How to help improve school safety and campus security

School safety and school security continue to be top of mind for parents, students, educational institutions and other stakeholders. In 2022, there were more than 40 school shootings according to Education Week. Meanwhile, nearly half of all school and district leaders say they are receiving more threats of violence from  students than before the pandemic.

Given this environment, it is perhaps unsurprising that all levels of educational institutions have  a heightened focus on security in schools and are increasing their use of physical security technology, according to a survey by Campus Safety magazine.

What are some of the latest trends in school safety?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Report on Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2022, the trend line regarding elementary, secondary and postsecondary security in schools is mixed.

K-12 schools 

Key findings for K-12 schools include:¹

• A significant drop in nonfatal criminal victimization (including theft and non-fatal assaults)
• Reductions in the reporting rates of bullying, student sexual harassment and harassment of other students based on sexual orientation or gender
• In 2021–22, the number of school shootings with casualties (188) was more than twice as high as the next highest number of documented shootings (93), which was documented the year before.
• Increased reports of cyberbullying and student abuse and disrespect toward teachers

Some of the school safety measures implemented in the previous decade include:²

• Controlling access to school buildings (97%, up from 92% in 2009-10)
• Security cameras (91%, up from 61% in 2009-10)
• Requiring staff to wear badges or picture IDs (77%, up from 63% in 2009-10)
• Having at least one security staff present at school at least once a week (65%, up from 43% in 2009-10)

Higher education

Postsecondary school safety findings include:³

• Reduced crime rates on campus
• Increased reporting of forcible sex offenses, which constituted 44% of all criminal incidents reported
• 571 reports of hate crimes, a majority of which were motivated by race, sexual orientation or ethnicity

What kinds of technologies are schools investing in for security in schools? 

A number of technology solutions are available to help ensure security in schools.

Video 

As the NCES report shows, security camera systems are now a de facto security measure on campus. Security camera use in schools has ballooned in recent years, and cloud technology has played a significant role in this increase, allowing schools to monitor their security cameras remotely. This only emphasizes the need for a strong, reliable network when it matters most.

Intelligent video systems can provide advanced video analytics, including archived video synopsis, near real-time video analysis and dashboard visualization metrics. When suspicious activity is detected, an alert can be immediately sent to relevant staff. This enables faster responses and better, quicker decision-making.

Lighting 

Schools can employ a variety of lighting methods to help improve school safety to ensure spaces not only are well-lit for learning but also can identify and deter intruders. These include standby lighting (activated by a sensor), emergency lighting (used as a backup) and moveable lighting (used for searchlights).

Smart lighting solutions allow schools to either remotely operate lights or set parameters to automatically adjust lights based on schedules. This can not only help address school security concerns but also help to decrease energy costs.

Building security 

Locking doors from the interior can be critical in helping to increase security in schools and help to secure classrooms. Pew Research has found that around three-quarters of K-12 campuses have classrooms equipped with interior locking doors. Automated lockdown systems are another option for remotely securing campuses. These systems allow staff to use an app to effectively lock down a school by closing and locking exterior doors with the push of a button.

Access control

Schools can use different methods to grant access to campus buildings, which also helps to improve school safety. Access control options range from mechanical (keys) to wireless credential options, such as smart cards or mobile phones. Near-field communication access control uses high-frequency radio waves to verify and grant access to users. These radio waves transmit data between a credential and a reader to grant access wirelessly.

Emergency call systems 

Public blue light phone towers can provide an additional element of school security by allowing anyone to call for help when and where it is needed, regardless of power, cell signal or remote location. These emergency phones can operate 24/7 and can be integrated in mass notification systems and even send SMS text notifications to first responders.

Mass notification systems 

Crisis communication is an important element of school security. The right message at the right time from the right person can be important for public safety Mass notification systems can broadcast alerts to a large number of people in real time. School security personnel use these systems to send urgent information about potential threats, emergencies and directions on how to respond. Systems use a variety of channels, including phone calls, emails, text messages and mobile app notifications.

Some schools use datacasting, an emergency response communication system that uses television signals to provide critical information, such as layouts and safety plans, to first responders.

What is Wireless Priority Service?

Verizon’s Wireless Priority Service (WPS) is a federal government program that authorizes commercial service providers to prioritize calls over their wireless networks. In times of congestion, WPS provides voice priority for agency personnel during planned and unplanned events, resulting in a higher probability of call completion. In those rare instances when the wireless network is fully utilized, preemption is automatically activated, which reallocates network resources to maintain a connection into the network, thus enabling WPS users uninterrupted connectivity. Educational institutions are eligible to apply for WPS through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)/Emergency Communications Division (ECD).

The importance of a reliable network for campus security

As school shootings continue to dominate the news, school safety is paramount. With so many technology solutions for school security, education institutions will benefit from a reliable  network as nearly all of these technologies are likely to be connected to the campus network. Mitigating your security risks means strengthening, securing, and modernizing your network infrastructure.

Learn more about how smart solutions can help keep education institutions safe and help to improve security in schools. 

FAQs 

Why is safety in schools important? 

Safety in schools is important because it can directly impact the well-being, development, and success of students, teachers, staff and the entire school community. Factors like academic achievement, parental confidence and physical and emotional well-being are some of the  key reasons why safety in school is crucial. Ensuring safety in schools is essential for creating an environment conducive to learning where individuals can thrive academically, emotionally and socially. Safety in schools is also a fundamental requirement that can help ensure the well-being and success of all members of the school community.

What makes a student feel safe at school?

A student’s sense of safety at school is influenced by various factors that contribute to a supportive and secure environment. These factors can differ based on individual preferences and personal experiences, but some common elements that contribute to a student feeling safe at school include:

• Physical Security. A well-maintained and secure physical environment with proper lighting, surveillance cameras, controlled access points and visible security personnel can help to make students feel safer.
• Emotional Well-Being. A positive and inclusive school culture that promotes respect, empathy and open communication among students, teachers and staff can help to foster emotional well-being and a sense of belonging. 
• Strong Peer Relationships. Positive relationships with peers can help to create a sense of social support, friendship and cooperation and reduce feelings of isolation and exclusion.

Creating a safe and nurturing school environment requires a holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional and psychological well-being. Schools that prioritize the safety and well-being of their students cultivate an atmosphere in which students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. 

The author of this content is a paid contributor for Verizon.