copyright 2004 foreman architects engineers school security from common sense to high tech

Copyright 2004 Foreman Architects Engineers

School Security

From Common Sense to High Tech


Safety and Security in School Buildings

•The reality is that schools remain as one of the safest places for children, faculty and students•Our intent is an overview of safety and security•Additional information available through internet links on the Pennsylvania Department of Education Website


Typical School Crimes

•Theft and Burglaries•Vandalism •Violence against Students or Teachers•Weapons and Contraband•Drug and Alcohol Use•Fire and Life Safety Issues•Terrorist Threats•Unauthorized Access to Facility


Rate of nonfatal crimes against students ages 12–18 per

1,000 students, by type of crime and location: 1992–2001


Categories of School Safety and Security

•Site

•Building Design

•Interior Spaces

•Electronic Systems and Devices


School Site

•Welcoming but secure•Clear site and building access points•Signage and directional Indicators•Control access with fences, gates and landscaping•Separation of vehicular, pedestrian and bus traffic•Visual supervision of site features•Adequate site lighting•Clearly defined gathering spaces


School Design

•Single story buildings•Single clearly defined entrance for visitors•Direct observation of all visitors•Main visitor entrance through admin office•No hidden or recessed entrances•Air conditioning in lieu of open windows•Security Screens•Restrict access to roof areas


School Design Continued

•All exterior doors locked •Access control devices on exterior doors•Remote releases on strikes or locks•Position monitoring devices on doors and windows •Local or remote alarms on exterior doors•Classroom lockable from classroom side•Eliminate exterior hardware on exit doors•Jamb guards and protection plates


Interior Spaces

•Main Problem areas; large groups, or isolated areas•Common areas like corridors, cafeterias, entrances•Restrooms, Locker Rooms, Storage Rooms•Reduce isolated areas thru design•Eliminate long empty corridors•Territorial Control•Increase visibility through glass windows


Interior Spaces Continued

•Eliminate blind spots and hidden areas•Limit access to locker rooms•Eliminate doors on rest rooms•Locate restrooms adjacent to administrative areas•Prohibit overnight storage in athletic lockers•Design lockers into classrooms•Provide monitoring devices; CCTV, sensors


Electronic Systems and Devices

Card Access Control Systems•Monitoring of all exterior doors•Centralized alarm reporting of door status•Access with authorized proximity/identification card only•Access controlled by time, date and type of user•Lost cards can be de-activated and not duplicated•System maintains a record of who entered and when •Intrusion detection systems for unoccupied hours


Electronic Systems and Devices Continued

Security Camera Systems (CCTV)•Primarily a visual deterrent •Cameras should be monitored by security personnel•Video record only if event occurs at a camera location•Vandal resistant high resolution color cameras recommended•Digital surveillance video can be searched by date and time•Video identification of visitors or user of access control card•Stored or live video can be accessed from any networked PC



Metal Detectors work very well but:•Require a trained staff – 3 per detector•Require space for arriving students•15 to 25 students can be processed per minute per detector if students prepared•Moderately priced models $4,000 to $5,000



•Hand held scanners

•Biometric identification system

•Panic Buttons and Duress Alarms

•Multifunctional Smart Cards


Security Design Model

Deterrence Detection Delay

Response Consequences


Additional Considerations

•Policies and Procedures

•Planning for Emergencies

•Training and Practices

•For additional information, contact

Foreman Architects Engineers

copyright 2004 foreman architects engineers school security from common sense to high tech

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