Security for Education: Protecting Students, Staff, and Institutions from All Angles
Security for Education: Protecting Students, Staff, and Institutions from All Angles
It’s no joke educational institutions face a growing array of security risks—ranging from school shootings and violent incidents to cyberattacks, data breaches, and unauthorized access. These threats not only put the safety of students and staff at risk, but they can also severely disrupt the learning environment. As we enter a new era of security challenges, it's crucial for schools to adopt comprehensive, modern security solutions to address these concerns.
At TCI, we understand the evolving needs of educational institutions and offer a range of advanced security solutions designed to protect both physical and digital assets. Let’s explore the latest statistics around security threats and how TCI can help schools build safer environments.
The Growing Need for School Security
School safety isn't just about responding to incidents—it's about preventing them from happening in the first place. Here are some key statistics that highlight the critical need for robust security measures:
1. School Shootings: Between 2000 and 2022, there were 1,375 school shootings in the U.S. at both public and private institutions, resulting in 515 deaths and 1,161 injuries (USAFacts). As of 2024, there have been at least 83 school shootings, with 27 occurring on college campuses and 56 on K-12 school grounds (CNN).
2. Violent Incidents: In the 2021–22 school year, U.S. public schools reported around 857,500 violent incidents, including physical fights and attacks with weapons (NCES).
3. Cyberattacks and Data Breaches: Cybersecurity is also a growing concern, as schools become prime targets for cyberattacks and data breaches. In fact, between 2016 and 2022, over 1,600 publicly disclosed cyberattacks occurred on K-12 schools (PreyProject). A report from PowerSchool reveals that 55% of all data breaches at K-12 schools between 2016 and 2021 resulted from breaches at third-party vendors, underscoring the importance of secure IT systems (PowerSchool).
4. Intrusions and Unauthorized Access: Schools need systems that can detect and prevent unauthorized access. Over 92% of schools in the U.S. have written plans for active shooter situations, 78% lock building doors, and 81% have security cameras to monitor for intrusions (Wikipedia).
Comprehensive Security Solutions for Schools
At TCI, we recognize that securing a school involves much more than just locking doors and installing cameras. Our solutions are designed to address both the physical and digital security challenges schools face today. Here’s how we can help:
1. Cybersecurity Protection With the rising threat of data breaches and cyberattacks, safeguarding your school’s digital IT Infrastructure is just as important as securing its physical premises. TCI’s Cybersecurity solutions include data encryption, secure network design, and continuous monitoring to protect sensitive information from internal and external threats.
2. Video Surveillance Systems Our state-of-the-art video surveillance technology ensures 24/7 monitoring across your campus. Whether you're protecting classrooms, hallways, or parking lots, our video systems help prevent and respond to incidents with real-time alerts and recorded footage.
3. Access Control
Control who enters your school buildings with sophisticated Access Control systems. Whether through card readers, biometric systems, or digital keys, our solutions ensure that only authorized individuals gain access to sensitive areas, such as classrooms, offices, and storage rooms.
4. Emergency & Mass Notifications
In times of crisis, communication is crucial. TCI’s emergency notification systems provide rapid alerts to everyone on campus, including students, faculty, and staff. These systems can send mass alerts via text, email, and digital signage, keeping everyone informed and safe during emergencies.
5. IT Infrastructure Support
A robust IT Infrastructure is foundational for both security and educational operations. TCI offers IT infrastructure support to ensure your school’s network, servers, and devices are running smoothly, secure, and up to date.
6. Time Clocks & Attendance Systems
Automated time clocks and attendance systems help streamline administrative tasks and enhance security by accurately tracking when individuals enter or leave the building. These systems can integrate with access control systems for a complete view of who’s on campus and when.
7. Bell Systems & Paging/Intercom
Our advanced bell systems provide clear, reliable announcements throughout your school. Integrated Paging and Intercom Systems enable quick, real-time communication with staff and students, crucial for managing daily schedules and emergencies.
8. Visitor Management
Our visitor management systems allow for easy check-in and tracking of all visitors on your campus. This not only enhances safety but also helps ensure that only authorized individuals are on the premises. With features like ID scanning and badge printing, we provide an effective way to manage and monitor visitors.
9. Environmental Sensors & Air Quality Detection
Our environmental sensors include air quality monitoring to detect harmful pollutants such as vaping or hazardous substances. These sensors help ensure a safe and healthy environment for both students and staff. By monitoring air quality, schools can address any issues that may arise, including the detection of vaping or other concerns that pose health risks. Click here for more information and to get Verkada’s 2023 vaping detection survey, bringing together perspectives and insights from parents, high school teachers, and vaping and non-vaping teenagers alike.
Building a Safer Future: TCI’s Commitment to Education Security
At TCI, we are committed to helping educational institutions stay ahead of security challenges. Our solutions integrate seamlessly into existing systems, providing a comprehensive approach to school safety and security. From preventing cyberattacks and protecting data to ensuring real-time communication in emergencies, we offer everything schools need to create a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and faculty.
By investing in modern Security Systems today, you are protecting the future of education and providing peace of mind to everyone involved. If you’re ready to enhance your school’s security, contact TCI today for a consultation and learn more about our range of solutions.
With TCI’s comprehensive security solutions, educational institutions can protect what matters most—students, staff, and the future of learning. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you enhance school safety and security.
