How to Re-Evaluate Your Campus Security

By Steven Capogna | July 23, 2019
How to Re-Evaluate Your Campus Security

Developing a security plan for a university or college isn’t easy. Once you create one, you can’t set it on a shelf and consider the project done. A safety plan is a security strategy that constantly evolves, and it must be re-evaluated periodically to make sure it’s still working. Your college or university may have undergone significant changes, or even the city infrastructure around your campus may have changed. Here are some important tings to consider when re-assessing your campus security plan.

Common Security Challenges Campuses Face

University security departments have adopted a multi-layered approach to campus security. Advancements in technology allow for the integration of multiple security systems to provide a higher level of security.

It’s critical that security directors consider protective factors for the community, the institution, and individual people as well as environmental risks. An experienced integrator can work with you to find trouble areas that are easy to miss on a day to day basis. They’ll help you update your security plan and advise you on changes that should be made so that you can redirect resources to the correct places.

The first thing a security integrator will do is perform a risk assessment of the whole campus, evaluating problems on and offsite. This checklist contains the primary areas needed to focus on when assessing campus risks. The risk assessment will serve as a roadmap for your new security plan to save money and appropriate to the right places.

Risk Assessment Checklist

  • Outdoor lighting, landscaping, and fencing– Identify any places where people can stash contraband or where criminals can hide.
  • The surrounding city or town– Are there recent changes in traffic patterns which may affect your campus? Do nearby businesses affect the campus?
  • Athletic fields, arenas, and large on–campus stadiums– Venues that attract tens of thousands of people may need their own risk assessment. Look at the policy for internal patrol as well as access control and perimeter security.
  • Garages and parking lots– Do all exit and entry points have adequate lighting that works? Is there a monitored video camera system?
  • Security policies– Locate campus vulnerabilities and imminent threats.
  • Dorms– Access control is vital here. If you already have an access control system that works, make sure it’s working well for your campus. Talk to your security integrator about adding access to your security system.
  • Electron security systems– Are all of your primary security solutions such as access control, intrusion control, and perimeter security integrated?

As a campus security administrator, the safety of students, faculty, and staff is in your hands. Being proactive instead of reactive mitigates potential threats and saves lives.

About Alarmingly Affordable

With over 35 years of electronic security system experience, the principals of ALARMINGLY AFFORDABLE realize the importance of building and maintaining long-term relationships with both our customers and our suppliers. We take pride in providing our clients with an unparalleled level of quality and service.

Steven Capogna
Follow Us
Latest posts by Steven Capogna (see all)
Posted in School Security