Physical Security Systems

Video surveillance systems create a safe environment for learning

In this tight economy, school districts are allocating more funds for physical security than cyber security, according to the “CDW-G K-12 School Safety Index.” The study surveys more than 400 school districts, urban and rural.

With this focus on physical security, we have found many districts bring in outside expertise to ensure these systems are designed properly to maximize the funds that are allocated to these efforts.

Help designing physical security systems

If you need help planning a new school security system or integrating security features into your existing network, our experts can help. Plante Moran’s technology consultants and school security experts have the experience and expertise to help you find more value in your current systems or navigate the intricacies of designing, purchasing, and implementing a new system that offers you the right mix of reactive and proactive protection.

The use of video cameras to record and deter undesirable behaviors is considered a reactive tool. It is typically consulted after the fact to reconstruct a situation. For example, the video system can notify you by e-mail if there is activity during a time when a building is closed or it can flag you if there is a change in scenery in a particular room (theft). Based on the time stamp on the event, the system administrator can review the incident.

The quality and placement of cameras is important

The effectiveness of video surveillance depends heavily on the quality and placement of the cameras. For example, the systems administrator may not be able to retrieve essential license plate information on a moving or parked vehicle if the cameras are not placed correctly and the resolution of the image is not strong enough to zoom in for detail.

Integrate systems for best results

Card access, on the other hand, is a more proactive system. It is designed to restrict and track access to buildings. While these video surveillance cameras and card access systems work independently and can be purchased separately, for the best results, they should be integrated.

We can help you define requirements for your physical security system, design the system, manage the request for proposal process (RFP), and coordinate implementation. You will benefit from our knowledge of schools and our experience helping them find the physical security system that helps them attain a safe environment for their students and staff.