Ensuring School Safety as Students Head Back to Class | BAYCOM

The start of a new school year is filled with excitement!  First day outfits have been chosen with care, children are ready to see their friends, and parents are ready to stop hearing “I’m bored.”  Behind the scenes, safety planning has been a focus area for many of our school staff and public safety officials.

Schools are not just places of learning; they are environments where parents should feel peace of mind sending their children and where each student feels secure and protected throughout the day. Ensuring this safety requires a comprehensive approach.

The Multi-Faceted Approach to School Safety

School safety includes many components, each of which is important in making a secure environment. These components include:

1. Threat Assessment: Understanding and identifying potential risks before they escalate is vital. Schools must have systems in place to evaluate and respond to threats effectively.
2. Reporting Systems: Students, staff, and parents need a forum to report concerns. Having a reliable reporting system can prevent issues from escalating by allowing early intervention.
3. Emergency Procedures: In the event of a crisis, well-rehearsed emergency procedures can make all the difference. This includes everything from fire drills to active shooter protocols, ensuring that staff and students know exactly how to respond in any situation.

The Role of Physical Security in Protecting Schools

While these components are all critical, physical security is perhaps the most visible and immediate line of defense. BAYCOM is proud to be at the forefront of enhancing school safety through cutting-edge technologies designed to protect students and staff.

• State-of-the-Art Video Security: BAYCOM has partnered with Motorola Solutions to provide video surveillance solutions that are more advanced than ever, providing high-definition footage and real-time monitoring. These systems not only deter potential threats but also allow for efficient and fast searches of video footage.
• Door Access Control: Controlling who enters and exits the school is a fundamental aspect of physical security. Our door access control solutions ensure that only authorized individuals can enter a facility, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
• AI-Powered Threat Detection: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing school security. AI can analyze video feeds and other data in real-time to identify potential critical events. These systems can automatically alert the right people and trigger lockdown procedures, securing the premises and keeping threats out. 

Case Studies

Every child has the right to learn in a safe and supportive school environment. Every parent has the right to know their school district is prioritizing safety and security. Here are a couple examples where BAYCOM has created mission-critical ecosystems that bring together technologies and solutions:

• Mequon-Thiensville School District (K-12): Two-Way Radios play important role during power outage
• Wauwatosa West High School: Two- Way Radios play critical role in helping special needs students

A Commitment to Safety

As we continue to develop and implement these security measures, our goal remains the same: to create a safe learning environment for students and staff as well as where parents feel more at ease their child is secure.

BAYCOM is committed to staying ahead of the curve, using the latest technology to protect the children we care about. These technologies not only enhance the educational environment but also help in building a cohesive and supportive community around the school. School safety is not just about responding to incidents; it’s about preventing them.