Enhancing Security

Tennessee academy emphasizes critical thinking

  • By Grant Woods
  • Nov 03, 2014

Located in Maryville, Tenn., the Clayton Bradley Academy first opened its doors as a yearround K-6 school in July of 2013. Now, in its second year, the school has expanded to Pre-K through 9th grade. Focusing on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculums through 1-to-1 technology initiatives, critical thinking is emphasized via project- based learning. The school also builds educational partnerships with businesses, nonprofits and area colleges to foster true learning communities as well as provide a sustainable technology and learning environment.

These initiatives have quickly placed Clayton Bradley at the forefront of instructional technology, as well as operations and facilities technologies. Since opening, Clayton Bradley has become a model school, demonstrating successful technology implementation plans for other schools and districts both inside and outside of the classroom.

Operational and facilities technologies have become just as important as instructional technology, which includes the campus safety and security systems. Originally, Clayton Bradley implemented a basic, IP-camera system that included keyfob access control to all doors and classrooms for teachers and administrators. Selected by the building contractor, the security system was proprietary which limited the ability to update, upgrade and expand.

While the camera quality was suitable, the ability to use motion detection as well as configure the DVR as an adaptive device was lacking. Furthermore, as a proprietary system, any further expansion could only include the original camera brand, not open upgrades to competitive comparisons.

Because of these limitations, Clayton Bradley decided to replace the surveillance system with one that would be more flexible, scalable, adaptive to future needs and overall, more intuitive. Primary requirements for the new system focused on enhanced motion detection features, higher-quality camera resolution, configurable alert systems and connectivity with access control, along with communication with first responders and local law enforcement, and remote access from mobile devices or web browsers.

As part of their research, Clayton Bradley was introduced to IP camera systems from AVer Information, a company that also develops IP security and surveillance solutions designed specifically for school and campus environments. Indoor and outdoor IP cameras, combined with enhanced features that include a variety of motion detection configurations triggering alerts, frame rate boost, regional triggers and storage saving options were very attractive to Clayton Bradley.

“Their solution during our due diligence ranked high in flexibility with the features and quality we were looking for,” said Tom Sudman, CEO of Digital AV and consultant to Pat Bradley, director for Clayton Bradley Academy. “Not only that, but AVer is actively working on improvements to make their solution even smarter.”

Remote access through the web or mobile devices and the ability to link first responders helped Clayton Bradley make the decision to move forward with implementation.

AVer’s features and functions were developed with the unique needs of school facilities in mind, and their pricing and service also were designed to be education-centric, with programs and support available only to education.

“There is a great quality to cost ratio with AVer that other brands do not offer,” Sudman said. “Their school-specific pricing has allowed us to maximize our budget and surveillance coverage, without sacrificing quality or necessary features.”

As Clayton Bradley continues to evolve their security systems, they will be working to integrate the Aver system as a component of a comprehensive security and surveillance dashboard. Combining visual data from the surveillance system with other data elements will better enable Clayton Bradley to confirm or deny the level of any given event while keeping law enforcement and first responders involved in the entire process. Since the school itself is a source of technology transfer and education for other schools, this is another way Clayton Bradley can contribute to enhancing the safety and security for themselves as well as become a model for other school security initiatives.

This article originally appeared in the November 2014 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Grant Woods is the product marketing director at Aver Information Inc. Americas.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.