Texas implements school safety audits, stressing the importance of point-of-access security
by Mik Olson, Campus Contingency
Texas has enacted a comprehensive school safety bill following a tragic mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, which claimed the lives of nearly two dozen students and staff. Under the direction of Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas School Safety Center (TSSC) has conducted undercover audits in 7,200 schools statewide to assess the effectiveness of the new safety measures. The audits focused on areas such as point-of-access security and intruder protocols.
The results of the audits were largely positive, with 95% of the audited schools passing the tests, preventing unauthorized entry by TSSC auditors. However, approximately 5% of the schools failed the test, leaving their doors unlocked and unguarded, creating a potential risk for intruders to enter. In some instances, auditors were able to freely enter through both the front and back doors without being stopped or questioned.
Although 5% may appear to be a relatively small number, even a single school failing this critical test could have life-and-death consequences for students and staff. Recognizing the significance of door security as the first line of defense, the TSSC emphasized the vital importance of ensuring secure entry and exit points to protect lives on campus. It is crucial to prevent students and staff from becoming vulnerable targets to unwanted and criminal intruders, as witnessed in the Uvalde, Texas incident.
So, what’s the solution?
At Campus Contingency, our mission is to equip schools with the necessary resources to ensure student safety. We recommend School Gate Guardian as a trusted and verified point-of-access solution. School Gate Guardian is a leading provider of safety and security solutions tailored for K-12 schools. They offer a range of software products and services that assist schools in managing visitors, volunteers, and students, thus enhancing overall safety protocols and fortifying campuses against unwanted intruders.
Among the solutions provided by School Gate Guardian are a visitor management system, a volunteer management system, an emergency notification system, and a student check-in system. Each of these solutions is specifically designed to enhance the safety and security of K-12 schools, empowering administrators with the necessary tools to monitor and manage campus access effectively.
Given the rise in school shootings and violent incidents in recent years, schools face increasing pressure to prioritize the safety of their students and staff. By collaborating with School Gate Guardian, K-12 schools can take proactive measures towards establishing a secure and welcoming learning environment.
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