Appropriate and Effective Use of Security Technologies in U.S. Schools

• NCJ Number: 178265
• Date Published: September 1999
• Length: 140 pages
• Publication Series: NIJ Research Report
• Grant Number(s): 97-IJ-R-072
• Agencies: NIJ

Annotation

This document provides basic guidelines on what, if any, security technologies should be considered when developing safe school strategies.

Abstract

The guide is intended to help schools, in concert with their law enforcement partners, analyze their vulnerability to violence, theft and vandalism, and suggest possible technologies to effectively address those problems. It describes commercially available technologies and urges thoughtful consideration of not only the potential safety benefits that may accrue from their use but also possible costs for capital investments, site modifications, additional staffing, training and equipment maintenance and repair. The guide discusses security concepts and operational issues, video surveillance, weapon detection devices (walk-through and hand-held metal detectors and x-ray baggage scanners), entry controls, and duress alarms. The document does not replace the use of appropriate expert advice or provide detailed instructions on installing equipment or making cost estimates, but it does offer practical guidance that should enable schools and law enforcement agencies to make better-informed decisions on security technology. Figures, resources