitor the school premises from anywhere with an internet connection. Security personnel can monitor the school premises from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows a real-time response. Whether adjusting angles during an incident or tracking a suspicious person, remote accessibility ensures timely action.
Conclusions
To sum up, a comprehensive security plan for a school should incorporate a mix of camera types, such as high-resolution IP cameras for detailed imaging, weatherproof cameras for outdoor surveillance, cameras with advanced tracking and low-light performance, and options that satisfy regulatory compliance. Additionally, schools should consider the support and warranties that accompany these cameras to ensure their long-term efficacy and dependability.
When choosing cameras for elevating school security, it’s also worthwhile to consider the support and warranties provided by manufacturers or suppliers. Companies that are authorized brand partners, like TeluView, ensure that customers receive full warranty support with their purchases, which is crucial for maintaining a reliable and effective security system over time, and achieving the ultimate goal of elevating school security.
Additional Resources for Elevating School Security
Call 1-870-888-9069 to speak with a TeluView network security solutions specialist to help you with elevating school security at your school or university today!
Click to View TeluView’s Selection of Quality Network Based Security Solutions.
Rand.org “Can Technology Make Schools Safer?”
National Institute of Justice (NIJ.GOV) “Making Schools Safe for Students”
Campus Safety Magazine “Schools Turning to Integrated Technology for More Proactive Security”
Axis.com Whitepaper – “School makes security a priority with an A+ solution. | Axis Communications“
Uniview.com – Solutions for Making Campuses More Secure