Dangers in School - What Security Procedures are Really Essential?

In recent years we have seen a major increase in “Fear Factor” selling in the Education market. The elements I have picked up on naturally focus around security and identification based areas that our business is involved in. These fears range from basic damage to property through theft and include abduction.

It would be very easy to read these articles and panic into implementation of a full scale militaristically controlled environment.

Like all these matters it is however far more beneficial to look at these in the same way as any normal risk assessment you would carry out. Taking each area of the establishment and planning protection of your assets from the risk level. Naturally it is important as with all risk assessments to prioritise the assets being protected. It goes without saying that at the top of the tree sit the students and staff.

Where does it become restrictive in cost and acceptability?

This is very dependant on the nature of the premises. An isolated location will generally have less risk from mystery visitors and opportunistic crime than a location in a built up area. A key base factor in providing a secure environment which is largely overlooked is creating a security aware staff, pupils and visitors environment. This does not need to involve “selling fear”. It is much more about professionalism and culture. Who should be where when? What would we see if this was not the case and then what would we do. This may sound simplistic but a lot of the time a simple solution will be more effective and create the control required without becoming obtrusive or infringing privacy.

Planning and Sustainability

Identification and security products are evolving like all technology based solutions. Decisions on which technology to buy into must however include long term planning elements. If you plan to implement ID cards to improve security awareness and create a professional image it would be unwise to consider it in isolation. Now the multifunction smart card is well and truly established planning should incorporate for future addition in cashless vending, secure area access, pc log on, registration and transport. As these technologies emerge and become the norm integration will be a key factor in longevity of products used.

Roger Wakefield is a staff writer at The Card Network, (www.thecardnetwork.co.uk), a manufacturer of School Identity Cards

Article Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com

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