College campuses are known for their nightlife, and things can sometimes get out of hand. That is why a comprehensive campus security system is essential to protect students and faculty.
In a recent survey, students want more diversity in campus staffing and improved lighting on sidewalks.
CCTV Cameras
Having CCTV cameras around campus is one of the most effective security systems that universities can have. The cameras act as a deterrent for criminals, especially petty break-ins. Knowing that their crimes are being tracked, the criminals will think twice before trying to take anything. The camera system can also catch them in the act and prosecute them accordingly.
Another benefit of CCTV cameras is that they allow security personnel to monitor students and staff in real time. They can monitor unauthorized visitors, fence-hoppers, and suspicious vehicles on campus. With modern technology, many cameras can use facial recognition and license plate scanning to detect unauthorized people or cars on campus.
In a fire, CCTV surveillance can identify people inside the building and help them escape before the fire spreads out of control. This is a great benefit to have during emergencies where time is of the essence.
However, some students and teachers have expressed concerns about CCTV cameras being used in schools for safety purposes.
Access Control
Students want to know they can focus on their education and not worry about being involved in a crime or unsafe situation. With campus security systems in place, parents will feel comfortable sending their children to college, knowing they are safe and protected. Burglaries are one of the top worries for any university. These incidents could range from simple theft of laptops in the library to major break-ins across campus that result in huge financial losses for the institution and the failure of trust by students and faculty. Campuses can take several steps to prevent robberies, including installing cameras and access control systems to monitor who enters and exits buildings. These systems can also limit student and professor access to sensitive areas in the building by requiring that an individual presents a credential like a card, mobile device or other identifier before the doors can be opened.
With thousands of students traversing a wide swath of campus buildings daily, securing these facilities with an efficient access control solution is challenging. Fortunately, the security industry is abuzz with touchless technology like wave-to-open door sensors, mobile credentials, biometrics and iris scanners that can be used to secure campus doors. Additionally, integrations that can connect these technologies and more are critical to any security system on campus.
Alarm Systems
With comprehensive alarm security systems, universities can protect students and staff from everyday incidents and big events. Adding CCTV cameras, guards at every entrance and exit, intercom systems, metal detectors and alarm systems to campuses will ensure safety for everyone living or working there. It is also important to ensure that the alarms are integrated with access control, ensuring that only authorized people can enter the university building. This will prevent shooters or predators from entering a school to carry out terror attacks.
Another great way to improve campus safety is by implementing alert systems that can be mass-released at the push of a button. This can include weather warnings, cancellations, or information regarding a potential threat on the campus. These can be delivered through social media, notifications on the campus website or broadcasting systems and text messages.
All universities must keep their campuses safe and secure to create an environment where the students can focus on learning and developing themselves. Prospective students consider many factors when deciding which University to attend, and safety is one of the most important aspects they look for in a school. A good security system is crucial for universities to attract the best students.
Security Guards
In the wake of school shootings, gun violence and other violent incidents at schools, students are in constant fear. This is not something they should have to endure at a time in their lives when they should be focused on their studies. School administrators must take the matter seriously and invest in a comprehensive campus security system. One of the best things a school or University can do is have onsite security guards to protect students during the day and at night. In addition to restricting common access, these security officers can monitor CCTV footage and logs and assist with investigations if a crime occurs on campus.
Another role of campus security guards is to help prevent bullying by watching out for students who may be withdrawn, socially isolated or overly aggressive. Security guards can identify these kids and stop them from becoming involved in bullying, theft or other illegal activities. Many college security departments have evolved into full-service law enforcement operations with sworn peace officers. This reflects the growing concern for student safety that has led parents to demand more accountability from their institutions in addressing crimes and other problems on campus.
