Why campus security is important

The following measures can be implemented to enhance a campus security system. Schools that best handle challenges in security and successfully prevent unwanted incidents in the future typically utilize a multitude of measures. Fences and gates may hurt the visual aesthetic of a building, but they will certainly improve the security within it.

By monitoring who comes in and out of a school, there is a greater sense of control over access. Similar to the idea of enclosing the actual buildings, campuses can screen visitors for safety before clearing them to enter the school premises.

This screening process should also be required before employing teachers and other employees. Students along with faculty and staff should be trained on being security conscious. Making everyone alert, including students, will increase the probability that potential threats will be promptly reported. In this training, students should be encouraged to speak up if they ever see or hear anything suspicious or concerning. Teachers should not only know how to respond in any situation but should take preventative measures.

For example, ensuring that every classroom has some means of communication with the administration, outside help, or situating the classroom furniture in a protective way are simple steps that will leave teachers more prepared. One option for schools is to give students access cards that allow them entry into the necessary buildings but restrict access for others.

Other related access control measures include security cameras, headcounts of how many people are where, and simultaneous management of multiple locations. Lockdowns within a school may be necessary when there is a physical threat already on the school premises.

If an active shooter is walking down the hallways, a lockdown is one way to protect as many people as possible. Administrators can override unlock attempts by enabling the lockdown feature on any device, thus preventing anyone from entering any building. University security varies from school to school but always centers around making everyone feel comfortable and safe.

Possible university security measures include trainings in self-defense and sexual abuse awareness and college resources for situations like rape or violence. Most U. Additionally, campus police departments typically provide escort services to anyone who feels uncomfortable walking somewhere alone, particularly at night.

Most students like to stay informed and feel as though they are receiving prompt communications. Many universities have systems in place that provide this. For example, Syracuse University utilizes an alert system where students receive an email and a text message—and sometimes an automated phone call— whenever there is important information the school needs to relay quickly.

Campus security is a growing concern especially in the United States where a series of school attacks have wiped dozens of lives in the past few years. Gun attacks are not the only security issue schools have to deal with, however. The premises of educational organizations are public places where one should manage a complex flow of visitors — ranging from scholars to educators to students to a variety of one-time and frequent visitors.

These institutions have to manage both the identity of visitors and access to certain areas and facilities. For instance, even a schoolteacher may be restricted in terms of access to certain rooms while visitors may have been permitted only to specific areas of the campus or the school building.

Those measures require implementation of often quite complex access management systems amidst growing security concerns across schools and other public institutions. If the university has a solid security system in place that has proven to work for many years, a parent is more likely to trust the organization and be comfortable with their child going away to that specific university. Helps prevent violence of all kinds.

With security systems in place, a university can prevent all kinds of violence on campus. Violence and sexual harassment that some students unfortunately fall victim to predominantly take place late at night in locations that are not well-lit. Patrolling security guards provide peace of mind and are able to prevent such assaults, as well as being able to respond right away to any reports or to even stop the act as it is occurring. Not every university is perfect and there will most likely be a case of violence that breaks out on campus at some point, whether it be minor or serious, so it is crucial to have well- trained security that are prepared for the worst, if it occurs.

Manages student diversity. College campuses are growing more and more diverse throughout the country, which is why it is important that any tension or conflicts that may exist among the student body does not escalate into violence.

Campus security guards can be present during any student protests that occur or any other campus events that may potentially lead to violence. Having security guards throughout campus creates for a safe environment and makes sure that students feel comfortable and safe to do as they please without any fear.

Makes sure first responders are ready. It is unlikely that there will be a fatal attack on campus, but in the unfortunate scenario in which someone is acting in an aggravated and violent way on campus, every second counts and can be the difference between life or death. Having campus security guards available to respond right away before law enforcement does is a huge benefit and can help the situation before it escalates further.

Security guards also work with the authorities to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible. All security guards are trained to handle these exact situations and can be sure to respond in an appropriate and timely manner.

Addresses issues with students. A smart CEO establishes a visible relationship with the chief law enforcement officer for the town or city where the school is located and also with the director of safety and security for the school. Find out from alumni if the CEO meets with the campus community occasionally to discuss their safety and security, or like many schools, meets reactively only after a serious incident is reported.

It is important to understand how the college or university recognizes and acknowledges crimes that occurs on or near the campus. Does the college publish an annual report showing the extent of crime on campus and in surrounding areas? Is this report made readily available to prospective and current students? How does the data for this campus compare with other similar institutions? Does the institution care about the safety and security of students residing off campus? How is that concern demonstrated?

If an institution is very secretive about its crime data, something is seriously wrong. The Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act of requires all colleges and universities to produce an annual report of their campus safety, security and fire procedures, as well as statistics relating to criminal offenses reported to the police. Request a copy and read it. Additionally, sites like bestcolleges. As stated earlier, some colleges take school safety more seriously than others.

Students sometimes have evening classes or study sessions. Make sure that the college or university offers some way for students to get home safely after a long night out.

Because security and safety technologies and trends change very quickly, it is important to know whether campus safety and security efforts are keeping pace with the times or are inadequate and dated.