Dallas ISD Proposed Security Upgrades after Sand Hook Elementary Incident

Dallas ISD Proposed Security Upgrades after Sandy Hook Elementary Incident

  • Feb 12, 2013

Dallas ISD Proposed Security Upgrades after Sand Hook Elementary IncidentDallas Chief of Police, Craig Miller, has proposed installing cameras, buzzers and electronic card readers at all 150 elementary schools to increase campus safety, after reviewing security protocol since December. Officers discovered that Dallas elementary schools lacked security cameras, metal detectors and on-duty police officers.

Miller said, “Side doors were found propped open, allowing anyone to walk in. Visitors could enter front doors unnoticed. School employees couldn’t track people within the building.”

These upgrades are estimated to cost $4.65 million, and district officials want to use money from a $1.3 billion bond program that voters approved in 2008. DISD spokesman, Joh Dahlander, stated, “$40 million of that amount [$1.3 billion] hasn’t been spent.”

This proposal will go to the Dallas school board for discussion and if approved, upgrades would be installed by the start of the 2013-2014 school year.

Miller and 15 DISD police officers offered their recommendations for each elementary school:

  • Install a buzzer system at the front door, with an intercom and color camera, requiring school personnel to unlock the door;
  • Add electronic card readers at all side doors, allowing only DISD staff to enter;
  • Install a camera video recording system triggered by motion; and
  • Install one-way peepholes on all of the portable buildings, allowing people in the building to see outside during a lockdown.

While these recommendations would indeed make schools safer, Miller did caution that to prevent a shooting similar to what took place in Newtown, Conn., is a challenge due to the fact that the gunman forced his way into the school, despite a buzzer system and a locked front door.

Miller spoke to this point, “Sandy Hook didn’t have problems at their schools. They ran drills and were prepared, but no one is ready for a raging lunatic willing to die for a cause. It’s forced us to go out and look and make us better. We will be better prepared to protect ourselves.”

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

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.

  • 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.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.