How can we add gunshot detection to our facilities?

You will need to look at your facilities and identify what classrooms, hallways, entrances, and exits need to be covered. Decide how many sensors that you need. Each sensor will detect within a certain range; for example: 2,500 square feet. Indoor sensors will generally be placed in hallways and entrances at an absolute minimum because statistically shootings occur or start in the entrances or hallways. Place sensors in areas that have more people or where people congregate the most, because if a crime is going to be committed it generally will be focused in an area that has a larger populace. Examples would be in a lunch room or in a large open atrium area where a lot of people hang out.

Decide if you’ll be adapting your existing alarm panel or are you will need to put in an additional network system to support the sensors. Some sensors have integrated contact closures that can tie directly into your alarm panel, therefore minimizing the need for an additional new system. You also need to determine how you want the message to go out. Look for sensors that can provide IP message notification over SMS, email, and other notification means.

In considering a gunshot detection system for your facilities, the main focus is going to be the size of your buildings, the number of sensors that you want to put in those facilities in the high-traffic areas, and the message notification style, whether it’s alarm panel integration or and/or if it includes IP message notification.

This article originally appeared in the College Planning & Management May 2018 issue of Spaces4Learning.

About the Author

Allan Overcast is owner/CEO of Shot Tracer Technologies, Inc. (www.shottracer.com). He can be reached at allan@stti.global or 866/636-8867.

Featured

  • Beeville ISD Starts Construction on New Elementary School

    The Beeville Independent School District near Corpus Christi, Texas, recently began a construction project that will consolidate two existing, aging schools into a new elementary school, according to a news release. The district is partnering with Pfluger Architects and Spawglass General Contractors for the design and construction, respectively, of the new facility.

  • bar graph with the bars made out of abstract cinder blocks and other construction materials

    Spaces4Learning 2025 Trends in K–12: Materials & Construction

    With 2025 well underway, it’s time to take a look at some broader trends submitted by you, our Spaces4Learning readership. We asked for your thoughts on topics like classroom design, health & safety, materials & construction, and technology in both K–12 and higher-education environments. Below is a roundup of 2025 trends in K–12 materials and construction from the experts in the trenches.

  • University of Kentucky Integrates New Cleaning Technology

    The University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., recently installed a new cleaning system designed to improve cooling efficiency on campus, according to a news release. The Facilities Management’s Utilities and Energy Management Unit installed new chiller tubes into two of the chillers at the university’s Central Utility Plant.

  • California High School Debuts $35M Performing Arts Center

    Irvine High School in Irvine, Calif., recently opened its new Performing Arts Center built in partnership with C.W. Driver Companies, according to a news release. The facility cost $35 million and covers about 25,000 square feet.

Cybersecurity & Ransomware Live! VirtCon
May 13-15, 2025
Virtual

Secure Your Seat Today
Use code FREE

REGISTER NOW

Close