Top 6 Ways to Enhance the Security of Your Campus

Unfortunately, learning institutions in the country are no longer as safe as they used to be. Besides the risk of fires and natural disasters, schools and colleges also have to worry about crime.

While it's nearly impossible to predict danger, you can minimize your institution's exposure to risk and prepare the right actions to keep everyone safe whenever a concerning incident occurs. We've compiled a brief overview of some of the top six ways you can enhance the security of your educational institution. 

1. Train Staff on Institutional Security Procedures

Train the staff of your school or college on the security procedures you have put in place. Let them know which security risks they need to watch out for and what they should do if they spot a security breach. The training should also include anger management. The increased staff awareness about the security procedures will make everyone in the school feel safer. 

2. Regularly Practice Security Drills

Drills are an excellent way to test how well your staff and students are prepared to tackle concerning incidents. The staff and students also get to familiarize themselves with the anxiety and confusion that might arise during real danger. Frequently practice security drills and note any failures to follow the safety protocols. Correct these failures with every drill until everyone can follow the safety protocols accordingly. 

3. Launch an Anonymous Tip Line

Preventing a security threat is always better than dealing with the danger when it occurs. Set up an anonymous tip line where the staff and students can report any potential security threats to your learning institution.

People can easily share vital information about potential security threats if they are sure they will remain anonymous. You can share these tips with law enforcement to neutralize the threat and for appropriate legal action. 

4. Install Panic Buttons and Silent Alarms

When danger presents itself, the sooner the staff, students, and law enforcement know, the safer everyone is likely to be. If people are aware of danger early, they will have sufficient time to get to safety.

Install panic buttons and silent alarms at various locations on your campus. Make sure that you let the staff and students know about the locations of the panic buttons and the situations in which they can use them. 

5. Install a Top-Class CCTV System

Install security cameras generously across the institution. Make sure that the security cameras cover all the high-risk locations. The footage from the security cameras should be stored locally for easy access and also backed up to the cloud.

Security personnel with experience should monitor the security camera feed 24/7 for threats. The presence of security cameras can work as a deterrent to any people with malicious intent. The security footage can also be useful for investigating security threats and providing evidence in legal processes. 

6. Hire a Competent Security Firm

It's crucial that you have an active security team safeguarding the staff and students at your school. This security team will defend against any threats to your learning institution.

When picking a security team for your campus, choose a security firm with expertise in the field. Learning institutions present unique challenges regarding security due to the many people who might be coming and going every day. A security firm with experience in institutional security is familiar with these unique challenges and how to address them.

At All State Security, we believe that learning institutions should be places where everyone feels safe. Use the tips above to keep the staff and students at your school or college safe. To learn more about improving institutional security, contact us today.