Schools Spending More on Security Even Though Violence Statistics are Down

Schools Spending More on Security Even Though Violence Statistics are Down

As summer heats up, so does school security as some campuses across the nation are taking this time to brush up on safety by installing tools such as video cameras and access control mechanisms; hiring security guards for the upcoming school year; training staff on emergency drills, like active shooters; and getting minor repairs done to already-installed security equipment. All this despite the fact that school violence has declined in the last couple of decades.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the rate of violent incidents per 1,000 students in 2013-14 was:

  • 13.5 in elementary schools;
  • 23.6 in middle schools; and
  • 14.3 in high schools.

But, during the 2009-10 school year, the last year in which there is such data, there was:

  • 21 in elementary schools;
  • 40 in middle schools; and
  • 21 in high schools.

As you can clearly see a decline in the numbers, currently:  

  • 9 out of 10 schools have a written plan for how to handle a shooting;
  • 7 out of 10 schools have drilled and continue to drill students on active shooter scenarios; and
  • ¾ of schools in the U.S. use cameras and some have even installed bullet-proof glass.

So, why all the costly security measures even though statistically they seem unnecessary and schools are already cash-strapped?

After the Sandy Hook incident, everyone was left reeling, prompting most schools to install cameras or even hire security guards. Basically, anything to step-up their security. But, why? Remember that time? Well, the nation, and world for that matter, was gripped by dominating media coverage for weeks of the isolated incident, despite the fact that school shootings are rare, especially ones of this magnitude.

I’m not suggesting that school security isn’t necessary; however, I am saying that due to the Sandy Hook incident, we have seen items, such as Kevlar backpacks, come on the scene. Schools with already tight budgets suddenly found money for fencing, to post warning signs and even install video cameras. Even the way in which society defined “school safety” took a hard left to be redefined as “school security.”

Maybe the answer is to use all the security products deployed in schools to deter violence, recognizing that after a crisis it’s very easy to overreact.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • 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.