Education facilities pose unique security challenges involving these key considerations:

Layers of Security . During the day, teachers and school administrators are the best providers of security for students. After the school day is concluded, security levels must be increased through the effective use of surveillance cameras, guard patrols and a reduced number of access points.

Access Points . In most campus layouts, entrance to a building is through a single point of access, which can be monitored. For safety reasons, egress must be provided through multiple exit locations. The challenge of the security system is detect and respond to instances of breeches at normally locked access points.

After-Hours Public Access . Most schools - especially auditoriums and gymnasiums - offer access to the public at night and on weekends. The security master plan must take this into account and deny access to the remainder of the school, including offices, classrooms, labs and storage areas