Between Us Pros: Increased School Security Begins at the Perimeter

A layered or multipronged security strategy is appropriate for most applications — in many cases, essential.

It’s far preferable to have redundant systems in place than risk coverage holes, blind spots or single points of failure. Regardless of the products or services your company offers, as a professional, you owe the end customer a holistic perspective on how to most effectively and efficiently minimize or eliminate their exposure to threats while at the same time achieving a high return on investment.

That’s what being a trusted advisor is all about. It’s integral to building long-term business relationships.

Nowhere is the layered concept more important than in the K-12 education market, one of Elite’s primary verticals, as schools remain vulnerable to a wide swath of hazards. Atop the list are active shooter scenarios, but there are also thefts, illegal substances, gangs, pedophiles, assaults, bullying, vandalism and more to contend with.

However, funding, complacency, denial, politics, value perceptions and lack of security solutions education are among several variables running interference from the federal, state and local levels to the districts and individual campuses themselves.

Add to that the broad range of positions responsible for making security and safety decisions that lead to procurement and deployment, and serving this market can be like navigating a labyrinth while battling a gauntlet.

Why School Safety is So Critical for Security Pros

Regardless, nothing is more precious than protecting our nation’s children. Thus, school administrators, facility managers and others with the potential to make a difference must push back against imposed constraints and security and safety solutions providers must exercise patience and vigilance throughout the process — no matter how trying or tedious.

Sometimes grants are available that can help. Inclusive to acting as a security consultant, either directly via your company’s own expertise or by enlisting a market specialist, is being aware of and potentially assisting schools in grant opportunities.

Helping the cause are organizations like the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS). I remember when this initiative surfaced in 2014, backed by several security industry organizations and fueled by the passion of my friend Chuck Wilson, the longtime leader of the NSCA, who serves as PASS’ chairman and is an SSI Industry Hall of Famer.

Now in its seventh iteration, the organization’s School Safety and Security Guidelines are the most comprehensive information available on best practices specifically for securing K-12 schools. This guide, as well as the breadth of PASS’ membership, reinforces the layered security approach.

As an example, let’s consider one of the first steps in protecting students, staff, structures and vehicles from external threats — securing the perimeter of a school campus (both the grounds and buildings). A layered approach can incorporate physical barriers, human oversight and advanced monitoring technologies.

Best Practices

Some best practices for such perimeter security include fencing and physical barriers, human guards, and high-tech video monitoring and remote guarding.

A heavy emphasis on hardening the perimeter is also vital to neutralizing active shooter dangers. A swift, coordinated response can save lives, and technology plays an indispensable role in these situations. Remote video guarding-enabled real-time crime prevention is especially effective in counteracting firearm threats, as well as more quickly getting law enforcement on the scene.

It is only in recent years that technologies and methodologies have coalesced to make this level of protection possible, with schools being a top-priority application. Remote video guarding solutions provide 24/7 surveillance, real-time intervention and proactive deterrence.

Even if slower than we might prefer, security progress is being seen within the K-12 education marketplace. Let’s recommit to working hand in glove to keep schools focused on learning and enrichment — and synonymous with safety.