Higher Education
Securing colleges and universities
In recent years, institutions of higher education have raised the bar and made meaningful safety improvements in response to school shootings, random acts of violence and world terrorism. Being prepared is the most important part of a school's crisis management plan.
A security management system, utilizing access control and video surveillance, streamlines staff entry, visitor management, and vending and controlled access areas across an entire campus.
Access control cards can keep unwanted visitors out of dormitories and classroom buildings and reduce problems such as vandalism, theft, arson and unwanted activity in isolated areas. Access control management also ensures that all visitors enter and exit through indicated entrances, and provides a safer building for after-hours events, such as sporting events and theater performances, and for faculty working after hours.
Cameras installed in high traffic areas remind students and visitors they are being watched and recorded at all times. People are less likely to cause trouble if they know they are being monitored.
The US Department of Education recommends that every emergency response plan includes the following:
- Mitigation and prevention - conduct school assessments to identify possible areas of risk.
- Preparedness - crisis procedures are instilled.
- Response - a crisis is the time to follow plans and make use of preparations.
- Recovery - return to learning and restore the infrastructure as quickly as possible.
Implementing safety procedures, and practicing lock-down drills and evacuation procedures requires intense planning. Installing an access control and video management system will benefit school officials and students in the event of an emergency.
Photo courtesy of AMAG
