School and campus security systems guide

Security alarm systems for schools and campuses

An effective school alarm system can help secure educational facilities from theft, unauthorized access, fire and natural disasters – some of which need to be adhered to as part of local building codes. By installing perimeter alarms, any physical intrusion event can trigger the school alarm system, which would emit a loud siren and/​or flashing lights, helping to ensure any intruder is made aware that their trespassing has alerted the security team and the relevant authorities. A sensor alarm for doors can also help school administrators detect events like doors left ajar and jammed locks. Door security alarms can be triggered through a motion sensor alarm, vibration detector, a sensor alarm on a door or via infrared.

K‑12 school security alarm systems vs. college campus security alarm systems

Whether it’s a school alarm system for a K‑12 single building or a college campus security alarm system for a sprawling multi-building complex, schools and campuses can utilize school safety grants to implement integrated security systems, helping to protect students and faculty.

For single building facilities, an alarm system for schools can be installed that provides enhanced situational awareness, both indoors and outdoors. For example, when a fire alarm is triggered, the alert is sent to the security team via the school alarm system and, with the supporting mapping software, they are able to see where in the school that alarm was triggered. This school alarm system information can then be shared with the relevant staff or first responders who can respond to the situation without having to search for the alarm location themselves, saving precious time. 

With university campus security systems, operators need to be alerted to events taking place in multiple locations. Unlike a security alarm system for schools that alerts operators to an event taking place within a short walking distance from the control room, operators of campus security systems may be alerted to an incident that is a driving distance away from their control room. Door security alarms would be required for entrances and exits, staff rooms, data rooms, libraries, gyms and other facilities that are typically found across a university campus.

Access control and door locks for schools and college campuses

It’s vital that educational facilities implement school and college campus security solutions that are able to allow authorized individuals onto their sites and keep unauthorized individuals out. School and campus access control systems are keyless entry systems that are used to secure both outdoor and indoor environments, from parking lots to classrooms. With multiple access control methods available, from keypads to biometrics to mobile-based, it’s important that you find the solution that best fits into your school safety solution.

Whether it is during the school day, at night, or even during the weekend, schools and universities need to ensure their facilities remain secure at all times. With an advanced access control system that incorporates the best school door locks and door sensor alarms installed at various campus and school security checkpoints, unauthorized individuals will be unable to gain access to restricted buildings as they won’t possess the right credentials. Should they decide to force entry, an alert is sent to the security system for schools and universities, notifying the operator of an intrusion. All access events are reported in an activity log, allowing operators to see who is accessing what and when. With effective door locks that include a security alarm for the door or a sensor alarm for the door, you can go even further with securing restricted areas within a building. 

Importance of access control systems for schools

Whether it is during the school day, at night or even during the weekend, schools and universities need to ensure their facilities remain secure at all times. With an advanced access control system that incorporates the best school door locks and door sensor alarms installed at various campus and school security checkpoints, unauthorized individuals will be unable to gain access to restricted buildings as they won’t possess the right credentials. Should they decide to force entry, an alert is sent to the security system for schools and universities, notifying the operator of an intrusion. All access events are reported in an activity log, allowing operators to see who is accessing what and when. With effective door locks that include a security alarm for the door or a sensor alarm for the door, you can go even further with securing restricted areas within a building.

Types of school access control solutions

The best door sensor alarms and locks, as part of a modern access control system for schools and college campuses, will allow those with the correct credentials to easily gain access to a building, classroom or school facility. Schools and campuses can provide such credentials to students, staff and even planned visitors or vendors, in the form of badges, as part of an on-premise solution, or via cloud-based mobile access, where credentials can be sent digitally to the individual’s smartphone.

• On-premise access control: An on-premise access control security system for schools is hosted on your own servers and kept in-house, which helps your team take sole management of the settings, connections and controls without having to rely on a third-party vendor.
• Cloud-based access control: With cloud-based access control for schools, access events can be managed remotely at any time — meaning the operator does not have to be on-site to authorize access, adjust settings and hand out credentials. Not only does this type of security system for schools help to increase efficiency and reduce costs, but it is also quick to deploy and scale in size.

Key features and considerations for school access control

Not all access control systems are created equal. Different solutions rely on distinct key components, making them better suited for specific use cases. When designing access control systems for schools, teachers and security teams must carefully evaluate which features best align with their unique needs, considering usability, security and scalability.

When planning school security access control, it’s essential to identify the key features and considerations that will enhance the safety and efficiency of your facilities, such as: 

• Remote management: Live and historic access events can be viewed 24/7 from any secure smart device if school access control systems are connected to a cloud-based management system, enabling staff to respond to suspicious incidents promptly.
• Mobile credentials: Access permissions can be sent directly to users’ smartphones at any time, allowing staff to issue temporary passes to guests, adjust or revoke permissions remotely, avoid the cost of physical tokens and take advantage of in-device biometric security.
• Open API architecture: School access control systems with open API architecture can be freely integrated into existing security systems, meaning data can be shared between readers, cameras, alarms and similar devices to allow for automated incident responses.
• Access control models: Access control models define the rules and protocols governing the operation of access control systems, ensuring facilities remain secure while accommodating varying user needs. For example, a school access control system can be programmed so that all doors lock automatically after school hours. During these times, only authorized staff members with management credentials can access specific parts of the building.
• Scalability: As school needs evolve, access control systems must be able to adapt seamlessly. Prioritize school access control systems that support easy scalability, allowing administrators to add new readers, update credential types and integrate with other security solutions without significant disruption.

Security cameras for schools and college campuses

When a situation develops, security teams need to know what is happening and where. By placing school security cameras at particular school security checkpoints, such as in incident-prone areas, they can provide live and recorded video to the control room via the video management software (VMS), giving operators enhanced situational awareness and the ability to make informed decisions that expedite real-time responses and forensic investigations. The latest video security solutions possess AI-powered video analytics which have the ability to automatically alert users to an unfolding incident on their video management software, resulting in streamlined responses and providing essential information that can enhance school security systems procedures.

Types of security cameras

Bullet and dome security cameras

• A popular choice for a variety of use cases, indoors and outdoors.
• Capable of providing clear video footage.
• Advanced dome and bullet security camera models offer AI-powered video analytics, helping to alert users to threats that otherwise may have been missed.
• Installation is straightforward.

Panoramic security cameras

• Fisheye and multi-directional panoramic cameras can provide up to 360-degree views and some are built with AI-powered video analytics that help to enhance situational awareness.
• School or campus security systems generally require fewer panoramic security cameras as small and large spaces can be easily monitored by a single panoramic camera, helping to reduce overall deployment costs.
• A sleek, low-profile design helps the camera blend in with the environment and makes it less obtrusive.
• Simple installation.

PTZ security cameras

• Expansive coverage and good low-light performance. When combined with excellent zoom capabilities, the PTZ camera is the best solution when monitoring large outdoor spaces, day and night, for example, a parking lot or school grounds. Understanding PTZ cameras and their uses is key for ensuring complete coverage of school facilities
   
• Some models are packed with AI-powered analytics, such as object classification and motion detection.
• Capable of handling a variety of weather conditions.

The benefits of an integrated security system for schools

Connecting the different components of school security solutions can create a stronger, more holistic system. When choosing campus security technology, look for school security companies that offer seamless integration between locks, access control, cameras, and alarms for the highest level of protection and efficiency.

Use case: Integrated alarm systems and school security solutions

Integrating smart sensors into your school’s security system can help detect a range of  health and safety concerns, including vaping, THC smoke, air quality hazards, fights and gunshots. Some smart devices continuously measure the environmental metrics and issue real-time alerts when an anomaly is detected. Unlike video cameras, smart sensors do not record audio or video, making them suitable for securing high privacy areas like restrooms and changing rooms.

Smart sensors, such as the HALO Smart Sensor, can seamlessly integrate with your broader security infrastructure to increase your situational awareness and enable effective response. By incorporating these sensors into your education security system, you can create a safer and healthier environment for students and staff without compromising their privacy.

Use case: School security solutions for bike thefts

Unfortunately, bike thefts are becoming more common on school campuses, with a recent study from England stating that on average there is one bike theft recorded for every 66 students, and 96% of cases either resulted in no suspect being identified or had no outcome. As part of a security system for schools and colleges, installing video security cameras integrated with the school alarm system at strategic points near a bike shed may help limit theft. 

By capturing the entire scene, bike theft incidents can be recorded as well as brought to the attention of the security team as they are occurring. The bike alarm system for schools could then sound to deter the thief, and the recorded footage can assist in identifying and locating the suspect if they’re still on campus. With the help of AI video analytics software, such as Avigilon Appearance Search™ technology, the school security solution could also alert authorities if the suspect returns to campus.

Use case: School lockdown procedures

In rare situations, a school or campus lockdown may be necessary to ensure safety. An effective school lockdown procedure can be carried out by a responsive access control system — one that also integrates with a school emergency alert system, alarms, cameras and sensors to create a powerful school security solution. For example, if an intruder is able to force entry through the entrance doors and access an elementary school, the door security alarms will send an alert via the school’s access control system and notify security that an unauthorized individual has gained access. 

Cloud-based lockdown activation, offered by school security companies like Avigilon, lets administrators trigger a custom lockdown plan from anywhere, ensuring classrooms and other secure areas remain inaccessible to the intruder. With an integrated video security system, the operator can also locate and track the intruder’s whereabouts in order to respond quickly and decisively.

If such a situation occurred at a sprawling college campus, the security team could respond differently by initiating a lockdown at the specific site of the intrusion only. As a result, the disruption would not be seen campus-wide.

Cybersecurity for school security systems

There’s never been a better time to ensure schools and colleges are adopting best practices and implementing solutions designed to protect confidential information. The focus must turn to establishing strong cybersecurity resilience as part of a security system for schools and campuses by: 

• Carrying out an audit of the facility’s network and cybersecurity systems and ensuring this occurs frequently so weaknesses can be addressed.
• Ensuring all staff have been cybersecurity trained and students are educated on the best practices for avoiding being the target of a cyber attack.
• Limiting who has access to networks and establishing strong firewalls in order to suppress any unauthorized activities.
• Restricting physical access to data rooms and IT infrastructure with the help of an advanced access control system.
• Backing up school data systems routinely and in accordance with regulations.
• Developing a thorough cybersecurity attack response procedure. 

Security management platforms

With many standalone security systems for schools and universities, it is important that these systems are handled efficiently. By implementing a security management platform, teams can centralize the maintenance, operational state and scaling of the school alarm system, access control and video security. By centralizing all these systems on one platform, teams can reduce workload, improve productivity and ensure their school and campus security systems are optimized and operational.

Security systems for schools and colleges checklist

Now that you’re familiar with the types of security systems for schools and campuses, use this checklist to help build a powerful, integrated security system that will help keep your school or college campus safe.

School alarm system

• Ensure compliance: Make sure your school alarm system adheres to building codes with reliable smoke and fire alarm systems for schools as well as a school alarm system for natural disasters.
• Integrate alarms: Adopt an integrated alarm system as part of your security system for school — one that works seamlessly with door security alarms, access control readers and video security systems.
• Add hazard detection: Integrate smart vape detectors, air quality sensors and other hazard detection technologies into your school security system for improved situational awareness in private areas like restrooms and changing rooms.
• Consider layout: Take into account the size of your elementary school or high school – is it a single-building or multi-building site, how many floors are there, what indoor and outdoor areas need to be secured, and where is the security office located in proximity to the high-traffic areas?

School access control and door lock system

• Research solutions: Explore different types of access control solutions. Does an on-premise system suit your school best or a cloud-based mobile solution? Does it integrate with other elements that fall within your school security systems?
• Identify checkpoints: Determine where access control and door locks are needed, including not just entrances and exits, but also interior doors to offices, labs and restricted areas.
• Include lockdowns: When an intrusion is attempted and the security alarm for the door or the sensor alarm for the door is triggered, does the solution you’re looking for include an automatic school lockdown procedure option?
• Verify compliance: Ensure your school security solutions, door locks in particular, adhere to fire and safety regulations.

Security camera system for schools

• Identify areas: Pinpoint the areas of your school that require a video security solution.
• Choose cameras: Select the best camera type for each site in your school that requires a security camera.
• Ensure integration: Confirm your video security cameras and VMS integrate with your access control and alarm systems.

Additional considerations for campus security solutions

Outdoor spaces and large events

• Determine areas: Identify areas within your campus ground, aside from learning environments, that require a robust campus security system. Do parking lots, pathways, sports fields and venues require security cameras to monitor events and controlled entry with smart access control solutions?
• Plan for large events: During large-scale events, such as a game at your sports venue, will your campus security systems be able to handle the influx of people? Think about the strategic placement of security cameras so you can capture entire scenes, the use of AI analytics to identify any unusual events and the areas that require security checkpoints and access control.

Flexible lockdown procedures

• Integrate systems: Ensure your security alarm system is integrated with your access control system so that you can detect, verify and respond to any intrusion events instantly.
• Consider location-specific lockdowns: Does your integrated campus security technology allow you to initiate lockdown procedures at specific locations on your grounds in order to minimize disruption campus-wide?
• Test regularly: Conduct routine lockdown tests to maintain readiness.

Access control

• Allow for 24/7 access: Confirm your campus security system is capable of granting access to authorized personnel 24/7. This may include students visiting the campus library, or staff accessing the parking lot late at night.
• Manage visitors: How will you grant access to authorized visitors and vendors? Does your access control system allow you to easily provide access credentials both on-site and remotely? If so, is this capability native to the access system, or is a campus visitor management integration needed?

Detecting and mitigating potential threats

• Utilize firearm detection: Install video security with firearm detection capabilities to identify the presence of firearms in real-time, triggering immediate alerts to your security team for proactive threat management.
• Incorporate gunshot detection: Deploy smart sensors and video analytics for gunshot detection to accurately pinpoint the location of firearm incidents. Ensure these sensors are integrated with your education security systems to relay information instantly to your security team and law enforcement.
• Monitor aggression: Implement smart sensors as a way to prevent school violence and identify signs of physical altercations or aggressive behavior. Some advanced sensors can recognize distress keywords and analyze audio patterns, such as raised voices or sounds of struggle, and send alerts to security operators for timely intervention.
• Deploy smart keyword detection: Integrate spoken keyword recognition technology to recognize distress keywords and alert your security team about potential incidents in real time.
• Audit security systems regularly: Routinely audit security system methodologies, including during School Safety Week, to ensure comprehensive coverage and threat-detection functionality.