Learning Environment Can't Feel Like a Prison

Schools are no different than facilities that are occupied by a large number of people and face the same challenging elements. Terrorism is not limited to our global enemies attempting to disrupt our way of life, it includes students bringing weapons onto the campus for showmanship or intent to harm others; and gangs who not only threaten the facility by means of vandalism, but also endanger its occupants.

Access control is one of the most common ways to start addressing all of these issues for any type facility, but let’s take a moment to see how these situations can be reasonably addressed without having a fundraiser or passing a bond issue to pay for them.

First, let’s make reference to the most common platform in security systems design as developed by the American Society of Industrial security (ASIS) — detect, deter, delay, respond. Let’s also dismiss the myth that higher security means a bigger lock on the front door. Security begins at the perimeter, not at the front door.

Detection can be accomplished by several means from sophisticated video surveillance to systems as simple as buried or fence applied sensors. Depending on the fence material applied to, the sensors can be completely covert and tamper resistant. These sensors can actuate lighting, trigger alarms, or send a message to an assigned observation point.

Next is the fence itself. The type and quality of fence materials used will determine the degree of deterrence you can achieve. The stronger the platform used, the greater the potential will be for the threat to move to another location. It is important for a campus fence to not only provide adequate protection, but also be aesthetically pleasing. Campuses can use an ornamental steel fence, moving away from traditional chain link.

Delay, the third element in completing your physical security package, is also addressed at the fence line. Several of the ASIS vulnerability assessment models allow for 4 seconds of delay using a heavy gauge chain link fence with barbed wire atop. Other ornamental products are allowed one minute or more in the same application.

The last element is response. This can vary from local authorities being summoned, to dedicated on-site security being alerted. Given your specific situation, a number of possibilities are available.

>> Courtesy of Ameristar Fence.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • StarRez Releases 2025 State of Student Housing Report

    Student housing software solutions provider StarRez recently released its second State of the Student Housing Industry Report, according to a news release. The report is based on the results of survey data from more than 400 higher education institutions around the world, both StarRez clients and not.

  • AP Construction Breaks Ground on Two Projects for Austin ISD

    Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) recently announced that it has broken ground on two renovation projects for the Austin Independent School District, according to a news release. The work at McCallum and Anderson High Schools totals 97,350 square feet and is scheduled for completion in January 2027.

  • New Kent State Academic Building Earns LEED Silver Certification

    Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, recently announced that its newest academic building, Crawford Hall, has earned a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The facility was recognized for its innovative design, water conservation technologies, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable construction materials, among other features.

  • Anderson Brulé Architects Rebrands as ABA Studios

    Anderson Brulé Architects, based in San Jose, Calif., recently announced that it is celebrating 40 years of service by rebranding under a new name, according to a news release. The architectural, interior design, and planning firm will now be known as ABA Studios to refresh its identity underneath a new generation of leadership.

Digital Edition