At ANC, we have placed a high priority on offering top-quality digital security for schools from the beginning. We know how important digital security is for you and your school, and that priority will never change with us. ANC is proud to announce that we now offer physical security solutions for schools and school systems as well!
Physical security at K-12 Schools and Institutions of Higher learning is a huge topic right now, and there are a lot of opinions on the subject. We understand how sensitive the topic can be. But opinions aside, physical security is something that schools are having to embrace. Just take the recent legislation surrounding physical security in South Carolina Schools for example: Bill H.3218 is now in committee. It proposes that, “Beginning with the 2020-2021 School Year, walk-through metal detectors must be installed and operated at all public entrances of each public elementary school, middle school, high school, and institution of higher learning in the State.”
With or without this legislation, many school districts have chosen to increase physical security for their schools. If you want more information or are trying to decide if your school or school system could benefit from increased physical security, we’re here to help you through that process. The reality is, physical security is about more than just one aspect like metal detectors, but instead is something that can be strengthened in multiple ways.
Elements of Strong Physical Security
Physical security doesn’t just boil down to one or two things, it comprises many solutions to protect your facility, staff, and students.
1. Security Cameras – One way to monitor and protect your school’s teachers, employees, volunteers, and students is with a video surveillance system. School security cameras can deter theft, vandalism, sexual crimes, etc.
2. Metal Detectors – Another physical security measure many schools are implementing is the use of metal detectors to decrease the level of school violence. Metal detectors ensure that students, staff, and visitors don’t bring weapons or other metallic objects that may be used as a weapon into the building.
3. Access Control – Access control is simply securing the perimeter of the school’s property, including each point of entry. Making sure any door that you do not want visitors to enter cannot be opened from the outside ensures that they go to your desired point of entry. Effective access control ensures that students, staff, and visitors will know exactly where to enter, where to go once they are inside, and how to get back out.
4. Student Tracking and Roll Call – In the event of an emergency, identifying where Students and Staff are in a prompt and reliable manner is critical. Your Students and Staff need a system that allows them to check in to a secure location during an emergency. Systems should be capable of providing a real-time list of all unaccounted for individuals to School Administrators and Emergency Responders (ideally with last known location or class schedule). Leveraging technologies such as Mobile Broadband, RFID and Biometrics helps make these solutions fast, reliable and easy to use.
What’s My Next Step?
We understand it can all be confusing and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! You don’t have to go it alone. The best way to ensure that your school or school district’s physical security is as strong as it can be is to consult with security experts who can help you.
If you have additional questions about how physical security can work for your school, feel free to contact us via our website or give us a call today!
