This article looks at some of the security technologies that can be useful for K-12, based on a post by Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS).
We’ve discussed to great length university
campus safety and security. Yet keeping K-12 schools safe and secure is also critical, and security technologies can play an effective role in this regard. This article looks at some security technologies that can be useful for K-12, based on a
post by Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS).
K-12 schools face a variety of threats. One of them is school shootings and gun violence. This is especially the case in the U.S., where in 2024 alone there were 331
shooting incidents across K-12 schools.
Other threats facing o K-12 students include bullying, which, whether in person or online, can lead to long-term emotional, psychological and physical harm, negatively impacting students’ academic and social development. The use of drugs and alcohol or engagement in other prohibited activities among students can also affect academic performance, personal development, and safety. Finally, K-12 schools face certain climatic and environmental hazards, including hurricanes, wildfires, floods, air pollution and environmental toxins which can impact students’ health and learning environments as well.
Technologies that can help
Luckily, security technologies are here to help deal with these K-12 security challenges. These range from video analytics to smart sensors. Below we take a detailed look at these technologies.
Audio and video analytics
Video and audio analytics can be great security tools for K-12. They employ AI and deep learning for detecting a variety of situations and issue alarms when abnormalities are detected. Among the threats that audio and video analytics can detect, as cited by the PASS post, are spoken keyword requests for help, gunshots, sounds of aggression, glass breaking, car alarms, crowd congestion, weapons and perimeter trespassing.
“Audio and visual analytics technology are highly effective safety and security solutions. They can immediately detect potential threats, send real-time alerts, and help enable a quick response. This not only helps prevent incident escalation but also ensures a safer and more secure learning environment for everyone,” the post said.
It should be noted that video analytics can also be applied to smart search, where the user can enter a key search query, for example a person wearing a red shirt and gray pants, and the system will retrieve all relevant video, boosting the efficiency of the search and investigation effort.
Communications systems
During an emergency at K-12 schools, maintaining always-on, uninterrupted communication between different stakeholders is critical. This is where communication platforms can play an effective role.
“Multichannel communication platforms, such as apps and software, relay critical information among school employees, parents, and emergency responders in real time. These digital notification systems ensure that everyone can stay informed and updated during an emergency or incident,” the post said.
The post also notes the importance of two-way radios, citing solutions such as Motorola Solutions’ MOTOTRBO radios which connect teams together across networks and devices and integrate with the Motorola Solutions’ technology ecosystem, including video security and analytics.
Smart sensors
Smart sensors can also play an effective role in K-12 schools. The PASS post cites examples like HALO’s smart sensors which were also
covered by asmag.com. HALO is developed by IPVideo which is now a part of Motorola Solutions. HALO is an all-in-one device with various built-in functions including air quality monitoring, vape detection, gunshot detection, abnormal noise and motion detection and emergency keyword detection.
“Sophisticated technologies like these can play a crucial role in ensuring safer educational environments. Besides detecting prohibited activities, smart sensors like HALO can also alert school staff and security personnel to the presence of dangerous situations and banned items in real time. This alert system enables prompt intervention and de-escalation, ultimately making schools safer,” the post said.
Air sensors
Indeed, K-12 security doesn’t just entail protecting students from threats of violence. Ensuring a healthy environment that’s conducive to learning is also a part of it. When classroom doors are locked, indoor air quality may become less desirable, which can negatively affect students’ ability to study and learn. This is where air sensors can come in handy.
“One solution that can help teachers and staff achieve a more favorable environment for themselves and students is air sensor technology. Air quality sensors detect the presence and concentration of air pollutants, typically measuring two or more air quality indicators, such as humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide. By monitoring indoor air quality, schools can ensure healthy air quality, ultimately improving the health and well-being of their students, reducing absenteeism due to illness, and more,” the post said.