INDUSTRY FOCUS

Protect Every School Zone

School is back in session, and I could not be happier and more proud of my third grader. School campuses come with their inherent historical risks. My summer included a lengthy interview with Secret Holt, the mother of Bailey Holt, who died at her Kentucky high school four years ago. She was murdered.

You know as well as I, after a campus shooting there are plenty of thoughts and prayers.

“Actions speak louder than words. And, if you’re really going to make the changes you say you’re going to make at the press conferences, the time to do that is now,” said Bailey’s mom, Secret. “Speaking for myself, and I’m sure that a lot of you will agree, instead of the next press conference that comes around being about another mass casualty shooting at your children’s elementary school, or high school, how about a press conference on technology, and how many lives it saved that day.”

Let’s look at the numbers. There were 93 school shootings, with casualties during the 2020-21 school year. That is the highest number since 2000-01. Since Columbine, more than 31,000 children have been present during a school shooting incident. Perhaps, planning and design will make a difference.

“Design by itself isn’t the solution. It is part of a larger mix of approaches that can help combat the epidemic of gun violence at schools,” said Roe Gammon, a security consultant at Henderson Engineers. “When working with school districts and other educational institutions, our goal is to help ensure the learning environment is conducive to safety while maintaining a comfortable and productive setting for students and educators. The process is a partnership between our experts and the people on the ground, so each solution is unique to a facility’s specific needs.”

There it is. Protect every school at the outside perimeter, actions speak louder than words and while design isn’t the sole solution it is part of the larger role of campus security.

This article originally appeared in the September / October 2022 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • 2025 Security LeadHER Conference Program Announced

    ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) – the leading membership associations for the security industry – have announced details for the 2025 Security LeadHER conference, a special event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The third annual Security LeadHER conference will be held Monday, June 9 – Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. This carefully crafted program represents a comprehensive professional development opportunity for women in security this year. To view the full lineup at this year’s event, please visit securityleadher.org. Read Now

    • Industry Events

  • Report: 82 Percent of Phishing Emails Used AI

    KnowBe4, the world-renowned cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its Phishing Threat Trend Report, detailing key trends, new data, and threat intelligence insights surrounding phishing threats targeting organizations at the start of 2025. Read Now

  • NRF Supports Federal Bill to Thwart Retail Crime

    The National Retail Federation recently announced its support for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025. The act was introduced by Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Representative Dave Joyce, R-Ohio. Read Now

  • ISC West 2025 Brings Almost 29,000 Industry Professionals to Las Vegas

    ISC West 2025, organized by RX and in collaboration with the Security Industry Association, concluded at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas last week. The nation’s leading comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals and left a lasting impression on the global security community. Over five action-packed days, ISC West welcomed more than 19,000 attendees and featured 750 exhibiting brands. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • Tradeshow Work Can Be Fun

    While at ISC West last week, I ran into numerous friends and associates all of which was a pleasant experience. The first question always seemed to be, “How many does this make for you?” Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

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.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • 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.