College is a time full of excitement and anticipation for the future, but with it comes a sense of the unknown. Since we’ve seen far too many senseless crimes committed at campuses across the United States in recent years, campus safety has become more important than ever.
Choosing a safe college for yourself or your loved one shouldn’t leave you with a feeling of fear. With 3,982 institutions in the country, security at collegiate institutions is just as important as any other building. Students and parents already face so much mystery when going to their new school, so having proper security methods in place can make that transition easier for everyone.
There are currently laws in place that encourage campuses to continually develop their security measures and maintain a level of standards for all crime and fire reports. These laws include the Campus Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, also known as the Clery Act, as well as the Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act which was signed in 2008. They require universities and colleges to publish annual security and fire safety reports, distribute these reports to staff and students, educate prospective students on reports, and provide warnings of crimes or threats to the college campus community.
Aside from these laws, there are other vital security measures that colleges and universities should undoubtedly prioritize. At GoJoe Patrol, we believe that there are 5 security options no college campus should be without.
1. Security Cameras
Through the evolution of technology, the “standard” security camera has come a long way. Having the proper equipment to detect and accurately pick up criminal activity is more important than ever. This is such a crucial investment for a college and extends to any industry. Some college campuses stretch for miles with dozens of buildings, so it’s important to have a dynamic security camera system spread out to protect both students and property 24/7. Coupling this with alarm response maintains a watchful eye at all hours of the day and night, giving you peace of mind no matter the circumstance.
2. Unmanned Aerial Systems
In recent years, drones have been used more and more frequently to cover large pieces of land. The FAA defines the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) as “an unmanned aerial and the equipment necessary for the safe and efficient operation of that aerial.” These aerials must be operated without the possibility of direct human intervention. There are several regulations for these types of security measures, but by using unmanned systems, universities, and colleges receive a much higher quality and a larger view of their campus. The UAS offers the ability to program precise coordinates for complete coverage over a designated area, such as game day at the arena, college graduation, or a campus event.
3. Emergency Blue Light Phones
There are times in life when timing and location are of the essence. For young students heading back to their dorm room at 2 AM from studying at the library, it’s important that they feel safe when walking on campus alone at night. Some college campuses stretch for acres and it’s crucial that there are safety precautions in place for when no one is around. While security cameras can only cover so much, another great resource to have is the emergency blue light phones spread out in the poorly lit and vulnerable areas of campus. These poles offer a quick and efficient way to call 911 and alert authorities that you are in trouble.
4. Mass Notification System
With the year being 2021, it’s safe to assume that most students and staff at a university have some sort of cellular device. Cell phones have been an amazing tool for connecting one another with safety and security threats. From an Amber Alert to a hurricane warning, there are several options for mass notifications. Because of the ability to bridge the communication gap through texting, e-mail, and pop-up alerts, this system is a highly recommended tool for campuses across the country. Some other examples of college emergency messages include severe weather, campus lockdown, and building evacuation.
5. Patrolling Security Guards
Last but certainly not least is a security measure that has proven for decades to be successful in preventing and deferring criminal activity. Whether it’s mobile security or guards on foot patrolling campus, this method is beneficial for a number of reasons. College security guards help relieve the minds of students, staff, and even parents on campus safety. From dorm theft and building vandalism to assault cases – it’s crucial to have a first line of defense just moments away. Mobile security helps protect against whatever dangers may come.
Attending college should be one of the best times of a young adult’s life. From meeting lifelong friends to pursuing educational paths, safety shouldn’t be something they have to worry about. Are the current campus security methods at your university falling short? Go Joe identifies what improvements could be made to meet the safety needs of staff and students alike. No other company can promise quality commercial security with integrity and a passion for the community we serve. Our vehicles, like every gas-powered car on the road, emit greenhouse gases. So, we’ve chosen to help fund energy efficiency projects at the corporate level in order to offset our cars’ carbon contributions. It’s just one more way we’re focused on protection at all levels. Learn more about our environmental commitments here.
