Campus security is a top priority for colleges, with measures including police, video surveillance, and technology such as text message and computer notifications. These systems work together to deter and prevent crime and keep students safe.
With large numbers of students and faculty entering college campuses each year, safety is a top priority. While all schools have security measures in place, some prefer to implement up-to-date technology. Basic types of campus security include campus police and video surveillance, while newer ones seek to draw attention to where students are usually looking – the Internet. Schools are always looking for ways to better inform students and teachers about important information, from criminal incidents to severe weather conditions.
Video cameras are a form of campus security that allow you to view multiple areas of the campus at once from a secure, remote location. Campus security monitors the footage and looks for suspicious people or activity, as well as any crimes in progress. This allows someone to have eyes and ears in almost every area of the campus at all times, whether on foot patrol or watching from behind a security camera.
A security system that has been used on college campuses for some time allows door access to secure areas by swiping a school-issued photo ID card. The system is used in many areas, including dormitories and certain after-hours buildings. In some cases, students may only enter school premises after swiping or showing their ID card.
Campus police have proven to be an essential form of campus security. While some schools only hire non-certified security personnel, others hire certified police officers as well. They patrol on and off campus grounds and also monitor video surveillance footage.
Schools realized that in order to improve campus security, they would have to move forward with technology. As the number of students with personal cell phones increased, followed by an increase in text messaging, schools were upgraded to a text message emergency notification system. Emergency notices are sent to all students who register for the service. While it works, some schools have found flaws in the system – one problem is that not all students register for notifications and the other problem that some schools have had a delay between sending and receiving texts. Some students may not receive them for a few minutes or more, while others may not receive anything for an hour or more.
Some schools have also started using computer notifications to improve campus security. They keep students updated through social networking sites, email, the school website, and even desktop alerts. Desktop Alerts participants receive emergency information even when they are off campus, as long as they are connected to the Internet and have the appropriate programs installed on their computer.
Campus security is a vital part of keeping students and faculty safe. The various components work together to deter crime, prevent it from happening, and notify students before the situation can escalate. Though they often go unnoticed, they are in nearly every area of campus and watching from the sidelines.
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