Protection Practitioners Often Overlook Audio
Despite the many benefits audio provides for schools, many security professionals don’t tap into the technology. Global Research firm IHS reported that in 2013 more than 70% of the network cameras that shipped globally had either unidirectional or multidirectional audio capability. However, the audio functions were rarely used.
Many question the legality of re
cording a conversation without mutual consent by all parties involved (see Federal and State Laws Addressing Audio Monitoring). The debate has entered the education sphere through situations like the Pennsylvania teen who made an audio recording of his classmates who were allegedly bullying him. Because of the state’s “zero tolerance policy,” he was convicted of disorderly conduct. Upon appealing the charge and public outcry over the case, Pennsylvania authorities dropped the charges.
Meanwhile Pennsylvania school districts like Pittsburgh Public Schools, Yough School Board Mechanicsburg Area School Board and Bethlehem Area School District Board of Directors have voted to exclude school buses from the state’s wiretapping laws and adopt a new policy on audio. Other school systems like Norwin School District are taking steps toward changing their policies so they can install audio monitoring equipment on buses.
Apply These 4 Installation Tips
With the rise of violence and bullying on campus, administrations need to look for ways to make their schools more secure, and audio is part of the answer. Here are a few general tips and specific recommendations from Steel on what school staff should consider when adding audio monitoring solutions to their security plans.
1. Check Your Existing Technology: Ask your integrator if the video cameras that are installed at your school have audio capabilities. If they do, ask the installer to configure the audio component. If the cameras to do not have audio capability, ask your integrator to recommend a quality audio solution that can be easily connected to a camera or that can be a standalone system installed in parallel with video. Remember, the location determines what type of audio monitoring device is needed. Intercoms are used at the main entrances. Ceiling mounted microphones are used inside the school like a classroom, hallway or cafeteria. A loudspeaker stands outside on the school playground or perimeter.
2. Thoroughly Bench Test the Technology: If you’re considering installing an access control solution with audio and video, have your IT staff test the system in your environment. Just because a solution functions smoothly in a corporate office does not necessarily mean it will easily translate to your campus.
3. Look Into Your IT Support: Adding technology to your school may initially require a lot of technical support due to the new nature of the solution. Make sure you have a team that can handle the infrastructure changes before you start the project.
4. Conduct Security Trainings and Drills: As great as school security solutions are, they are not foolproof. Make sure you give your staff and students the skills and protocols needed so they will know how to respond in times of crisis.
Richard Brent is the CEO of Louroe Electronics.
