Future of School Security: Leveraging Innovative Approaches in Technology for Safer Schools

Ensuring the safety and health of our children is of utmost importance, particularly in schools. As parents, educators, and community members, we all have a shared interest in ensuring schools are secure. We must consider different strategies and innovative technology to create a safe learning environment in our rapidly changing world.

Let’s examine innovative approaches in technology that enhance K-12 school security while addressing privacy, cybersecurity, and bias concerns.

Innovative Approaches in Technology: Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Security

Thanks to incredible progress in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning, we can access powerful tools to improve school security. Two ways to achieve this are through AI-powered computer vision technology and video analytics, which are transforming physical security. Traditional video security systems are reactive and only useful after an incident has occurred. However, modern video security is more proactive with AI technology and can identify emerging security threats. This allows school administrators and authorities to take appropriate action promptly.

Intelligent algorithms and object recognition can be added to existing security systems allowing security personnel to receive alerts. Alerts may include suspicious activity, unauthorized individuals, dangerous objects, open doors, people in distress, and more. AI-powered cameras can:

• Provide instant alerts.
• Empower school administrators and security personnel to intervene early and prevent incidents.
• Create a safer environment for children.

Innovative Approaches in Technology: Digital Twins for Emergency Response and Preparedness

In a recent interview with PASS, Kasia Hanson, the global director of physical and cybersecurity ecosystem and partnerships at Intel, shared her thoughts on how digital twins can greatly benefit school emergency response and preparedness.

Schools typically have protocols and resources, such as an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), to handle emergencies. However, by incorporating digital twin technology or virtual models replicating physical environments, they can enhance the effectiveness of their EOP. Doing so allows administrators and security personnel to simulate emergency scenarios. School officials can also conduct drills, test security measures, and improve response strategies in a virtual environment.

Digital twins enhance our understanding of school layouts. The technology enables us to optimize security measures such as positioning cameras, mapping emergency exit routes, and devising evacuation plans. By taking these measures, we can enhance our preparedness for emergencies and ensure the safety of our children.

Innovative Approaches in Technology: Biometrics for Access Control

The use of biometric technologies in schools is a promising way to improve access control. The Enhanced Technologies section of the PASS School Safety and Security Guidelines explains that biometric technology is becoming more common in K-12 schools. Its main purpose is to increase the efficiency of school and district administrative functions that require identity verification and enhanced data security. But, it also has applications for physical security.

One effective method of securing school property is through the use of finger-scanning technology. This biometric technology enhances privacy while providing access to authorized individuals. Staff and students can create a unique code by scanning their fingers, which grants them entry to the premises.

On the other hand, facial identification systems for access control provide a touchless interface and numerous advantages. For instance, these systems can scan faces against the district’s database of images, preventing unauthorized individuals from entering the school and alerting staff of possible matches.

In 2020, the Lockport City School District in New York became one of the first school districts in the country to deploy facial identification technology to enhance security. Overall, biometric solutions offer convenience and reliability while ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter the school premises.

Addressing Bias and Privacy Concerns

The use of technology in schools can raise concerns for parents, school administrators, and the local community, especially regarding issues related to bias and privacy. This has been the case in school districts like Lockport City. There, some parents expressed worry that the technology could compromise students’ privacy and lead to unfair outcomes.

All technology, including automation and AI, has its limitations. AI-powered systems like facial identification have received criticism for exhibiting racial and gender biases, particularly against people of color. Tech companies are responsible for prioritizing diversity and inclusivity in developing and training these systems to address this issue.

Thorough testing of the algorithms with diverse datasets and regular audits can help identify and correct any emerging biases. As advocates for school safety and security, we can also do our part by thoroughly vetting AI-powered technology to determine which solutions best enhance our children’s schools.

Protecting students’ privacy is a major concern, and schools must have clear policies on collecting, storing, and using data. Parents or guardians must consent before collecting sensitive information like fingerprints for finger-scanning technology. It’s essential to ensure that data is anonymized and securely stored to prevent unauthorized access using cybersecurity practices.

It’s also important for school administrators to regularly check their data practices to find and fix any potential problems. Being transparent about the technology used and safeguarding it is crucial in gaining the trust of parents and administrators. School officials should provide detailed and easy-to-understand information about the technology they use, what it’s used for, and how they keep student information private.

To ease the concerns of parents and administrators, school districts can address bias and privacy issues related to technology. Collaboration between schools, technology providers, experts, and multidisciplinary safety teams (MDSTs) can ensure innovative technologies are used responsibly and ethically to enhance security and safety while protecting students’ rights and well-being.

It’s essential to foster an ongoing dialogue and engagement with stakeholders to address concerns, gather feedback, and continuously improve the use of technology in K-12 schools. Refer to the PASS guidelines for further guidance on enhancing school safety and security and the various technologies and procedures that can be beneficial.

Let’s continue to work together to create a secure and nurturing learning environment for our children where the innovative use of technology aligns with the principles of fairness, privacy, and inclusivity.

About PASS

The Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) bringing together expertise from the education, public safety, and industry communities to develop and support a coordinated approach to making effective and appropriate decisions with respect to safety and security investments. You can download the complete PASS Guidelines or check out our PASS Safety and Security Checklist for quick start tips. These resources—as well as whitepapers on various topics including barricade devices, lockdown drills, and more—are available at no cost.