by Pamela Perini
One cannot have a conversation these days about schools without touching upon the topic of school security (the “S” word). There are so many varying definitions for school security, depending on the person: video management, access control, fire and mass notification systems, emergency response plans, risk assessments, SRO’s, guard services, metal detectors, hall monitors, vaping detection, shot detection, etc. So, what is school “security”?
No one will deny that there is endless work for design and construction professionals in the educational space right now with new construction projects, additions/renovations and code updates. There are security and infrastructure upgrades, platform changes, cloud options, on premise and hybrid options, and different hardware options. These projects are taking place at pre-K through 12 public schools, private and charter schools, higher education institutions, and special ed institutions. We as security design professionals have responsibilities beyond many for such a small scope of work in any given project.
Security in schools is the most necessary unnecessary system in the building. You can get a Certificate of Occupancy without security, manually lock doors without security, and teach classes without security, so what’s the big deal?
When credentialed experienced security professionals look at a project, we look through the view of the whole Security Program. Security is not simply a system. It is the systems (technology) with the employees using the systems (people with training), and the functional needs and requirements (operation). Technology, people and operations is what makes a good security program; without them all, the security program is insufficient to support the building functions.
On Premise Systems vs. Cloud Systems
There is a conflict today with security systems that needs mention. Today every school district in Massachusetts is being pressured by sales people to deploy cloud systems. The two main systems are Access Control and Video Management Systems. I will caution any district that installs a proprietary cloud-based system with a long-term contract.
Access Control Systems
These cloud companies are not advising school districts of what their limitations are with access control. Some systems cannot even perform a “lock down” or a “shelter in place” function. This is a critical deficiency that they are not advising. They are cloud companies, not security companies. The other challenge we face with cloud companies is what happens with onsite door hardware issues? As we know, an Access Control System is typically tied to a door and locking hardware. Cloud companies cannot be onsite to troubleshoot these doors. And who is responsible when a door isn’t working? The cloud company, the security vendor, the electrical contractor, the Division 08 locking hardware vendor or the IT department? We have learned over the years, in new construction specifically, that once you introduce a new party into a functional system, things go awry with the finger pointing.
Video Management Systems
Video Management Systems in cloud format also have deficiencies. These cloud companies are sending masses of sales teams out to again convince the IT team in the district that school video management should be 100% cloud with their proprietary system. Districts are unknowingly signing long-term contracts with these companies. What the districts are not being advised of is that there is a single point of failure with these companies: the cloud company itself. How are clients told when there is a problem with the cloud? Are they? First responders need eyes in the school on call instantly. A hybrid solution that is non-proprietary is the best option of mitigating a proprietary cloud-based video system.
Cloud companies do not understand “duty of care” for children, and the responsibilities security brings to schools. These systems need to be hybrid non-proprietary open solutions that will satisfy the IT departments, administration and first responders who collectively have responsibilities for school children. School security and systems should be risk driven, and those designing these systems should be credentialled individuals with experience in securing school facilities. There are very specific considerations in design. Pre-K through 12 clients depend on this experience and expertise.
Pamela Perini
Pamela Perini, PSP is principal security consultant and owner at Pamela Perini Consulting, LLC.
