Survey Finds Money an Issue for Campus Safety and Security

Margolis, Healy & Associates (MH&A), a leading professional services firm specializing in the higher education safety and security sector, recently announced select key findings from its 2010 Campus Safety and Security Survey. The MH&A survey includes data collected from 232 administrators at many of the nation's top universities and colleges.

Among the most notable findings:

  • Nearly 70 percent of respondents had a moderate, low or no concern about the more common- place incidents such as natural disasters or chemical spills.
  • More than 30 percent of universities and colleges do not conduct regular or annual reviews of campus security resources.
  • Nearly 90 percent of respondents representing a diverse array of campus constituents cited inadequate budget/personnel as a main obstacle to being appropriately trained and resourced.

"We believe institutions are more likely to face critical incidents such as fires, chemical spills, power outages and weather-related emergencies, such as floods or ice storms," said Steven J. Healy, managing partner at MH&A. "Our survey results imply that many institutions are simply not paying enough attention to these types of high probability incidents."

"If this moderate to low concern is indicative of planning complacency and inaction, then this flies in the face of our evolving thinking about emergency management in the college and university setting and the congressional intent behind recent changes to the Clery Act, " said Gary J. Margolis, Ph.D., MH&A managing partner. "These revisions specifically underscore the need for an all-hazards approach to emergency notification."

"It's our hope that the insights gained through the survey will help higher education administrators make evidence-based decisions as they work to enhance their approach to campus safety and security," Healy added.

Roughly 25 percent of survey participants were affiliated with institutions of 25,000 or more students. The MH&A survey results include information and statistics from both urban and suburban/rural institutions (50/50 split) and from commuter and residential schools throughout the nation. Survey results can be viewed at www.margolis-healy.com.

Featured

New Products

  • 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.

  • 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.