Trial and Error
Feb 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By James R. Black
How to achieve maximum benefit from security technology.
Although there are many options, technology will not solve all security problems.
Completely securing a campus environment against every threat is impossible; however, just because someone can break a side window doesn't mean you don't lock your front door. Campuses throughout the nation are deploying security technology at an unprecedented pace as an important component of their security programs.
Modern security systems on campus require special attention to ensure that the equipment and systems function as intended, that they do not overburden staff and that they are maximized to their intended benefits. Individual technologies also must integrate seamlessly so that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Straight talk
To help get maximum benefit from security systems, education institutions should review five common mistakes in campus security technology deployment, as well as tips for how to avoid them.
Straight talk
- Mistake 1: Believing what you read and hear
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Right-sizing today's security technology to better protect the next generation....The security industry does not oversee or regulate what manufacturers print or say about their products. Finding unbiased information about products is difficult. Trying to learn a company's strategic vision for its products and a particular product line is harder. Forecasting which companies may purchase, absorb and otherwise eliminate products is impossible. The flood of proprietary specialty products amplifies the problems faced by decisionmakers.
Schools are challenged for time and resources, and usually need to make decisions quickly. How do education institutions address this challenge? First, they should be skeptical of everything they read and hear. Focus less on technical data such as pixel counts and laboratory-controlled error rates, and more on head-to-head evaluations in real-world conditions. Seek unbiased and experienced evaluations and advice. Use associations or other peer networks to solicit feedback on what works and what doesn't. Before committing to any technology, conduct "proof of concept" testing at a facility to replicate how proposed technologies will perform and, more important, whether the technology meets real needs. This is different from "beta" testing, which allows a company to use a school as a guinea pig for its product development.
Finally, leave an "out" if a particular technology falls flat. Depending on the technologies deployed, putting all security eggs in one basket may not be necessary. Anticipate and prepare for the worst-case scenario. Explore the ways, even with proprietary systems, to lessen the impacts should a change in course be necessary. Develop an infrastructure that can support multiple options.
- Mistake 2: Thinking technology will solve security problems
Every security technology is only as good as the operational and physical security program that supports it. History has demonstrated time and again that the simplest procedural breakdowns can render useless the most sophisticated systems. Remember, security technology is only one aspect of a security program and depends on the success of the other parts in order to be effective.
Some technology proponents and suppliers might assert that video surveillance cameras can replace the need for campus personnel when, depending on the situation, more personnel ultimately might be needed to receive, assess and respond to alerts generated by advanced systems. It is important to keep expectations reasonable about technology's role in an overall security program and thoroughly understand exactly what the impacts will be from each proposed system. Ultimately, a security program's success may hinge on the perception of how effectively and appropriately security technologies have been deployed on campus.
- Mistake 3: Insufficient planning
Security incidents on campus are stressful for everyone. Our instincts tell us that the sooner a problem is addressed, the better we will feel. Security technology such as cameras, access control and intrusion detection can seem like obviously good tools to deploy. However, rushing into deployments without appropriate planning is not always best and, in some cases, can create unnecessary liability.
A thorough understanding of the real vs. perceived needs for security technology throughout campus is necessary prior to deploying any equipment. Security planning for a campus involves understanding not only the school's needs and which technologies are appropriate, but also the "low-tech" and "no-tech" supporting features essential to program success. Wherever cameras are deployed, the campus lighting plan should support them. When facilities are designed or renovated, minimum-security technology standards should be in place. Before product standards decisions are made, a thorough evaluation should be performed, including identifying a pool of competent, factory-certified installing companies to provide options and ongoing support. When security systems costs are estimated, anticipate the 5- to 10-year service and maintenance needs in addition to the ongoing personnel and operational costs of maintaining these systems.
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