Unified School Safety and Security: A Proactive Approach Needed

Michael Garcia of HID Global has highlighted the urgent need for school districts to adopt a proactive and unified approach to safety and security. Traditionally, schools have taken a reactive stance, addressing safety and security vulnerabilities only after incidents have occurred. This often led to piecemeal security upgrades, where equipment like cameras, intrusion sensors, and locks were installed in isolation, without integration, making them less effective.
Garcia points out that risk assessments and comprehensive security measures were not prioritized in school budgets, resulting in a lack of planned, cohesive security strategies. He emphasizes the need for a change in this approach, advocating for a unified system where mental health, behavioral interventions, risk assessments, and security technologies work together seamlessly. This would not only prevent incidents but also ensure a quick and appropriate response when they do occur.
In an interview with Campus Safety editor-in-chief Robin Hattersley-Gray, Garcia further discusses the historical reliance on standalone solutions, the inefficiencies of piecemeal procurement, and the necessity for various groups within a school district to collaborate on security planning. He also outlines the benefits of mobile credentials for rapid incident response and highlights the importance of a unified security program for reliable situational analysis.
Garcia will be presenting on mobile access for improved school security at the 2024 Campus Safety Conference in Atlanta. The aim is to shift school districts from a reactive to a proactive stance on safety and security, ensuring the wellbeing of students and staff through integrated, comprehensive security measures.