Security Management Archives

Educating teachers on school safety: Part One

This is part one of a two part series on how teachers can be educated on school safety to protect the future of our country: students. Many of the heroes of the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting were teachers. In a time of intense crisis, they were able to face one of the worst possible dangers to their lives and their student’s lives: a shooter while not having any kind of protection. The result could have been much worse. Many of the staff at this facility were trained and educated on how to deal with this type of situation. While the government works out ways to protect schools by discussing gun control and other tactics, schools are still potential targets for crazed shooters. However, there are ways for teachers and school personnel to protect their school from shooters before they become targets; and while a shooting is in progress. Ways to [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:20:39-05:00School Security|

Educating teachers on school safety: Part Two

This is part two of a two part series on how teachers can be educated on school safety to protect the future of our country: students. View part one here. Once you are aware of a shooting in your school, there are some specific actions you can take to protect yourself and your students: Barricade your door: Move all the desks and chairs to the door. A normal shooting lasts seven minutes, so the shooters is not going to waste time trying to push through a door if it is barricaded. Contact authorities: Text or call 911, alerting someone that there is an attack going on at your school once you and your students are secure. Turn off the lights: This prevents the shooter from being able to see clearly through the door or windows. Hide: The best places to hide are to get on the floor against a wall out of line of sight [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:20:53-05:00School Security|

Using CCTV to protect your school

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) security monitoring systems have become increasingly popular as schools, businesses, government building, churches and private homes look to install video surveillance systems due to terrorist attacks and school/workplace shootings. As you can imagine, this technology can become outdated over the years; this is not necessarily a bad thing as companies come out with better technology that protects our loved ones. CCTV can help save lives because information on a suspect can easily be distributed to law enforcement and specific rooms of buildings. With the increase of school shootings, it is especially important for school districts to look into this technology. CCTV that allows access to law enforcement enables the police to know exactly where the suspects are inside the building. This knowledge also allows for medical aid to be distributed to isolated and secure areas of a school building. Saving lives comes down to seconds, not minutes [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:21:06-05:00School Security|

Effectiveness of metal detectors on school safety

There are numerous inquiries about metal detectors and school safety measures all year long, and usually they pick up after incidents of school violence that are heavily covered by the media. We get several questions about metal detectors: Are they effective? Is it a necessary addition to a school? Are they needed to ensure and improve school safety? All of these questions really depend on your school’s situation. Not every school district is the same. There are a lot of schools across the United States that do not use metal detectors and a vast majority of these schools never experience the horrific acts of violence such as Columbine or Sandy Hook. I think we all agree that violence has no place at a school, and if we lived in a perfect world, there wouldn’t be any violence in schools at all. But the sad reality is that there are evil [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:21:46-05:00School Security|

Additional considerations about metal detectors in schools

Our last blog post talked about the potential effectiveness of metal detectors in school. This blog post will relate to some arguments for and against using metal detectors that your school district should consider before implementing a metal detector system in your school. "Do everything we can to protect students" vs. "Not creating a prison-like atmosphere" This is a big component of the argument between getting a metal detector in a school. One side will argue that the school district must do everything they can to ensure student's safety. On the other hand, they don't want to make it seems like the children are going to a prison. School is supposed to be considered a safe zone; if students walk in and see metal detectors, does that really give a sense of security? Implementation Considerations There are many considerations to have when installing a metal detector as a source of [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:21:39-05:00School Security|

5 Tips to Improving School Safety and Security

It shouldn't take national media attention of a crisis, such as a tragic school shooting, to make you think about your schools safety and security. We already know the dangers that face our students. It is our job to try to prevent these issues and be prepared to quickly respond to any emergencies when they do happen. Below you will find the Top 5 tips to help you improve school safety and security. School Safety & Security Evaluate the school campus for areas where safety and security could be improved. This might include adding additional lighting in the parking lot, the installation or repair of fences, security camera installation, or emergency power solutions. The first step to school safety and security is knowing what current problems exist and what you need to do to correct them. Create an emergency response team. In the event of an emergency situation, your staff [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:19:49-05:00School Security|

Physical Security Information Management Software: Necessary for Government Buildings
Physical Security Information Management Software: Necessary for Government Buildings

PSIM

Physical Security Information Management Software: Necessary for Government Buildings

Physical security information management solutions (PSIM) play an important role in protecting confidential information and safeguarding restricted areas. These solutions allow operators to gather vital information about any occurrence. In high security environments such as government buildings, security systems are particularly important. Instead of the traditional solution of administering systems individually, PSIM security software offers complete system integration. All of the connected systems will report to a rules engine, which will significantly reduce human error and react to an emergency or security threat. As part of the solution, cameras will offer video verification. Additionally, audio of the affected area may be broadcasted, or recorded, as the PSIM provides a list of responsive measures for the government operator to take. An integrated platform improves current investments, joining multiple systems in one interface. It collects and links occurrences from existing distinct security appliances and security systems as a complete solution. This in [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:21:32-05:00PSIM|

Implementing PSIM in Storage Facilities

PSIM, or Physical Security Information Management, was introduced to the physical security world several years ago in 2006 with the idea that most information relating to security is in data form. Once that data is analyzed and contextualized, it becomes valuable info that can be used in order to make better decisions regarding the success and security of one's business. One type of business that can benefit from PSIM is storage facilities. PSIM solutions have traditionally been implemented in large facilities where the system has an operator watching and controlling all the subsystems in an online manner. Storage facilities typically don't have an option for that type of overhead unless the organization is very large and the PSIM is controlling a multi locational operation. PSIM technology can be implemented to replace the operator in small applications, which can take control of a facility, reposition cameras, record the video with both pre [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:21:19-05:00PSIM|

The Important Role of PSIM in Bank Safety

A bank is where we put our full trust and confidence that our savings, possessions, and important valuables are safely protected. However, because banks hold huge amounts of money and possessions, they are subject to various security threats, robberies, and other criminal activities. Bank safety is important to gain the trust and continued patronage of every client. Knowing that you can safely make your everyday transactions not only facilitates trust, but it also helps you sleep just a little better at night knowing that your assets are protected and secure. CCTV Security Most banks are required by law to install a CCTV camera to properly monitor all priority banking areas on a 24/7 basis. Aside from ensuring that their clients’ savings are in good hands, it also boosts the bank’s confidence and ensures their employees that they are in a safe working environment. Bank security personnel can also monitor high-risk [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:22:35-05:00Bank Security, PSIM|

PSIM: Prison Escape Prevention
PSIM: Prison Escape Prevention

Prison Security

PSIM: Prison Escape Prevention

Throughout the years, there have been some pretty spectacular prison escapes. With PSIM (Physical Security Information Management) technology, prison escapes can now become a thing of the past. So, just how important is this security development? Revisiting some the most infamous prison escapes helps society learn how PSIM can help fix the previously flawed prison security systems. Alcatraz Escape Alcatraz, located on the Alcatraz Island of the San Francisco Bay area, was once considered one of the most high-tech and escape-proof prison facilities. However, in 1962 everything changed when Frank Morris, Clarence Anglin, and John Anglin managed to escape Alcatraz. How was is done? They used the ventilation system as an escape route. To this day, this prison escape is still considered one of the greatest escapes in American history. Ted Bundy This instance is perhaps one of the most dramatic prison escapes. Ted Bundy, the serial killer who was [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:19:30-05:00Prison Security|