Campus safety and security: best practices to follow

Campus safety and security guarantees an environment where students can study free of worries and fear. As such colleges and universities place a strong importance on campus safety and security. This article discusses some of the best practices to keep campuses safe and secure.
 

Have a security plan in place

 
While technologies such as video surveillance and access control play a key role in campus safety and security, they are only part of the solution. It’s also important to have in place a security plan, which provides guidance on what to do when emergencies occur.
 
“Well-defined emergency response plans are crucial. These plans should clearly outline protocols for various scenarios, detail stakeholder responsibilities, and establish communication channels. Regular drills should be conducted to familiarize everyone with procedures. Plans must be adaptable to evolving situations and incorporate the use of security technologies. Close coordination with local first responders when developing and executing these plans is also vital,” said Brad Cary, Business Development Manager for Education at Milestone Systems.
 
“In addition to implementing security technologies, having a well-defined security plan is paramount for effectively managing emergencies on college campuses. These plans should encompass a range of components, including emergency response procedures, communication protocols, evacuation plans, shelter-in-place procedures, first aid and medical response protocols, coordination with external agencies, continuity of operations strategies, and crisis communication plans. By establishing clear protocols and procedures for responding to different types of emergencies, colleges and universities can ensure a coordinated and effective response, ultimately enhancing the safety and security of their campus community,” said John Centofanti, VP of Sales for U.S. at Axxonsoft.
 
According to Bruce Canal, Executive Lead for Education at Genetec, binders of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policy documents are often forgotten on shelves, and a better solution is to digitize and automate implementation to ensure all proper steps are taken in an emergency.
 
“To enhance safety and take a more proactive approach to risk detection, consider combining video analytics and a collaborative decision management system. Investing in a decision management system can help your team focus on the most urgent events by filtering through false alarms and alerting the team to suspicious activity. It can even provide step-by-step guidance on the procedures staff need to follow,” Canal said.
 

Adopt hybrid cloud

 
Campuses can also benefit from a hybrid cloud architecture, which is seen to have certain advantages over a pure cloud system.
 
“Recently, the widespread availability of cloud-based physical security solutions has been touted as an ideal solution for educational establishments. However, not all cloud solutions respond equally to the evolving challenges of campuses. Many cloud solutions targeted at the education market use proprietary cameras or other hardware that are only compatible with the vendor's software. Consequently, should institutions opt to discontinue their subscription, they face the burden of replacing not just the software but also the proprietary hardware, incurring substantial expenses in the process,” Canal said.
 
He added: “A better option might be to consider a hybrid solution that combines the best of both cloud and on-premises systems. With a hybrid system, you can keep some capabilities on-premises to support critical event scenarios when milliseconds matter. You don’t want your internet or cloud server going down or acting slow when you need it most. By keeping certain functions on-premises, you eliminate the possibility of internet issues and can count on system uptime with built-in failover support.
 

Maintain cyber hygiene

 
It’s also important to point out that physical security aside, campuses should also place a strong focus on cybersecurity.
 
“Cybersecurity is another important consideration, particularly as universities have become primary targets for hackers, including those backed by hostile states who want to steal data or disrupt universities as a part that in many Western countries are viewed as critical national infrastructure. Not only are universities repositories for high value research data in fields from engineering to computer sciences and medicine, but they often store students’ personal data, such as bank account details, passports and ID cards. It is therefore sensible to put surveillance systems on VLANs, to provide network segmentation. If, for example, the university network goes down, security services will continue to function and not be interrupted in their essential role of protecting students, staff and facilities,” said Jamie Barnfield, Senior Sales Director of IDIS Europe.
 

Tips for SIs

 
For systems integrators that deploy campus safety and security solutions, it’s incumbent upon them to understand the environment, engage with users and provide the necessary pre- and after-sale support to make the deployment successful.
 
“Integrators must first thoroughly understand the unique risks, requirements, and goals of each campus to create a tailored solution that addresses their specific security challenges. They should recommend solutions that integrate smart sensors with data-driven VMS for enhanced security. Solutions should be scalable and adaptable to changing needs. Engaging all stakeholders — administrators, faculty, IT, and security teams — ensures the system meets expectations. Comprehensive training empowers staff to leverage the technology effectively, including interpreting data from smart sensors and using the VMS efficiently. Ongoing support and system fine-tuning keep the solution operating optimally. Integrators must stay current with the latest threats and technologies, such as advanced environmental sensors and cloud-based VMS options, to provide futureproof recommendations,” Cary said.
 
“When it comes to implementing campus safety and security solutions, systems integrators play a crucial role in ensuring successful outcomes. Key factors to consider include conducting a comprehensive needs assessment to understand the campus's unique security challenges, collaborating closely with campus stakeholders to align solutions with their requirements and preferences, and ensuring compatibility and integration with existing infrastructure. Customization and flexibility are also essential to tailor solutions to meet specific needs and accommodate future growth. Providing comprehensive user training and support, staying informed about relevant regulations and compliance requirements, and prioritizing cybersecurity measures are additional considerations to ensure successful implementation,” Centofanti said.