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In response to the increasing violence and shootings in U.S. schools, security has become a critical issue, prompting significant investments in equipment such as surveillance cameras, biometrics, and panic buttons. With the rise of the school security industry, establishing comprehensive standards for safety measures is now more important than ever.
This week, the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), one of the world’s largest professional organizations for security professionals, introduced a new set of recommendations specifically for school security equipment.
The ASIS International School Security Standard covers a broad range of modern security technologies including:
- AI and biometrics
- Surveillance cameras
- Intrusion detection sensors
- Drones and robotics
- Internet of Things (IoT)
Beyond technology, the proposed framework addresses critical aspects of school security such as physical security measures, behavioral threat assessment management (BTAM), and emergency operations planning (EOP). It also provides guidelines for installing vital safety systems like panic buttons and emergency communication systems in schools.
READ: The Current Landscape of School Security
Addressing Concerns and Inconsistencies
The introduction of these standards comes in response to growing concerns about the widespread deployment of security technologies in schools. Controversies have arisen over the use of facial recognition systems due to data privacy issues, algorithmic bias, and concerns about handling biometric data for children. In fact, New York has banned the use of facial recognition in schools entirely.
ASIS emphasized that a major issue schools face today is the lack of consistency in security regulations across different states and countries. “This inconsistency can leave schools vulnerable to a range of security threats,” ASIS explained.
To formulate these new standards, ASIS worked with more than 50 industry experts and received feedback from the public before closing the comment period on September 9th.
Moving Forward
The proposed standards by ASIS aim to create a more unified and secure approach to school safety by standardizing the use of both technology and best practices. These guidelines represent a step forward in improving the overall security framework for educational institutions, helping protect students and staff while addressing privacy concerns and ensuring safety protocols are up to date.
