The safety and security of staff and pupils within schools is paramount. With a duty of care, schools and those managing the security of these sites need security solutions they can rely upon. Remote monitoring solutions are increasing in popularity as a means to enhance school security. In this blog, we explore why utilising remote monitoring is key for improved security, mitigating risks and providing a quick response to incidents.
- Importance of School Security
- What are Remote Monitoring Solutions?
- Benefits of Remote Monitoring for Schools
- Remote Monitoring Solutions to Support School Security
- Things to Consider
- Remote Monitoring for School Security with RMS
Importance of School Security
Schools hold a duty of care for pupils and staff as stated under the Children’s Act (2004) and the Education Act (2002). They should be a safe place for learning and development. However, schools do hold high-security risks in the form of intruders, theft, terrorist attacks and use of weapons on site which can be carried out by the public, students, parents and guardians.
Findings show that two thirds of UK schools were targeted by offenders within the last year. In addition, data recorded by the Metropolitan Police found 8,000 criminal offences took place on school grounds, including 291 cases of suspects armed with a knife, 21 instances of gun possession, 37 reported rapes, 232 drug offences, and 3,500 reports of violence.
Therefore there is a growing recognition of the importance of security in maintaining a secure environment within schools.
What are Remote Monitoring Solutions?
Remote monitoring solutions encompass a range of technologies that allow for the surveillance and management of school security systems from a remote location, usually carried out by a third-party professional monitoring company. It consists of connecting key security systems to an alarm receiving centre (ARC) to allow for instant notification of any alarm activations or triggers. When an incident occurs, the monitoring team will receive an instant notification and will be able to action a rapid response to the incident, whether that be contacting the nominated key holder or the police. Remote monitoring solutions typically include:
- CCTV Cameras: High-definition CCTV cameras strategically placed around the school premises.
- Access Control Systems: Electronic systems that regulate entry and exit points.
- Alarm Systems: Sensors and alarms that detect unauthorised access or emergencies.
Benefits of Remote Monitoring for Schools
Enhanced Security
Remote monitoring solutions offer continuous surveillance capabilities, ensuring that all areas of the school are monitored in real-time, 24 hours a day. This 24/7 vigilance is crucial in identifying and addressing potential threats promptly and enhancing the overall security of a school.
Rapid Response to Emergencies
In case of emergencies such as intrusions, violence or medical incidents, remote monitoring systems can trigger immediate alerts to security teams and local authorities. This rapid communication ensures swift action, potentially saving lives and minimising damage.
Cost-Effective
By reducing the need for on-site security personnel, remote monitoring solutions can significantly lower operational costs. Schools can allocate resources more efficiently, investing in other critical areas.
Improved Deterrence
Visible security cameras and signage indicating remote monitoring can act as a powerful deterrent against criminal activities as potential intruders are less likely to target schools that are well-protected and continuously monitored.
Improved Access Control
Advanced access control systems integrated with remote monitoring solutions ensure that only authorised individuals can enter the premises. These systems can include biometric scanners, keycard access, and visitor management software, which when connected to remote monitoring, will notify the monitoring team if access is breached or an intrusion has occurred.
Data & Evidence Collection
High-definition, monitored surveillance footage can serve as valuable evidence in the event of an incident. This data can assist the police in investigations and provide clarity during legal proceedings. Additionally, schools can analyse this data to identify security weaknesses and improve their protocols, thus enhancing overall security.
Remote Monitoring Solutions to Support School Security
To implement remote monitoring solutions to support school security, there are a few things to consider.
Risk Assessment
A comprehensive security and risk assessment of a school will help identify vulnerabilities and security needs. From this, a tailored remote monitoring plan can be developed to form a custom solution for the school site.
Integrate with Existing Systems
Integrating remote monitoring with existing security systems is key to maximising their benefits and enhancing overall security for a school. Seamless integration makes for a cohesive security network where all components work together to provide maximum protection. Plus, all systems are monitored 24/7, 365 days a year.
Maintenance
All security systems should be regularly maintained to ensure they are working properly and efficiently. Remote monitoring will not only identify event triggers but will also be able to identify any faults within systems, minimising downtime or compromised security.
Things to Consider
When implementing remote monitoring solutions to better enhance school security, there are a few things to consider. These include:
Privacy Concerns
There are rules and regulations surrounding the monitoring and surveillance of individuals, especially children. The extensive use of surveillance technology can raise privacy concerns among students, parents, and staff. Make sure you comply with all GDPR and data protection laws. Working with a professional and dedicated remote monitoring company that is NSI Gold accredited will ensure they are compliant.
Cybersecurity Risks
As with any digital system, remote monitoring solutions are susceptible to cyber attacks so make sure to use a monitoring company that can demonstrate what they are doing to protect your sites, such as encryption and regular security audits.
Initial Investment Costs
The initial investment in remote monitoring technology can be substantial, however, schools should consider this as a long-term investment in safety, with potential cost savings and benefits outweighing the upfront expenses.
Remote Monitoring for School Security with RMS
RMS is experienced in providing remote monitoring solutions for numerous schools and education institutions across the UK, as well as student accommodation. We specialise in custom solutions to suit every site’s needs and always operate on a customer-first approach.
To find out more or to speak to a member of the team, call us on 0330 002 1149.
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