At NIC Partners, we’re committed to empowering schools with the physical security tools they need to create safe and secure learning environments. As part of that commitment, I recently had the opportunity to speak with Ben Jones, a former Lieutenant with the Winston-Salem Police Department, about law enforcement recommendations for improving physical security in schools.
Key Challenges Law Enforcement Faces During an Active Shooter Response
Ben shared two critical challenges that law enforcement faces when responding to an active shooter situation:
1. Locating the Suspect
In the chaos of an active threat, quickly identifying the suspect’s location is vital to mounting an effective response and minimizing harm.
2. Gaining Access to the Suspect's Location
Multiple response teams need rapid access to various parts of the campus. Delays caused by locked doors or limited access tools can hinder response time and coordination.
Physical Security Technologies That Can Support Emergency Response
With these challenges in mind, there are several technologies schools can implement to significantly improve emergency response efforts and support law enforcement in real time.
1. Video Surveillance Integration with Real-Time Crime Centers (RTCCs)
One of the most impactful steps a school district can take is integrating its video surveillance system with the local RTCC or law enforcement agency. Providing access to live and recorded footage before an incident occurs allows first responders to:
- Quickly identify the suspect’s location
- Review past footage to determine the suspect’s last known movements
- Make informed, tactical decisions in the heat of an emergency
2. Remote Access Control
In an active threat scenario, multiple law enforcement teams are deployed to different parts of the campus. Relying on a single master key or a keycard in a lockbox simply isn’t efficient.
Instead, a more effective solution is enabling officers at the RTCC to remotely unlock doors in real time. This ensures that each responding team can gain access to buildings, hallways, and rooms as needed—without delay.
3. Gridded Campus Maps with Accurate Device Placement
An accurate, scaled map of the campus—with each camera and access control point properly marked—can make a major difference during an emergency.
By providing these maps to local law enforcement in advance, officers can immediately understand:
- Which cameras to view based on the suspect’s location
- Which doors to unlock for rapid response
- The overall layout of the campus, including potential choke points or safe zones
4. Motion Detection Integration
Integrating motion detection into the video surveillance system adds another layer of situational awareness. With a live campus map displaying movement in real time, law enforcement can:
- Track the suspect’s movement
- Identify areas where students or staff may still be present
- Focus response efforts where they're needed most
A Final Thought
If your school is planning a technology refresh, consider incorporating these features into your physical security platform. They’re not just upgrades—they could be lifesaving tools that improve response time, coordination, and outcomes during critical incidents.
At NIC Partners, we believe that empowering schools with the right technology can help protect what matters most: our students and educators. Let’s work together to make our campuses safer, smarter, and more secure.