An overwhelming majority (96%) of parents in the United States support a mandate requiring schools to share security cameras with 911 Communications Centers during emergencies, according to a survey of K-12 parents. A federal mandate was preferred by 56% of parents, 29% wanted a community-level requirement, and 11% favored a school district mandate.
Mobile credentials, or the use of smartphones or other mobile devices to access secure areas, are increasingly considered as an alternative to traditional keycards and ID badges in schools. However, while mobile credentials offer several advantages, such as convenience and cost savings, there are also potential drawbacks to their use. To help aid schools in improving safety measures, let us explore the pros and cons of using mobile credentials for school safety and explain why it is important to always have multiple options in place.
Back in June, the NEA and Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund released a School Gun Violence Prevention and Response Guide. And anyone involved in campus safety should make sure to read the entire report.
- By Brent Dirks
- July 19, 2024
Parking: for many, it’s an everyday fact of life. Whenever we drive somewhere, we must consider parking, and often, that parking experience sets our mood and expectations for the rest of the journey. Whether a quick grocery store pickup or long-term airport parking, the parking lot is an integral part of whatever type of campus you’re visiting. This includes destinations like retail stores, your local high school, hospitals, and the park-and-ride systems present in major cities.
- By Drew Pacino
- July 18, 2024
The opioid crisis is escalating across the United States, increasingly affecting all segments of the population, including students on K-12 and college campuses. As the threat from opioids, especially fentanyl, becomes more widespread, it's critical for schools to have naloxone available—an antidote for opioid overdoses. This article discusses why naloxone should be as common as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in educational settings.
- By Ross Seeley
- July 17, 2024
Video surveillance is one of the most common security measures implemented by educational institutions today, but installing cameras is just the beginning. Adopting a holistic, comprehensive approach to video surveillance is a more effective way to safeguard campus communities and fully realize the value of your investment in physical security systems.
- By Bruce Canal
- July 16, 2024
With summer underway, K-12 and college students, faculty, and staff are taking a well-earned break to recharge and gear up for the fall. It’s also the season when security professionals can get in and get busy installing upgrades and retrofits before the new school year starts. It’s a brief window, but, thanks to diligent planning throughout the year, the pros are always ready to hit the ground running at the last bell of spring term to make the most out of the limited time available.
- By Jeremy Saline
- July 15, 2024
The "I Love U Guys" Foundation, a national non-profit organization that operates programs and trainings to standardize crisis response programs across schools, districts, departments, agencies and organizations, will host its upcoming National School Safety Briefings Symposium on September 5-6, 2024 at Verkada's San Mateo, California headquarters.
ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the US Department of Homeland Security Safety Act Designation, and Aegix Global, a Utah-based provider of industry-leading safety and personal protection resources technology, today announced that they have successfully deployed ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and situational awareness software in more than 200 Utah schools.
Texas-based Garrett Metal Detectors – in partnership with DVS Solutions – announced that its new Paragon walk-through metal detector (released 2023) attained a significant competitive victory in a bid for security upgrades for Memphis Shelby County Schools. More than 160 Paragons were installed across 100 or more ISD locations over the last month.
Critical Response Group (CRG), a provider of critical incident mapping data, announced recently that it has partnered with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), the nation’s third-largest school district, to implement cutting-edge critical incident mapping technology across the District’s 573 schools
Knightscope Inc. recently announces a new contract for its K1 Emergency Communication Devices (“ECDs”) in Texas in addition to a renewal of its full service maintenance agreement with the city of Mountain View, California, Knightscope’s hometown, for their network of emergency phones.
It was the second day of this school year, when an administrator in Montgomery County, TX, found herself needing to manage a student’s medical emergency on the football field after hours. A junior high school student was experiencing chest pains and needed immediate care.
- By Todd Piett
- February 12, 2024
The Mishkan Learning Center is steeped in history, first starting in 1945 to provide educational and recreational opportunities to young people regardless of the financial situation of their families. Today, the facility has grown to offer a variety of services, including a summer day camp, hands-on job training, and on demand housing for low-income earners to individuals in the Bridgeport, Connecticut, area.
There has been an increase in the types of available access control solutions. There has also, unfortunately, been an increase in the number of school shootings. Therefore, more campuses are turning to new and improved safeguards.
- By Bri Thomas
- February 02, 2024
Motorola Solutions recently announced that it has acquired New-York-based IPVideo, the creator of the HALO Smart Sensor, according to a news release. Though the details of the transaction were not disclosed, the release notes that the acquisition marks Motorola’s commitment to improving safety and security in spaces like schools, hospitals, hotels, and businesses.
- By Matt Jones
- December 18, 2023
To remain competitive, today's hospitals are becoming “smarter”, applying analytics and artificial intelligence to deliver a superior patient experience. Leveraging the latest generation of technology to optimize clinical processes, communications systems, facility operations, resource management, and – of course – security has become the norm.
- By Matt Kjin
- December 12, 2023
Now that football season has ended, it is time to move indoors and watch your favorite basketball teams compete. The presence of a large number of enthusiastic fans alone can create a variety of security challenges, but factor in drugs, alcohol, weapons, and gangs at the gymnasiums, and you could be looking at a recipe for disaster.
- By Patrick V. Fiel
- December 08, 2023
Just like going to the doctor for your annual health check-ups; the same holds true for schools who need to go through an extensive security check-up annually. The main reason is to ensure they are fully prepared for any type of emergency that arises on school grounds.
- By Monique Merhige
- December 08, 2023
Three people were killed and another injured in a shooting at UNLV Wednesday afternoon in Las Vegas. The suspected gunman was killed in a shootout with law enforcement.
Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, a provider in AI-driven security and productivity solutions along with its wholly owned subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), is pleased to announce the promotion of Troy McCanna from Vice President of Business Development to Senior Vice President of Revenue Operations. In this newly created and expanded role, McCanna will oversee all business development activities while continuing to serve as the RAD’s Chief Security Officer (CSO).
In early 2023, John Diemer Elementary School, located in an east Kansas suburb, was transformed into a facility that embodies the idea that learning happens everywhere. The new facilities feature innovative classroom designs that balance flexibility and security—a plan that had been developed collaboratively between the architects and project owners.
- By Tysen Gannon
- December 07, 2023
Controlling access into your facility is vital in keeping your employees and patrons safe. Allowing unauthorized vehicles onto your premises can be a recipe for disaster. A vehicle can be used to cause mass casualties by sheer speed and force or exploding at a crowded location. It is crucial to only allow vehicles that are considered ‘safe’ to enter your premises. How do you go about this and make sure everyone is protected? Let’s talk about some best practices to help keep your perimeter secure.
- By Greg Hamm
- December 06, 2023
Physical security software and hardware have come a long way in recent years. Yet while systems like access control, intrusion monitoring, and video management are powerful tools, it is how we use them that matters.
- By Bruce Canal
- December 06, 2023
For decades, overnight security problems have been a major source of stress for business owners. Lone security guards, static surveillance cameras and outdated alarm systems are some examples of ineffective security solutions companies have used to combat property crimes like trespassing, theft and vandalism. However, a newer security solution called remote guarding is now giving business owners the peace of mind they deserve when thinking about their overnight security concerns.
- By Scott Goldfine
- December 06, 2023
When it comes to video security systems in schools, there are many misconceptions about how AI, analytics, and facial recognition intersect and overlap. Where does one technology end and the next begin? Which ones raise more privacy concerns on campuses? In this article, we will examine the differences between these technologies and address privacy issues as we aim to protect students, staff and property.
- By Amy Bolin
- December 06, 2023
Physical security solutions provider LenelS2 recently announced the launch of a new program that will assist families, schools, and communities in having productive conversations about school security. The company partnered with actor Chad Michael Murray and National PTA to create “On the Safe Side,” a series of resources intended to spur conversations about physical security and safety in schools.
- By Matt Jones
- November 30, 2023
The new academic year is now kicking into high gear at colleges and universities, and on many campuses, students were welcomed this fall with the added convenience and security of mobile access credentials. It is a trend that has become more of an expectation than a surprise in the world of higher education as the demand for advancements in electronic access control (EAC) like mobile credentials continues to grow.
- By Tyler Webb
- November 30, 2023
The North Syracuse Central School District (NSCSD), a K-12 public school district in Central New York state, serves the communities of North Syracuse, Clay, Cicero, Bridgeport, and Mattydale. With 11 elementary, middle, and high schools, the district covers almost 90 square miles and has 7,792 students and approximately 700 teachers. With some of its school buildings over 60 years old, the district needed to renovate many of them, some more urgently than others. As part of the process, district administrators and staff reevaluated all infrastructure elements and their approach to campus safety, selecting AtlasIED IPX technology to modernize their intercom, audio announcements, and emergency communications systems.
National news reports that a multistate manhunt is underway for a suspect who killed 18 people and injured 13 more at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday night.
- By Matt Jones
- October 26, 2023