Budgeting for Security
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Jul 01, 2014
It seems odd to me that people talk about school or campus security in terms of having a budget. I do understand that there is no endless resource for new equipment and technology, but really, security measures and technology should get top billing.
In our cover story, Patrick Fiel addresses that very point of security on a budget. I’ve known Fiel for many years and his pedigree in the security industry is nothing short of amazing. He was the chief of
police at Washington, D.C. schools for several years and his stories are
well worth taking to heart.
When you read what Fiel has to say, I think you’ll find his advice
pretty straightforward. He talks about careful planning and meeting
security needs without breaking the bank. Too often, administrators
buy equipment on the spur of the moment. They should, however,
consult with security professionals or a risk management professional
when buying new technology.
Fiel also talks about securing the entry of a school. Layers of security
at a school are no different than layers of security at an airport. The
bottom line: Keep the front door locked at all times and make sure
there is someone on staff approving entrance into the facility, once the
visitor has been checked out.
I hope you enjoy and take to heart all that
Fiel has written. We have had numerous
conversations over the years about security
at schools. Fiel knows what he is talking
about when it comes to the student educational
experience.
I would hope the people holding the
purse strings will have an opportunity
to read about security. There are far
too many stories after the fact,
when students’ lives have been
put needlessly on the line.
Education and violence
don’t mix.
Our other writers/
reporters in this section
of Security Products magazine
offer our readers
careful insight into protection
at all levels, and in one
instance, securing a medical
facility.
This article originally appeared in the July 2014 issue of Security Today.
About the Author
Ralph C. Jensen is editor-in-chief of Security Today magazine.