Security Solutions & Crisis Management Tools for Schools

Having an effective crisis management plan for Boston area schools is an essential task for Massachusetts superintendents. In the wake of violence in American schools, it’s important to practice emergency preparedness and to achieve efficient response times. Fortunately, the evolution of security and communication technologies has introduced better, safer solutions for industries across the board.

Coordination is the key to mitigating danger when an emergency strikes. The interoperability of your technology lends itself to the efficiency of your representatives: From public safety officials and EMS to teachers and coaches, full connectivity equates to more lives saved.

Beyond utilizing a two-way radio communications system, security and crisis management can be optimized by utilizing a diverse range of audio and video security technologies. With a solid plan and the following security technologies, you can help protect your school, staff, and students.

Video Surveillance & Access Control

Suppose there’s been a break-in at your school during active hours. Many questions arise: Was a door left unlocked or forced open? Is the perpetrator armed or dangerous? What kind of immediate threat does this incident pose to staff and students? Tracking an unfolding incident in real time is nearly impossible without dependable and accessible security footage.

A video surveillance system functions as the eyes of your building without requiring constant in-person supervision. Equipping a school with surveillance technology is commonplace now more than ever, providing documentation of any and all breaches around the clock. Live feeds allow for accurate monitoring during the school day, and playback capabilities help to review suspicious activity after hours.

Avigilon is a Motorola security solution that partners video surveillance with access control and state-of-the-art security software, delivering clear image quality and full control over video playback. What’s more, Avigilon Control Center software integrates seamlessly with pre-existing access control, intercoms, external alarms, and POC systems. Best of all, security cameras can be added to your current operations with almost no increase in bandwidth, servers, or hardware.

Mutualink

Reducing emergency response times is the prime goal of security communications and technology. Whenever safety is on the line, seconds can make the difference between containing an inactive threat and mediating an active situation. Coordination is key to protecting your staff and students, and one of the best ways to improve response time is to achieve full interoperability of your team’s technology.

In an emergency, effective communication with public safety officials leads to better response times—and better outcomes. Mutualink encourages this by connecting superintendents with first responder agencies, regardless of device or network type. Encrypted radio, video, text messaging and file sharing provide situational awareness to all involved parties through their preferred communication devices.

One of the unique functions of this interoperability tool is its panic button feature, which can simultaneously call 9-1-1, initiate a Mutualink collaboration session between the school and first responders, and notify on-site personnel—all at the push of a button. Additionally, the incorporation of an IP-based solution allows radio, voice, and video communication to connect seamlessly across a wide number of locations and with affiliated partner agencies.

FirstNet

In the event of an active threat at their school, superintendents and supervisors need access to a direct line of communication with emergency responders.

When an emergency affects the community as a whole, typical lines of communication to police officers, firefighters, and medics can become overwhelmed with traffic. From panicked parents trying to locate their children to witnesses and victims seeking immediate aid, common channels become bottlenecked; as a result, critical messages can go unreceived.

A dedicated public safety broadband network can bypass any congestion and get messages from the site of the incident to the appropriate responders in real time. This is the essence of FirstNet: A nationwide, broadband network that connects first responders to a direct line of communication with school superintendents and representatives.

The advanced communication and collaboration technologies of FirstNet benefit first responders as much as the communities they serve; the system allows for people in emergency situations to relay uninterrupted, real-time updates and data. In turn, response efforts are more efficient, safer, and less prone to the panic that uncoordinated communication can cause.

Finding the Best Solution for Your School

Implementing a security solution can be daunting for a number of reasons; arguably, the most common challenges schools face is the overall cost. Many schools cannot afford the full scope of solutions recommended above. Fortunately, Motorola offers select promotions and grant programs to help equip schools with the security solutions they deserve. Apply for funding here.

CyberComm is proud to provide all of the products mentioned above, in addition to providing professional installation, consultation, and maintenance services. Ready to discuss how these security solutions can protect your school?

Contact CyberComm: New England’s Premier Wireless Solutions Provider.
CyberComm proudly serves communities in the Boston Metropolitan area and across New England. We have locations in Woburn and Bridgewater, Massachusetts, as well as Warwick, Rhode Island. Our service areas extend into Connecticut, including Windham and New London counties.