Security tips for school administrators

Oct 10, 2006 3:45 PM

           

* Can the video-surveillance system be monitored from a remote location? Today's digital and networked video systems allow for remote viewing of live and recorded video. This gives authorized administrators the ability to check on the school from another location. In doing so, administrators gain a powerful tool for establishing a safe and secure climate for the people and property at a school -- whether during school hours or at night and on weekends.

* Can real-time security system data (video, audio, access control) be shared with local law enforcement? It is possible to give local law-enforcement officials the same access to information from the school security system. This can be valuable in the middle of a potentially dangerous situation on campus. The more information police have, the more effectively they can respond.

* Are all security systems (intrusion, access control, emergency voice, video surveillance) integrated into one network? Integrating a school's security systems makes sense. Economically, it can increase the effectiveness of a school's total security approach. For example, an intrusion alarm can trigger the nearest camera to begin recording events leading to an alarm situation.
* Is the security system integrated with the IT network? Is the network safe from cyber attack? The convergence -- or integration -- of the security and IT networks is inevitable. Some schools still create standalone security systems with separate cabling, but many now are integrating with the district or campus IT network and creating a virtual local-area network (VLAN) that isolates the security function on the network. But as the security function becomes dependent on the network, it is vulnerable to hackers. For that reason, it is vital to work closely with the IT staff to ensure these new "information systems" are designed and configured securely.

* Does the system monitor for hazardous fumes, such as carbon monoxide? How quickly is staff alerted when a critical system, such as the air conditioning or furnace, becomes inoperable? It is easy to add sensors to an HVAC system that will create an alarm should a critical system fail or carbon-monoxide levels rise to dangerous levels. These alarms can be monitored at the school, district or campus, or by a third-party alarm-monitoring center.

* Are the school's security needs and fire systems tested and inspected routinely? The security and life-safety businesses are changing constantly, requiring regular review and updating of policies and systems. Equipment maintenance, such as cleaning smoke detectors, or camera lenses and housings, is important. It may be convenient and cost-effective to have an inspection and maintenance agreement with the institution's security equipment provider.

Much of this article has been excepted from "Keeping Watch" -- a story that appeared in the Sept. issue of our sister magazine, American School & University.

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