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Security for scholars

The recent tragedy that unfolded at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, USA, has driven fear into parents' hearts around the world and highlighted the very modern-day truth that security is near the top of the agenda of any dean or headmaster.

This is the opinion of John Loftus, managing director of Norbain South Africa, one of the continent's leading distributors of CCTV and access control equipment.

Loftus says universities, technikons and schools have specific security requirements, be it for the protection of their students and teachers, or property.

And, while South Africa has yet to experience 'on campus' death on the same scale as Blacksburg or Columbine, there have been many instances - particularly at schools in the 'ganglands' - where teachers and pupils have been threatened, injured and/or killed.

That said, very few educational local institutions have effective security systems in place, unlike institutions in the United Kingdom for example, he says.

Peace of mind

The Applegarth Day Nursery is the first in Nottingham, UK, to have connected its CCTV cameras to the Internet to enable mums and dads, with access to the Internet at home, work, abroad or through their mobile phones to log in via a secure Internet connection to see live video of their children learning and playing at the nursery.

Cameras in each room of the nursery (and the areas for older children) are connected to a video server that both digitally records and connects to the Internet. Parents with permission from the nursery can then view live video from the rooms their child is in via a secure, encrypted Internet connection.

Says Loftus: "A system such as that installed at Applegarth means that, rather than worrying about their children, working parents can focus better on their careers.

"Great care was needed when positioning the cameras. If they were positioned, like many CCTV systems, on the ceiling, they would be too far away from children playing on the floor below and you would see the tops of their heads rather than the expressions on their faces.

"Furthermore, the camera modules needed to be capable of moving horizontally and vertically, as well as freely swivelling to any angle required to ensure the correct image was captured, and special emphasis is being placed on security. The password protected area of the website is encrypted and Internet servers at the school are protected by a firewall and high specification security software. This warns the nursery of any suspicious behaviour."

Intruder detection

A leading-edge CCTV system is also being used on campus at Cornwall College to minimise security risks and to detect problems such as intrusion and vandalism common to large sites.

"Cornwall College has found that CCTV works well as a deterrent," says Loftus. "By making cameras visible it helps to prevent any potential security issues, while making staff and students feel safer in their environment, particularly as remote locations have been programmed to send an alarm if the motion detector is triggered so that the roving patrols or police can be called."

Behaviour monitoring

At Sheffield's King Ecgbert School, which educates 11- to 18-year-olds in newly-opened premises, the CCTV system is an essential tool for monitoring the corridors, classrooms and other areas within the new building acting both as a deterrent and an investigative tool should any incidents occur.

It helps protect pupils from unauthorised people entering the buildings as well as recording any misbehaviour by the students themselves. Pupil behaviour is monitored in areas such as corridors, classrooms, IT rooms, libraries and dining halls. There are also cameras in the toilet areas, positioned to avoid compromising privacy.

"King Ecgbert's system regularly proves its worth. Twice, unwelcome visitors have entered the toilets. The school took images of them and sent them to the police - they were recognised," says Loftus.

"In addition, if anything untoward happens, it can be watched live or as a recording. In a recent incident, a pupil set the fire alarm off and was easily identified. In another, although King Ecgbert is well disciplined, there have been instances of littering or bullying, and these can be stopped immediately. The students are very proud of their new school - but they also know they would be spotted by the cameras!"

Secure access

At Repton Preparatory School, an access control system, supplied by Norbain, has helped improve secure access to classroom blocks. The system is saving them time and money, and has also provided them with a new way to measure time and attendance.

Because a public road runs through the grounds, there was an obvious issue with security that needed to be addressed. All the buildings were secured with locks and keys, a system that was causing a number of problems.

According to Loftus, when the keys were lost, it was both expensive and time consuming to get replacements.

"Additionally, there was the question of what had happened to the keys. If someone else had picked them up, the building would become unsecured and new locks would potentially have to be fitted.

"Secondly, there was the issue of doors being left unsecured after hours. It is easy for busy staff to forget to lock up buildings and on two occasions school property had been stolen as a result.

"The access control system is saving them time and money, and has also provided them with a new way to measure time and attendance. The students and staff are very pleased with the security arrangements. They feel safe and secure, and the system is flexible enough to allow for problem-free movement around the campus, even out of hours."

Theft

Locally, Norbain SA teamed up recently with one of its customers to donate a CCTV security system valued at around R100 000 to Florida Primary School on the West Rand. All hardware and software was donated by Norbain, while Corporate Security contributed the labour and installation expertise. The system comprised 16 outdoor cameras with auto iris lenses, a DVR and colour monitor.

According to Corporate Security managing director, Martin Doyle, the system has a dual purpose. Not only is it intended to deter thieves and vandals, it will improve the physical safety of the children and their teachers as all entrances, exits and drop-off zones are being monitored.

Writing to thank Norbain, principal Mrs Fick said that the Governing Body had recommended the installation of a similar system several years ago but that, as a school, it did not have the funds to do so.

"The majority of our learners - 98% - come from previously disadvantaged communities, thus this donation was most welcome. We are overwhelmed by the generosity shown by Norbain and Corporate Security," she wrote.

Fire detection

"Of course," added Loftus, "in addition to CCTV and access control, other security technologies such as fire detection systems also have a role to play.

"There is a great deal of work to be done in the educational sector to mitigate the risk to teacher and pupil safety, as well as property and I see it as a growth area for the next decade."

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