6 Best Technologies That Can Improve School Security

Teachers are no strangers to implementing new technologies in their classrooms. Many of them use an interactive whiteboard every single day, they take their students on virtual field trips with VR devices, and their AI assistants help them create personalized lesson plans.

But technology can also improve school security. Natural disasters, fire, and gun violence are a few examples of the threats schools face, and it’s primordial to take a variety of measures to protect students and their teachers.

So, what are some of the best technologies for school security? Let’s learn about a few of them, from discreet weapon detection systems to improved communication systems.

Smart sensors

Schools can be equipped with smart sensors, a technology which uses AI to detect different threats inside schools. Smart sensors monitor the air quality inside a building and can effectively detect poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

They can also detect prohibited activities, such as smoking and vaping, so they can swiftly alert school staff and help them enforce the rules.

Some smart sensors can even detect gunshots. By learning what is considered normal sound levels in an area, they can alert security staff when a room is abnormally noisy. The technology can then recognize that violent aggression might occur, and that human intervention might be necessary.

Video surveillance and management systems

Video surveillance cameras can be a good way to deter criminals and vandals. If they capture footage while a crime is being committed inside a school, this footage can help local law enforcement apprehend the culprit.

But what’s best for school security is when those video cameras are part of a reliable video management system. This is another AI-powered technology that can accurately detect acts of aggression and violence and alert security staff.

Integrating a video surveillance system with a school’s access control and PA systems helps prevent intruders. It can warn students, teachers, and school staff of a potentially dangerous situation.

Weapon detection systems

Weapons detection systems for schools are some of the best technologies for security, and they have been developed and introduced in recent years. This technology is already used in venues, including arenas and stadiums, healthcare facilities, and schools.

A weapon detection system can detect concealed guns and knives more accurately than walk-through metal detectors. It can also identify other potential threats and alert security staff. Thanks to AI, the system can even let security know where the weapon is located on the body so that they can act quickly and efficiently.

This outstanding technology can help prevent violence and tragedies, and it does so without disrupting the routine of students, teachers, school staff, and visitors.

Audio and video analytics

Most of the best technologies for school security use AI, combined with Machine Learning, to identify and analyze potential threats. This is the case with audio and video analytics.

This technology can detect weapons, gunshots, explosions, car alarms, the sound of breaking glass, and even cries for help. Audio and video analytics will also notice abnormal noise levels and crowd congestion.

The system can send alerts in real-time, helping security staff respond quickly. The footage captured by the system can be reviewed afterwards and even analyzed with different filters that help staff understand exactly what happened.

Fire alarm systems

Video surveillance systems and smart sensors can be integrated with fire alarm systems to help keep schools safe.

An efficient fire alarm system will instantly detect smoke and alert everyone inside the school that they have to evacuate. If the system is integrated with the school’s access control system, it can then close off certain wings of the building to try to prevent the fire from spreading.

However, regular fire drills are essential to ensure that all students and school staff know exactly what to do if they hear the fire alarm. This will ensure everyone is evacuated safely in case of a fire emergency.

Communication systems

Finally, as you can imagine, many of these school security technologies can be integrated with a school’s communication system.

Communication systems allow everyone to stay informed and updated in real time during an emergency or incident. School staff can use the system to send photos or videos when necessary and share critical information.

Whenever the safety of students and school staff is threatened, quick and effective communication is necessary to help protect everyone and ensure security staff can respond appropriately. We can thank technology for helping keep our schools safe.