In recent years, a series of high-profile incidents and changing societal dynamics have highlighted the importance of campus security. According to a survey conducted by BestColleges, 60% of respondents said that campus safety was a factor when choosing a college to attend.Violent incidents, cybersecurity threats, and property crimes are some of the potential security threats that college campuses have to monitor. As these security threats become more sophisticated, traditional security approaches like campus police patrols and basic surveillance systems become less effective against them.Though there is still a place for these tried-and-true measures, the complex and dynamic nature of modern campus life requires innovative, multifaceted solutions that can address a wide range of potential security issues while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.

Challenges Related to Campus Security

College campuses can present some unique challenges when it comes to security. Unlike single-building facilities, large campuses can contain wide expanses and many buildings, which poses logistical difficulties for security coverage. The complexity of these buildings with multiple floors can also compound these issues.

As a result, traditional security measures may be inadequate when it comes to overcoming these issues. Campus security teams can make use of advanced security technologies to expand their capabilities to address the challenges listed below.

Large and Open Environments

The expansive nature of many college campuses can pose significant challenges to campus security. Security measures and personnel must cover vast areas, including academic buildings, dormitories, athletic facilities, parking lots, and green spaces.

The sheer size of the environment leads to numerous entry and exit points, which makes it difficult to track and manage the flow of people. Students and faculty can have vastly different schedules as well, heading to classes and extracurricular clubs and activities on campus at all hours of the day and night. This can lead to a constant flow of people between buildings, making it easier for potential intruders or bad actors to blend in.

Multiple Buildings and Facilities

In addition, campuses often feature many different types of buildings and facilities, each with its own security demands:

Dormitories: Dorm facilities need to be able to offer 24/7 access to residents but exclude non-residents and unauthorized visitors.
Sports Arenas: Stadiums, gymnasiums, and other sports facilities must handle large crowds during events while maintaining security during off-hours.
Libraries: These buildings are often open to both students and public visitors and may have extended hours beyond a typical school day.
Research Facilities: These facilities often contain sensitive equipment or data, which require more robust access controls.

Further, many of the challenges posed by these facilities are necessary due to the services they offer. This makes it difficult to make operational changes, as they could compromise the facility's utility. For example, reducing the library's hours of operation may reduce security demands, but it also limits students' access to a valuable campus resource.

High-traffic Areas

Campuses are also places where large amounts of daily foot traffic from students, faculty, and visitors. The traffic can also be dynamic, with the potential for multiple high-traffic areas at different points across campus. Events like seminars, plays, and other gatherings can also result in irregular periods of heavy traffic. All of this can make it difficult for security personnel to reliably keep track of everyone on campus.

However, technology like cloud-based security solutions can make doing so more conceivable. Managing security cameras through the cloud enables multiple users toaccess multiple video feeds. This makes it easier to monitor for suspicious or potentially dangerous behavior even in areas with high traffic.

Busy Roadways

Busy roads that run through or near campuses pose additional risks due to potential accidents and suspicious activity. Roads can also pose issues like noise and disruption, which can be challenging for campus security to handle since they may have limited jurisdiction over public roads. However, road AI technology can offer some solutions by helping to enhance safety and surveillance on both busy and calmer streets.

Solutions for Enhancing Campus Security

One key solution to many of these challenges is video surveillance. Simply having video can be a powerful tool for security, but some advancements in technology can further augment the benefits it provides.

AI Cameras with Intelligent Video Analytics

Video analytics powered by AI results in more intelligent and efficient surveillance capabilities. Advanced algorithms can distinguish between genuine security threats and harmless activity by monitoring access to restricted areas, which can help reduce false alarms. This means AI can help identify the presence of individuals and alert security to suspicious activity.

To enhance the effectiveness of video analytics, campuses can implement a comprehensive video surveillance system with a network of strategically placed AI-enabled security cameras to cover large areas of the campus.

Multi-sensor Cameras

Equipping a school campus with multi-sensor cameras can offer a cost-effective way to provide more security since a single camera can cover multiple angles. Multi-sensor cameras can provide wider ranges of view than a single standard camera. This helps reduce blind spots with fewer cameras and less network bandwidth.

Having fewer cameras also means less intrusive camera placement, with easier installation, maintenance, and VMS licensing. Additionally, this can benefit aesthetics, too, allowing the camera to blend in more easily.

Video Management Systems (VMSs)

A video management system (VMS) is crucial for organizing, managing, and analyzing video feeds from different cameras across campus. A VMS can either be an on-premises or cloud-based solution, each of which can offer unique advantages and disadvantages.

Handling VMS on-premises can offer more control over hardware, software, and data, making it easier to customize them to meet a campus's specific needs. However, a cloud-based VMS solution may have more support without the need for as much internal support staff. It also offers easier scalability for growing campuses or temporary increases in surveillance needs.

Access Control Systems

An access control system allows administrators to limit entry to specific buildings, facilities, and other sensitive areas. These controls can be configured based on an individual's role, such as student or faculty. Administrators can also customize access to a more granular degree, setting rules and conditions based on more complex criteria as needed.

Combined with this, a real-time analytics board can provide a comprehensive overview of access attempts and potential security breaches in various locations across a single campus. This software also provides up-to-date information so staff can instantly see which areas are being accessed and by whom.

Audio Solutions

Communication can pose its own set of challenges on a college campus. Not only is it difficult to send important messages across an entire campus to all relevant individuals, but it can become even more difficult for larger or more complex locations.

Strategically placed standalone speakers across campus provide a means for mass communication during emergencies. Sophisticated speakers can provide rapid and flexible communication through text-to-speech capabilities as well. This gives them enhanced versatility to provide emergency information and deter potential threats.

While broad coverage audio systems can solve many campus-wide communication issues, intercom systems can help to manage access to restricted areas. These systems help control access to sensitive locations like administrative offices or research laboratories. Intercom systems that incorporate video capabilities can allow personnel to visually identify the person requesting access.

College campuses pose unique security challenges due to their size, design, and the sheer volume of foot traffic and activity. Ultimately, though, strategic use of technology and advanced surveillance techniques can help to address many of these challenges.