University Campus Security Challenges

University campus security can be a difficult challenge to overcome. With hundreds of students coming and going around campus, it is crucial that sufficient security measures are in place. Here we discuss some of the best ways to approach campus security challenges and what measures should be enforced.

STEP 1: Define the problem & Identify Potential Issues

Before investing in more security solutions, it is of upmost importance that all potential threats are considered. The region and demographics of the campus and threat type should be considered. Identify the trends you are experiencing before thinking about which security measures will be best for each of them.

STEP 2: Implement Security Measures

Here are just some of the methods which have proven to be successful for improving university campus security. Use the information you have collated from step one to tackle the campuses specific problems and risks.

•    Access Control- Using access control has been proven to be an effective form of security on campus. Each student usually has an ID badge which provides them access to specific buildings. These not only help identify students, they can provide a sense of protection. An electronic visitor management system should also be considered to keep track of all visitors and people on campus.

•    Turnstiles-Turnstiles can be extremely effective, especially when teamed up with access control equipment. Having these together, can stop the risk of tailgating and help ensure that only authorised people can enter.

•    Bollards- Bollards can successfully protect both vulnerable buildings from damage but also protect pedestrians. Having bollards strategically located throughout the campus can help reduce the risk of accidents from vehicles as they do not allow cars to enter and helps indicate to students and staff where the designated pedestrian areas are with ease.

•    Sufficient Lighting- There have been many studies that highlight the importance of lighting as a security measure. Not only does sufficient lighting automatically make people feel safer, but the light also helps identify any criminals or potential criminals more easily when caught on CCTV and can help act as a deterrent.

•    Barriers- Barriers at the entrances of University campuses can be extremely effective. Especially if they are teamed up with manned security. Having these measures in place from the beginning helps ensure the correct people are let on to campus.

•    Training Courses- Although all the measures mentioned above can be successful, it is crucial that everyone is aware of these security measures and understand the importance of them. Therefore students and staff alike should have security training courses if possible to help them stay safe as well.

STEP 3: Measure effectiveness and continue to measure and adapt

Once you have adopted a strategy the work has not finished. To ensure that it will continue to be effective you must measure the results. If the results are negative, amend your strategy accordingly. Building a university campus that is as safe as possible is a continuous process and will always be adapting and changing.

Here we have discussed the steps needed to approach campus security challenges. A combination of security measures will ensure a 360 holistic security approach that can be extremely robust. However, the important thing to remember is to always measure the impact these security methods have and change and amend wherever necessary.

What's Next?

To find out more about how security can be used successfully on an University campus , please contact us on 01522 682255 for a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security equipment.

Securing Building Sites- Using Physical Security

Securing building sites is a hot topic in the construction industry. Building sites are a common target for vandals and thieves. They can be targets for homeless people as well as kids who view building sites as an adventure playground. It is because of these potential intruders that construction companies must ensure that building sites are as secure as they can be.

Here, we discuss the best ways to achieve this.

Install Perimeter Security

Installing perimeter security is one of the easiest and most effective ways of securing building sites. Ensure any fences or gates are sufficiently high enough to make it difficult for people to climb over. Also ensure there are no gaps beneath the barriers, fences and gates to avoid anyone crawling underneath.

Keep entrances to a minimum

Building sites are easy targets to thieves as it can be difficult to keep track of visitors and contractors. Maintain control over who is entering and exiting the site by limiting the number of entrances and exits.

Install CCTV

Although installing cameras can be expensive, they can be very effective and means that site managers always have visibility of the site. Always post signs when CCTV is in operation. It informs people that they are on camera but also acts as a secondary deterrent if the message is reinforced through clear signs.

Layer security with signage

Although extremely low cost, having signage that is prominent around the site can be extremely effective and adds another layer of security. Even though the signs alone do not prohibit unauthorised personnel, they have been proven to be an effective deterrent. They can be a weak form of security when used alone, but placing them together with other forms of security can help to secure a building site.

Use security lighting

Wherever possible, use security lighting to deter anyone from entering. The security lights are motion censored and can deter people from entering, especially at night time. If any intruders successfully enter the premises, the security lighting can help them be identified.

Consider manned security

Lighting may not always be an option. However, if your building site is in a high-risk area, consider manned security. They can carry out regular patrols to limit any attempted arson, theft or vandalism. Alarm systems could be used instead of or alongside managed security to increase the protection even further. You can choose between loud alarms, designed to shock the intruder or a silent alarm that will contact the police.

Supervise Visitors

It is imperative that all visitors to the building site are supervised at all times. They should be provided with the appropriate safety gear such as hard hats and high-vis jackets.

Organise construction site carefully

Time needs to be spent to ensure the building site remains safe and secure at all times. Stack any building materials safely and not too high to avoid the risk of toppling over. Immobilise all vehicles and always remove the keys from all equipment. Hide as much out of site as possible and secure any substances that may be hazardous. These measures will protect your site from theft and also help reduce the risk of any injuries occurring.

Not only can weak security lead to theft or vandalism which can cause businesses insurance claim headaches. It can cause potential delays to a project and can even cause injury. Regardless of the size of the project, securing building sites should be a top priority for all construction companies. By layering physical and perimeter security, they can have peace of mind that their property remains as safe and secure as possible. By taking these appropriate steps, the risk of damage, loss and injury can be significantly reduced.

What's Next?

To find out more about how physical security can benefit your business, please contact us on 01522 682255 for a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security equipment.