Forward-thinking security solutions for UK schools
Safety and effectively managing security operations in school environments can be uniquely challenging. Not only are schools exposed to key risks like theft and vandalism, but legal, ethical and technical factors can introduce additional operational complications.
Knowledge and skill gaps can impact the efficacy of security operations, as administrators and educators often lack familiarity with modern security technologies. To reliably safeguard students, security measures must be both intelligent and user-friendly.
Smart security cameras
Robust, yet discreet school security cameras offer a first line of defense against safety risks. Smart multisensor and dome cameras positioned to cover high-risk locations like hallways and classrooms help provide optimal coverage without drawing unwanted attention.
Intelligent cameras like the Avigilon H5A Multisensor and Avigilon H6 Mini Dome leverage advanced sensors and wide fields-of-view to help capture high-quality footage using minimal hardware, which can improve situational awareness without distracting or disturbing students.
For outdoor use, models like the Avigilon H6A PTZ provide 360-degree views of expansive areas like building perimeters, with adjustable pan, tilt and zoom functions and AI analytics features to help identify subtle anomalies like suspicious motion at unusual times. Plus, look for high-impact ratings to ensure school cameras can withstand attempted vandalism.
Cloud management systems
A further benefit to leveraging smart school security cameras is that they can integrate into wider cloud management systems, enabling inexperienced operators to access, adjust and view devices freely from any secure smart device.
Cloud management systems empower operators to leverage advanced features like AI video analytics from within a user-friendly, remote-access platform. In practice, admins can program automated alerts for common risks like intrusions, people loitering and loud noises or disturbances.
To improve response times further, school security admins should look to leverage intelligent systems that can interact or integrate. For example, access control and alarm systems may be configured to trigger alerts or specific system actions based on behavior identified by security cameras.
Intelligent alarm and site protection systems
Smart, data-rich alarm systems are another key element of an effective security system for UK schools. Through combinations of connected IoT sensors, alarms and remote-access management software, admins can identify suspicious activities in real-time, with better insight and context for appropriate response.
Going beyond traditional UK school alarm systems, Avigilon Alta Protect can integrate with camera, access and alarm systems to remotely warn operators of emerging risks. This solution uses AI-driven video and audio analytics to help prevent escalations by identifying if a person enters an area they shouldn't be in, and remotely verifying the incident to reduce false positives and speed response.
Custom thresholds and responses can be configured to help admins adjust systems to meet unique needs of UK schools. Trends highlighted by AI analytics help inform practical operations, and 24/7 observance provided by internal or external teams helps ensure all risks are actioned according to protocol.
While intelligent security systems, such as AI-drive cameras, cloud-based management platforms and smart site protection are important, the key to better operations lies in bringing these components together. Improving security measures for UK schools requires integrating video, access and alarms, and smarter configuration so school admins can easily use their systems for better security outcomes.
AUTHOR BIO
Kristian Sandvik
Senior Product Manager, Avigilon
With over 20 years of experience in product design, user experience and product management, Kristian currently serves as Senior Product Manager at Avigilon, with a focus on intelligent, cloud-based security solutions. He specializes in technology that leverages video and audio analytics, as well as remote monitoring, to bridge the gaps that exist in physical security solutions today.
