Mass notification systems, security cameras, two-way radios, and other associated devices are all immensely important. In these turbulent times, they have become even more crucial than they used to be. Interoperability solutions may seem like an unnecessary expense, but campuses at all levels should deploy them regardless. The real question is: can your security technologies “talk” to each other? If they don’t, then they should.
Technology and Challenges
Our discussion begins here: centered on the interplay of technology and resolutions. Campus protection professionals depend on various technologies to help make speed up response and ensure that the response in question is appropriate to the situation. Considering the unrest around the nation, first responders need to be mindful of how they proceed in the name of campus and community safety. As great as security technologies, they do come with a learning curve. This learning curve presents numerous challenges; namely, through disparate systems provided by different vendors. This setup often prevents swift communication inasmuch as the devices won’t be able to “talk” to each other. Mass notification systems, two-way radios, and video surveillance all need to be able to work in unison.
The Necessity of Interoperability
Interoperability between separate security technologies should be prioritized at all costs. According to Campus Safety’s 2020 Emergency Notification Survey, only 14% of respondents reported that their MNS integrate with a radio that bridges the divide between school radios and law enforcement radios. One in ten or 11% said that their emergency alert solutions transmit video footage from on-campus cameras to the first responders who arrive. An astounding 50% indicated that they know to reduce the turnaround time from incident to resolution: likewise, another 50% wished to add radio bridging if they could.
The necessity of interoperability became starkly apparent during the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The after-action report summarized everything that unfolded – the startling lack of communication between the officers and deputies who used outdated systems hampered their ability to contain the shooter and save more people on-campus at the high school. The campus community was also exposed to higher risks; delays of available footage also made response time much slower than it needed to be.
Quicker Resolution Times for Security Incidents
In the end, quicker resolution times for security incidents must be a top priority of all schools. Public safety cannot be downplayed, especially when lives are on the line.
Trust the Professionals at ARK Systems
Located in Columbia, Maryland, ARK Systems provides unsurpassed quality and excellence in the security industry, from system design through to installation. We handle all aspects of security with local and remote locations. With over 30 years in the industry, ARK Systems is an experienced security contractor. Trust ARK to handle your most sensitive data storage, surveillance, and security solutions. Contact ARK Systems at 1-800-995-0189 or click here today. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!