Editor's Note

Old Schools, New Designs

This issue of Campus Security & Life Safety has an interesting take on security. I think I’ve taken it for granted, but when you talk about camera installation, you have to think about the lens for the camera. Theia Technologies manufactures lenses, and they’ve been doing it for quite a while. They’ve even jumped into the 4K market.

The author, Andrea Iniguez, points out that oftentimes the lens selection is not given much attention; maybe it's even an afterthought. This is a huge mistake. The lens should be part of any due diligence.

I think you’ll enjoy this story, and it should be somewhat of a refresher course for those who consult on what equipment should be used to protect a campus.

That reminds me of a story out of Dallas where the Highland Park ISD wants to build three new schools, replacing schools that date back to the 1920s. Many are concerned about the loss of history if the schools were demolished. I get that, but there is a genuine need for more classroom space in the district, and the new schools could have security systems built in place.

Looking at this from the historical perspective, these schools have been listed as “most endangered historic places.” Look, the old schools can’t meet the needs of today’s educational demands and don’t work well with the growing population in the area.

From the security angle, building new schools will allow contractors to put the very best security equipment in place right from the start. In my way of thinking, whether we’re talking about the renovation of an older school or building a new campus, security must be at the top of the list for the students. It would be easy enough to preserve some of the building’s history, and a new security system outweighs history.

This article originally appeared in the November 2015 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Cloud Adoption Gives Way to Hybrid Deployments

    Cloud adoption is growing at an astonishing rate, with Gartner forecasting that worldwide public cloud end-user spending will approach $600 billion by the end of this year—an increase of more than 21% over 2022. McKinsey believes that number could eclipse $1 trillion by the end of the decade, further underscoring the industry’s exponential growth. Read Now

  • AI on the Edge

    Discussions about the merits (or misgivings) around AI (artificial intelligence) are everywhere. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find an article or product literature without mention of it in our industry. If you’re not using AI by now in some capacity, congratulations may be in order since most people are using it in some form daily even without realizing it. Read Now

  • Securing the Future

    In an increasingly turbulent world, chief security officers (CSOs) are facing a multitude of challenges that threaten the stability of businesses worldwide. Read Now

    • Guard Services
  • Security Entrances Move to Center Stage

    Most organizations want to show a friendly face to the public. In today’s world, however, the need to keep people safe and secure has become a prime directive when designing and building facilities of all kinds. Fortunately, there is no need to construct a fortress-like entry that provides that high level of security. Today’s secured entry solutions make it possible to create a welcoming, attractive look and feel at the entry without compromising security. It is for this reason that security entrances have moved to the mainstream. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • 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. 3

  • 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. 3

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis. 3