In the United States, 77% percent of public schools record one or more incidents of crime annually, amounting to 1.4 million incidents. One in three learners aged 11-15 has been bullied at least once every month, and over 36% of students have experienced a physical fight with their peers. These are staggering statistics. But just as concerning are the consequences of these school safety issues. According to UNESCO, violence affects students’ ability to learn, leads to depression, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Additionally, crimes like theft and vandalism put students, faculty, and staff at risk. To address these dangers, security teams at K-12 schools and universities must optimize their school and campus security.
In this article, we’ll discuss ways to improve safety and security through careful planning, faculty training, and coordination with school administrators. We’ll also examine the latest technology for campus security systems and the grants with which to fund it.
In this Article
- The Importance of School Safety and Security
- Best Practices for Campus and School Security
- Technology for School Security
- Grants for K-12 Schools and Universities
Why Campus Safety and Security is Important
Education is the foundation of society. It molds and shapes children from who they are now into who they will be in the future. It determines how society will change – for better or for worse. School security helps ensure students feel safe and get the most out of their education – which is why it’s so important.
As we explore the best practices for campus and school security, remember that security is an ongoing process, not a one-time implementation. It involves regular security assessments, technology updates, staff training and awareness, and continuous improvement to keep up with the evolving security landscape.
The objective is to create an environment where security measures are so seamlessly integrated into the daily routine that they do not disrupt the primary function of the campus – education. The subsequent subsections will outline two key areas for a safer and more secure school: Security Practices and Security Technology.
Best Practices for Campus and School Security
It’s easy to get hung up on all the bells and whistles of school security tech. From sound wave-sensitive gunshot sensors to AI-enhanced security cameras, there’s a whole playground of equipment at your disposal. However, technology is only one part of a robust school security plan.
Security teams at K-12 schools, colleges, and universities can improve security and safety without spending a dime on technology. Here’s how…
Checklist: Your Roadmap to Better School Security
Before investing in new cutting-edge HD surveillance cameras, access control, or any other security technology, take a look at this step-by-step checklist. Consider which items you might be missing and where you can improve. Draft a schedule to ensure you discuss all the points in the checklist below.
- Discuss: Talk to administration, faculty, and students
It’s important to designate time with school administrators and faculty. Often, these groups can provide unique perspectives about security gaps, challenges, and threats. Although connecting with these groups takes time and effort, it will help people buy into the system. Without user buy-in, your security will be much weaker.
- Assess: Potential Risks and Threats
Before you buy equipment, evaluate the potential risks and threats to your security. Look for any blind spots in your access control, visitor management, and video surveillance. Are there any new risks in the environment? Are there any especially vulnerable areas or rooms with sensitive data?
- Assess: Mental Healthcare and Prevention Programs
Mental healthcare and prevention programs help preemptively address potential security incidents. If your school does not have a mental health program, it should be suggested to administrators.
Prevention programs like Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) have had positive effects on school safety. In a 2018 study by the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention, researchers found a direct relationship between the use of social-emotional learning techniques and decreased bullying and personal victimization at school.
Peer-led violence prevention groups and positive behavioral intervention and support (PBIS) frameworks can also benefit school safety. PBIS is used by more than 27,000 schools around the United States, and provides a support system for students, families, and community members to work together to improve behavioral, social, emotional, and academic outcomes.
- Assess: Interoperable Communications with First Responders
Determine your lines of communication with local authorities and first responders. Ultimately, how these groups respond during an emergency can be the difference between life and death. Learn how first responders communicate across disciplines (e.g., police, medics, firefighters, etc.) and jurisdictions.
- Draft: Policies and Formal Agreements
State the goals of your security program, its methodology, and any other important procedural measures. Inform students, faculty, and staff how they should interact with the security program on a daily basis and during an emergency. As mentioned earlier, user buy-in is essential. Ensure everybody in your school knows and understands their responsibilities and why they are an important part of campus safety.
- Training: Safety Awareness and Emergency Preparedness
Set up ongoing trainings for everyone at your school. These trainings can include the dissemination of:
- Procedural information (i.e., what to do during an active shooter situation)
- Technology information (i.e., how to use the key card on your mobile device for after-hours school access)
- Updates and Feedback (i.e., share foot traffic trends; discuss security problems; make time for Q&A sessions)
Technology for School Security Systems
You’ve carefully assessed your campus’s current security program, determined its blind spots, held meetings with teachers and school staff, and documented your security policies. Now it’s time to start building your campus security system.
In this section, we’ll discuss some of the most important components of a security system for your school, including access control, video surveillance, and visitor management. You’ll get the most current information available about your buying options and resources to learn more. If at any point, you’d like to speak with a SafeTouch security expert, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Access Control Systems for Schools: Types, Benefits, and Integrations
It used to be that all you needed for school safety was a lock on the front door and a teacher with a pad of detention slips. Unfortunately, that’s no longer the reality in most schools.
Access control systems are technology solutions that combine hardware and software to help security teams manage who comes and goes from their schools.
In the School Survey on Crime and Safety (SSOCS), a study conducted by the United States’ National Center for Education Statistics, school officials were asked about 20 safety and security measures. Of these measures, 97% of respondents said they were “controlling access to school buildings during school hours.” This response was up from 74.6% in 1999-2000, highlighting the importance of school access control.
But while nearly all schools have access control, not all schools keep their access control updated – and that’s where problems arise. Let’s take a look at how you can keep your access control up to date.
Types of Campus Access Control Systems
One of the first decisions you’ll make when upgrading or buying an access control system is its server type. Server types fall into three categories: cloud-based, on-premises, and hybrid. We’ll discuss the two most prominent types – cloud-based and on-prem – below.
Cloud-based School Access Control
Cloud-based access control for schools and school districts to unify their security across their entire campus. These systems eliminate the need for an on-site server to store security data. Instead, cloud-based access control leverages third-party server sites. Popular third-party servers include Amazon’s AWS, Microsoft Azure, and DigitalOcean.
But why is cloud-based access control a good option for schools?
Benefits of Cloud-based School Access Control for Schools
School security teams who decide to use the cloud will experience benefits almost immediately. These include:
- Cost savings
Since cloud access control systems do not require schools to purchase and store expensive servers to host their data, schools save on upfront costs. They also eliminate future costs associated with server maintenance and upkeep.
- Enhanced operational efficiency
The cloud brings more features and integrations to your access control. These help streamline work processes, making it easier to activate and deactivate key cards; respond swiftly to emergencies; monitor hallways, gyms, cafeterias, parking lots, and offices; and perform other tasks.
- Remote management
On-premises school access control poses many challenges for school security guards. But one of the most discussed is trying to access the system while away from campus. With on-prem systems, remote access is slow and cumbersome. However, with a cloud system, all you need is an internet connection. Teams can provision, monitor, and manage their security from anywhere. This is especially advantageous for security teams that are required to oversee multiple schools or large campuses.
- Scalability
Scalability is also easier with the cloud. If your school adds a new building or wing, you won’t need to worry about buying more server space. With the cloud, all your data is hosted off-site, so you’ll never have a problem.
From an operational standpoint, security teams can monitor and control access to their facilities from anywhere – all they need is an internet connection. A single internet connection connects organizations directly to their entire security network. From anywhere in the world, you can provision credentials, monitor access events, and adjust authorization. Additionally, updates and patches are handled automatically, so you don’t have to take time to install new software.
When it comes to hardware, maintenance, and upfront expenses, cloud access control systems are considerably less expensive. You pay for the storage you need, instead of buying equipment and storing it on site. Maintenance is taken care of by a third-party provider, giving you time to focus on other important tasks.
Cloud-based access control is most beneficial for large campuses, universities, colleges, and school districts with fewer security workers. If your school or school district only has a few security people, the cloud will help you automate tasks, so you can do more with less.
On-premises School Access Control
As the name implies, on-premises access control systems give K-12 schools and universities the ability to house their access control on site. The storage servers are kept on campus, as is all the system data, including activity logs, credential information, video records, and more.
Over the last five years, the security industry and other tech-based sectors have moved away from on-premises solutions in favor of the cloud. This transition has been the result of improvements to cloud cybersecurity and the ability to deploy new features and updates using the cloud. However, there are still reasons why you might choose an on-premises access control system instead of the cloud.
Why would a school choose an on-premises access control system over a cloud-based system?
Benefits of On-premises Access Control for Schools
On-prem systems are managed entirely in-house, without reliance on third-party cloud providers. This means organizations have the highest level of control over their security infrastructure and data storage.
Operationally, these systems do not require an internet connection to function. So you’ll have maximum privacy and data ownership.
On-prem access control is most beneficial for organizations with strict compliance needs or those that operate in high-security environments.
How API Integrations Improve School Security
Remember the School Survey on Crime and Safety mentioned earlier? In addition to the 97% of schools that had access control, 97% responded saying visitors had to sign in and wear identification badges. Ninety-three percent of surveyed schools use at least one security camera to monitor their campus.
In other words, many schools have found it necessary to augment their access control with additional security systems. Video and visitor management systems, for example, can be used separately from access control. However, there is much more power and simplicity when all these components of security can be integrated.
The Most Important Security Integrations for K-12 Schools & Universities
1. Video Management Systems
How Video Management Helps: Security guards can visually verify door events, remote monitoring, and investigative playback.
Features: Video cameras, logging, and playback software
Example: When a door is forced open, the linked camera feed pops up automatically.
2. Visitor Management Systems
How Visitor Management Helps: Prevents unknown people from entering the school; digitally check in guests, contractors, and parents
Features: Badge printing, watchlist screening, and integration with student databases.
Example: Creates temporary access credentials and automatically notifies staff of a visitor’s arrival
3. Intercom & Communication Systems
How Intercom Systems Help: Provides secure communication at entry points and inside the school, letting staff screen visitors before granting access
Features: Two-way audio to speak with the perpetrator or victim
Example: A visitor presses the intercom at the front door, the office sees and speaks with them, then remotely unlocks the door if approved.
4. Safety Alarms & Sensors (Gunshot, Vape, Noise, Environmental)
How Safety Alarms Help: Provide early detection of threats or environmental hazards
Features: Gunshot detection, vape smoke detection, noise level monitoring, CO/smoke sensors, automatic alerting, and lockdown triggers
Example: If a gunshot is detected in a hallway, the system locks nearby doors, alerts law enforcement, and activates emergency lighting.
- Identity & Credential Management
How Identity Management Helps: Syncs with SIS (Student Information Systems) and HR databases with access control for faster key card provisioning, removing redundancies.
Features: Integrates with HR or student databases for automatic updates
Example: When a new teacher is onboarded in the HR system, they automatically receive door access permissions tied to their role.
6. Time & Attendance
How’s Attendance Help: Access data can inform faculty if a student is absent from class or school.
Features: Automated attendance tracking, classroom check‑ins, building unlock/lock schedules
Example: In an emergency situation, security teams can account for all students.
Systems using API integrations cut back on emergency response time and the time it takes to perform operational tasks like provisioning access credentials. So when you start shopping for your next campus access control system, make sure you ask about API capabilities and drawbacks.
Security Cameras for School Security
You may have the best security team any university or K-12 school has ever had. But even if you won the “Greatest Security Team Ever” award, it doesn’t mean you can be everywhere all at once; however, your security cameras can be.
Wired vs. Wireless Security Cameras
Video surveillance falls into two categories: wired and wireless. The benefit of wired cameras is that they have continuous power – they don’t rely on batteries or Wi‑Fi bandwidth. They’re often the best choice for permanent installations, like hallways, entrances, and cafeterias. On the other hand, wireless cameras are flexible as they may be installed anywhere. They’re especially useful in areas where running cables would be disruptive or costly, like temporary classrooms, gymnasiums, or outside buildings. Wireless cameras have become much more reliable in the last decade as well. They also allow for easier expansion when a school adds new facilities or needs seasonal coverage, like monitoring athletic fields during evening games.
Important Video Management Features for Schools
Camera features and software define how you use your video security. Among the most important features is the video management software. When shopping for video security, make sure your video management software records and streams multiple feeds in real time, lets you search recordings quickly, and links alerts to door events.
Other camera features to look for are audio capabilities, motion detection, and HD or 4K resolution.
- Audio capabilities– can add an extra layer of awareness. In entry areas, cameras with two-way audio allow staff to speak with visitors before granting access. In common spaces like gyms or cafeterias, microphones can provide valuable context, helping administrators distinguish between routine noise and a situation that may need intervention.
- Motion detection- shifts cameras from passively recording to actively monitoring. Instead of reviewing hours of uneventful footage, staff receive alerts when there’s movement in sensitive areas.
- High-definition resolution- ensures that when footage is needed, it’s actually useful. Grainy, low-quality video falls short when trying to identify individuals or verify details. HD and 4K options allow for recognition of faces, clothing, or license plates.
These features elevate cameras from simple recorders to proactive tools.
Advanced Monitoring and Virtual Guarding
Security monitoring services are often used in homes and businesses. These services are operated by a third-party organization and used to monitor the client’s facilities from a remote location.
Why Consider Virtual Guarding?
There are two reasons K-12 schools, colleges, and universities consider virtual guarding. These reasons include:
- Replacing onsite security guards– Cuts costs; 24/7 monitoring
- Supporting onsite security teams- Fastest and most failsafe way to respond and mitigate emergencies; provides extra management and monitoring
Aside from these factors, virtual guarding comes with several benefits, such as cost savings. The cost of hiring and training an in-house security guard can be expensive. Colleges must pay the guard’s salary and the onboarding and continuous training. The school also assumes liability if any accident should happen while on the job. If 24-hour security is required, multiple guards must be hired.
Conversely, virtual guards are trained by the third-party. The third-party works as a team, meaning schools will have 24/7 security without paying for extra guards.
During emergencies, SafeTouch’s direct connections with first responders allow for faster response times and prioritized attention. While virtual guarding may not be the perfect fit for every school, its many benefits make it a valuable option to consider for enhancing safety and preparedness.
Grants for Universities and K-12 School Security
For those schools looking to upgrade their security but lack the necessary funding, grants are available. School safety grants come in two types: pass-through grants and direct grants.
- Pass-through Grants– Funding that goes from a federal (or other primary) agency to a recipient, like a non-profit, and is passed along to a school
- Direct Grant– Funding that comes directly from a federal (or other primary) agency to a school
School security teams have used grants to fund new access control systems, video cameras, and more. The Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security offer several grants a year, including:
For more information, visit https://www.schoolsafety.gov/.
Start Your Journey to a Safer School Today
You know your school’s security needs better than anyone. Make sure you get a security system designed and customized specifically for your unique campus. Safetouch experts can help you assess, purchase, install, and monitor your school security system. With over 30 years of industry experience, we’ve got the knowledge to guide you through home surveillance cameras, smart sensors, and more. Plus, our security team will monitor your system 24/7, and with a guaranteed response time of 45 seconds or less, we’ll always have your back. Give us a call at 888.895.SAFE (7233) to speak with a SafeTouch expert today!