In recent years, tragedies from gun violence at schools have reached an unprecedented frequency—one that threatens to normalize school shootings as a part of everyday American life.
Outdoor protection for campuses requires the monitoring of numerous surveillance camera feeds—which many school districts might not have the manpower to watch 24/7.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities are some of the most active public spaces in the United States, and while most facilities strive to maintain a welcoming atmosphere, without protective measures this open-door policy can make them vulnerable to criminal activity.
The metal detectors are currently being tested in the main lobby, but were previously found to be “very effective” in the emergency department, according to John Bolde, director of safety and security for Munson Healthcare.
East Islip school officials said they will be implementing security changes beginning early next year, including the addition of armed security guards on campuses and the installation of new safety hardware.
CCSD plans to install a shooter detection system, key fob access control, a wired and wireless panic button system, a paging system, a metal detector, two-way radios and upgrades to lighting. The STOP School Violent Act will pay for 75 percent of the costs for these upgrades.
Since 2013, there have been more than 300 education-campus related gunfire incidents in the U.S.—an average of about one per week. With an increase in hostile events, gunfire incidents and other security breaches have prompted parents and administrators to examine and improve campus security.
Keeping K-12 schools safe is a challenging business. School administrators and security personnel face the task of weighing real and perceived threats, and finding effective and cost-efficient ways to address them while maintaining a non-threatening environment.
- By Sydny Shepard, Andreas Pettersson
Burlington County has $20 million in grants available for security improvements to all 21 public high schools in the county.