Category: Uncategorized

Athletic events and concerts held in stadiums, around the world in recent years, have been targets of horrible violence. Stadiums are prime targets due to the high volume of people in a condensed area.

Creating a layered security approach helps detect and deter suspicious behaviors and events both within and outside the stadium walls. Developing a strong security posture, with vigilant stadium security can help identify threats and vulnerabilities. This layered approach should include building a strong security and emergency response team, developing protocols in the event of an emergency, creating access controls and installing a state-of-the-art intelligent video surveillance system.

Here are some points to consider:

If your security command center is located onsite, move it to an offsite location. The command and communications center will be the first area taken out by an attacker.

Control external access by creating no-vehicle zones and limited parking close to the stadium. Stadium access points and entrances with visible security such as bag checks and uniformed personnel can make a difference in deterring violent acts, just by their presence.

Create levels of access throughout the stadium for employees; install biometrics for players, staff and owners allowing them to enter a restricted area without having to carry a physical credential.

Effectively monitoring large crowds across an entire stadium can be done with a state-of-the-art video surveillance system. High definition cameras with sophisticated artificial intelligence driven video management software are designed to help operators efficiently identity and respond quickly to potential security events.

Stadiums and large venues have benefited from using cameras with higher resolution that provide both broad coverage and excellent image detail, allowing security personnel to monitor a large crowd using fewer cameras.

The Avigilon Control Center software is an easy to use high definition system allowing operators to quickly search, identify, mark and capture details of a person, object or vehicle of interest. Security personnel can monitor and analyze footage in real time, providing front-line security employees with information they need to enhance screening and crowd management. Zoom in on an activity within large crowds and provide detailed video information. Watch the Avigilon Sample Footage – Stadium here.

Large amounts of video are never analyzed, not for lack of interest but rather the decline in human attention spans. Advanced video analytics technology is designed to help improve response time. When security personnel highlight a person, object or vehicle using this technology, hours of footage can easily be sorted through across all cameras on a site saving time and effort during critical investigations. A person or vehicle’s route can be traced from beginning to last known location.

Unusual motion detection technology brings a new level of automation to surveillance by learning and remembering what a typical activity/scene looks like. This is designed to bring attention to atypical events needing further investigation. This technology is designed to detect things like a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction or a crowd being suddenly disrupted, when this occurs an alert is sent to the security staff.

We can show you how to incorporate biometrics and video surveillance with artificial intelligence into your security plan. Call One Source Security today at 800-570-6478.

Property managers are responsible for a wide variety of buildings from commercial to residential facilities; including commercial office buildings, shopping centers, warehouses, parking garages, and residential apartment buildings, dormitories, vacation homes, condos, gated communities and other properties.

Creating a security plan along with solid security solutions can help security staff or police respond to threats in the moment, and even anticipate potential situations. Multi-tenant buildings face unique challenges requiring property managers to be vigilant in developing security measures which addresses issues and safety hazards.

Challenges:

1. Creating the right level of security for each property/tenant which meets their expectations. Not all properties are the same and one size does not fit all.
2. Managing multiple facility locations with unique security challenges, depending on location and use of the space.
3. Unreported security threats, property managers may not be made aware of security threats.
4. Mixed use buildings with commercial businesses on the first floor and residential or office space above.
5. Managing mechanical locks. Rekeying or replacing the locks can require time and money.

Solutions: From assessment to installing or enhancing your systems and monitoring:

1.Perform a risk assessment with a professional security company, to determine the level of security needed, by asking:

• What are you protecting? Why are you protecting it? How will you protect it?

2.Create a security plan.

3.Install access control for a single or multiple tenants using one system with the ability to:

• •Disable and enable credentials immediately. (Saves money by putting an end to expensive re-keying and lock changes of your entire facility.)
• •Generate audit trail reports, a valuable tool for investigations.
• •Create timed access to protected spaces.
• •Provide tenants with one credential for gates, units and amenities.
• •Lock or unlock doors remotely from a smart device or PC.
• oTenants can become angry if they need to wait outside for an extended period of time, even if it’s their own fault. Doors can be opened remotely, creating a customer service benefit.

4.Install video surveillance in common areas, at entrances and around the property to:

• •Deter threats, by just installing cameras intruders and thieves are less likely to strike.
• • See an intruder slip in with or behind a tenant.
• •Check up on any facility at any time with IP cameras managed by a NVR allows you to view your footage from anywhere in the world.
• •Provide clear, high resolution images of footage, in the event of a crime.
• •Reduce liability with a nonbiased picture of the property.
• •Capture license plate images with cameras at the entrance and exit of parking lots and garages.

5.Install environmental monitoring to:

• •Prevent pipes from freezing and causing expensive damage.
• •Prevent boiler shut down.
• •Stop floods before it’s too late.
• •Save lives with carbon monoxide monitoring.

Once a risk assessment is complete and security plan is in place. Layering video surveillance, access control, environmental monitoring and other security solutions can protect people and property. Call One Source Security today for your free assessment at 800-570-6478.

The summer months are here and that means many families across America will be visiting vacation spots to get away from home. But unfortunately, while many are having fun at the beach, criminals try to take advantage by breaking into homes and if that’s not bad enough, those pesky environmental hazards will strike when you least expect.

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the average loss per burglary in 2017 was nearly $2,500. Law enforcement officers say typically during the summer months, the number of home break-in cases rise. And the sad but true fact is just 7% of burglars face justice for breaking in. Often, property crimes are some of the most difficult for detectives to solve. People rarely witness their crimes, and burglars know how to spot an easy target.

But you can outwit burglars’ break-in secrets:

Home security is absolutely essential and there are many options to choose from, so make sure you opt for one that fits your home. One Source Security will help assess your risks, needs and possible security weaknesses before we design your system. We are an advisor and will offer preventive advice, so you can avoid many potential problems altogether, including environmental hazards. We customize each system to suit the end-user’s specific needs.

Monitored alarm system: An alarm system is just one tool in the home security tool chest, but it’s an important one. While it may seem that you can install just a basic alarm and it will scare off intruders, that’s not necessarily the case.

Think of the last time you heard a car alarm. Did it even phase you? Did you call the police? Did you notice anyone else heading toward the sound to investigate? Likely, you and everyone around you has grown so accustomed to the sound of car alarms that you just ignore it. The same can be true in populated areas when a home alarm sounds. If your home location is more remote, there’s the chance no one would even hear it. That’s why alarm system monitoring can be critical in protecting your property and assets.

What is a Monitored Alarm System?

In a nutshell, it is exactly what it sounds like: an alarm system that is monitored, typically by a company that charges for the service. For the safety and security of your home, the basic coverage of a monitored alarm system commonly includes detection of intrusion and alerting authorities.

Once armed, these systems use sensors to detect if a door or window has been opened, if a window has been broken, or if there is motion within (and sometimes outside of) the home. These sensors trigger both the alarm and whatever alerts have been set up (to a monitoring company or to your cell phone). The system is either hardwired or wireless, and may include a cellular backup in case wires are cut or internet connection is lost.

Beyond this, systems can include many types of sensors, various levels of alerts, and integration with other security systems and smart technology.

Video Surveillance Systems: A video surveillance system can add next-level security to your home’s efforts to deter crime. Strategically placed cameras could mean would-be burglars bypass your home for an easier target. And if a crime does occur, the video footage can provide important evidence for both your insurance company and the police.

There are many options and features to consider across a broad spectrum of equipment.

What is a video surveillance system?

Video surveillance systems involve strategic placement of security cameras, monitoring motion and activity, generating alerts, transmitting footage, and storing that footage. Cameras can be both indoors and outside.

The camera system may also be referred to as closed-circuit television or CCTV. As part of your home security protocol, the purpose for a video surveillance system is to:

• Deter break-ins and theft
• Increase the security of your home and property
• Gather and store evidence if a crime does occur

Security cameras can be stand-alone devices or part of a system depending upon the complexity of your security needs. In order to meet your security objectives, cameras (or signs saying cameras are present) must be visible and the cameras must be able to record, store and transmit footage (or be connected to recorder or system that can do so). Not only can it be viewed from anywhere in the world, including your phone, due to network capability, it can also allow you to view live video remotely so you can see what’s happening in real time.

An added perk to installing a surveillance system may be a discount on your office insurance premiums.

Environmental Hazards: are something homeowners have to deal with constantly, but how do you save your home when you are away enjoying yourself on vacation?

As with the home alarm system monitoring, the environmental alarms are also monitored by a company. For the safety and security of your home, the basic coverage of a monitored alarm system commonly includes detection of environmental hazards, alerting you and alerting authorities.

Once armed, these systems use sensors to detect if there is the potential for water damage from flooding, broken or leaking pipes, improper changes in temperature possibly leading to frozen pipes, or the deadly carbon monoxide hazard, filling your home with the deadly, odorless, unnoticeable gas. These sensors trigger both the alarm and whatever alerts have been set up (to a monitoring company or to your cell phone). The system is either hardwired or wireless, and may include a cellular backup in case wires are cut or internet connection is lost.

PROTECTION FROM WATER DAMAGE

Whether you need to protect your home from water damage due to seasonal floods, in a basement for instance, or you’re concerned about important documents and equipment, water sensors such as “Water Bugs” can pick up the smallest amount of moisture.

DETECT TEMPERATURE CHANGES

It is important to maintain proper temperature in the home. It’s also important to know that pipes won’t freeze at home. A Hi / Low Temperature monitor helps to keep temperatures at the correct level and protect valuable equipment.

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION

Many consider Carbon Monoxide—the “Silent Killer”—the most important environmental hazard to guard against. Detection is a strong complement to any home security system to say the least; it can be a life saver.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Home Security, Video Surveillance and our environmental monitoring can offer peace of mind.

As security experts, we can provide you with the knowledge needed to increase safety and security in and around your home, and keep you in the know whether you are near or far. Call One Source Security today for a free assessment of your home, 800-570-6478.

When upgrading to access control there are many things to think about. Asking the right questions will help to design the system that is perfect for your business. A professional security integrator can help you answer all of your questions and provide a solution that is just right for your business. Below is a list of questions to ask before installing access control:

• Why you are adding access control?
• Is it becoming costly to replace lost keys or to rekey locks after an employee leaves?
• Do you want to know who is on your premises at anytime?
• Do you want to control when people can enter the building?
• Should your access control include biometrics?
• Do you have restricted areas within the building only authorized personnel are allowed to access?
• Does the system have the capability to expand in the future?
• Is your company expanding?
• Should you use access control on the perimeter of the property?
• Are you experiencing theft in outdoor storage areas?
• Has there been vandalism on your property?
• Should you have access control at each entrance of the building or on select doors within the building?
• Are unauthorized people entering your building?
• Should you use key fobs or cards?

Another important question to ask your security integrator is: Do you have a locksmith division? This allows integrators and locksmiths to come together and create an access control system that meets all of your needs. One stop shopping makes it more economical and easier to secure.
Before installing an access control system though, it makes sense to have a locksmith conduct an inspection of your doors inside and out. Knowing that your doors are in good operating condition is important.

A locksmith inspection should include inspecting all door hardware and locking mechanisms for deficiencies and operability. Inspecting all hinges, door closers, locking hardware, electric strikes, electric locks as well as check panic devices. Making sure lever sets, latches and hinges as well as cylinders do not sag, retract properly and are not sticky or rusty. A professional locksmith can check auto door operators for ADA compliance, too.

As always our locksmiths will conduct a FREE survey of all your doors, checking that the integrity and security of your doors are adequate and meet standard requirements to protect people and property.

Call One Source Security today at 800-570-6478, to schedule your FREE survey.

Today we’ll continue with our list of 10 security mistakes that businesses make and how to prevent them. The following post is number 6 on the list. If you’d like the entire list all at once, please visit our homepage or click here.

Pictured above is a 180 degree (with 4 lenses) dome security camera.

Mistake: Not using video surveillance because your employees will be uneasy

Dealing with employee theft can be a sensitive issue. Many times, business decision-makers don’t want to give their employees the wrong message. Does it make your staff feel uneasy and that they’re not trusted if there are too many cameras around?

This is an answer only you can answer. One recommendation is to communicate with your staff when the security cameras are installed. And if they’re already installed, it’s certainly not too late.

Let them know that you may have had an issue with a particular person in the past–that it’s not them specifically. You could also explain that you need to protect the business, and sometimes even the employee, if a legal issue were to arise–such as a lawsuit stemming from a slip–for example.

And most importantly, regarding their safety, explain that video surveillance can protect them against former or current disgruntled employees. If these employees know they are being recorded, it may deter them from entering the premises, thereby thwarting their plans.

And finally, the most obvious explanation is that the security cameras are not there for the employees at all. They are there to identify burglars should a break in happen, as well as to deter the break in altogher.

If you’d like to speak or meet with someone from One Source Security & Automation about how to make your workplace more safe, please click the button below and we will be in touch to schedule an appointment.

Thank you for spending some time with us today.

So you’re on vacation and you feel safe that your home back in MA or NH is protected by a security system. But will your summer vacation be interrupted by calls from your central station monitoring company due to false alarms, followed by unnecessary visits by the police?

Pictured above is Gemini Security System.

You don’t even have to be on vacation. You could be at work or doing errands–no one enjoys that call informing them that a thief may have just broken into their home, only to find out it was a false trip.

Here Are 3 Ways to Avoid False Alarms

• Don’t have air conditioners, fans or central air vents directing air towards curtains and drapes, or other loose objects that are in the scope of your motion detector.
• Clean out your motion detectors to make sure no spiders or other bugs have taken up residence inside.
• Make sure you have “pet-friendly” motion detectors which don’t trip the alarm panel when pets of a certain size enter the field of view.

One Source Security is Here to Help

If you’re not sure how to clean your motion detector, please contact us. Or if you’d like to inquire about pet-friendly motion detectors, and/or how you may be better able to situate the devices, we can advise you.

We will also provide a free security assessment and address all of your security needs, not just false alarms.

For more vacation advice, please read our blog post regarding 12 tips for security while you’re on vacation.

Finally, make sure that whoever is watching your home has been fully trained on the security system’s arming and disarming procedure. Be sure to provide them with the phone number to the monitoring company, the account number and their own password.

Thanks for your time today. We at One Source Security appreciate your interest.

To create security and peace of mind you installed an alarm system, and you diligently set your alarm every day.

One day, you arrived at work or home and realized you had a break-in. Your alarm didn’t work; you did not receive a call, and the police never came.

How did this happen? What preventative measures can you take?

Testing your home alarm system monthly and your commercial system weekly is extremely beneficial. A properly connected alarm system will ensure your system is communicating correctly with your monitoring station.

Testing your alarm system regularly can expose any problems caused by a sensor failure, phone line failure, change in phone service, power surge, or disconnecting a component and not reconnecting it properly.

Steps to test your system:

Before testing your system call your alarm company and place your account on test. You will need your account number or password. If you do not put your system on test it could result in police dispatch.

1. Make sure all of your doors and windows are closed securely.
2. Arm your system as if you were leaving the premises and wait 60 seconds for the exit delay to expire.
3. Open each door and window with a sensor attached. Wait 3-5 seconds then close the door or window. The alarm will sound, do not turn it off until all sensors are checked.
4. Once each sensor has been checked, disarm your system.
5. Call your alarm company to take your alarm off test.
6. Ask your alarm company which signals were received.

When One Source Security installs an alarm system, we test each system component to ensure proper communication with the central monitoring station. Periodic testing of your alarm system is essential.

If for any reason your system is not communicating to the monitoring station, please call us today at 1-800-570-6478.

In order to run a successful restaurant, owners need to address many different concerns. Probably their first concern is following government regulations, followed by finding and keeping competent employees, staying ahead of the completion, customer satisfaction, theft and liability, to name a few.

Using Video Surveillance

Food and safety regulations apply to every step of food and beverage preparation, when you own a business and rely on your employees to adhere the guidelines it is important to be able to follow up even if you have multiple sites.

Employee theft, another concern for employers, can include manipulation of cash sales transactions, misuse of coupons, gift certificates, and credit cards. It can also include giving free food to friends and family,

Video surveillance should be place in and around your building, include outside the drive thru window, parking lots, entrances, offices, food prep or kitchen areas.

Using visible monitors that can be viewed by customers can be a deterrent for crime as well. Post security signage near exits and entrances to inform potential thieves the business is monitored with video surveillance.

Using video surveillance can help keep everyone accountable. Be sure to have conversations with your employees about the use of video surveillance.

Alarm System

Robbery can be a problem for many restaurant owners and managers. Most spend time in the restaurant before and after closing. Using your alarm system when there are few people in the building especially fast food restaurants, which typically use cash, open early and stay late can keep everyone a little safer.

Using chimes with the security system will notify you when a back door is opening, and can alert the manager of a delivery or an employee leaving the building.

Access Control

Using access control can leave an audit trail while limiting access to critical areas such as offices where the safe is located. Access control will limit access based on the user, time of day and day of the week.

Replacing a lock and key system with access control can eliminate the problem of rekeying all locks when an employee leaves or loses their key. Have you thought about who has access to those keys the employee takes home with them?

Fire Alarm System

Install code compliant fire alarm systems for rapid response. Fire alarm systems need to be inspected on a regular basis, usually once a year, per code requirements. Maintaining a properly working system will optimize performance at the time of an emergency.

Environmental Monitoring

Critical equipment failure can cause a great financial loss to any restaurant owner. By monitoring coolers, freezers, and air conditioners, you can be notified of any failure before the problem becomes costly.

Have you thought about using your freezer or cooler as a safe room? Install locks that have the capability to lock and unlock from the inside. An alarm and communication device can be placed inside the freezer and cooler to be used in the event of an emergency.

Safes

Use UL safes to protect your cash and valuables. Our safes are highly secure and easy to use, only granting access to those who need it. Employee theft can be minimized using a UL safe.

Risk Assessment

When was the last time you had a thorough risk assessment? This is important as it provides an objective overview of the existing security system. An assessment can identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. – Pinpointing areas where you can reduce risk. The assessment should be completed by a security expert for each location that is being built, expanded or updated. If you haven’t had your system evaluated in the last 3 to 5 years you should consider having an expert conduct a thorough assessment.

Areas of concern should include entrances and exits, delivery locations, cash registers, food storage areas, food preparation areas, and ventilation system.

After your risk assessment you may find your security needs to be upgraded. Upgrading your security system, video surveillance, access control and environmental monitors can help increase the profitability by reducing loss.

Conclusion

Using your security system and video surveillance properly can bring some peace of mind. Using the appropriate security strategy can address food safety, food contamination (accidental and malicious), theft and liability.

From fast food to fine dining your security strategy should protect against losses and increase safety of employees and customers.

Call today for your FREE assessment.

School administrators are under pressure to provide enhanced security in response to increasing safety concerns. Educators are challenged with creating a relaxed yet vigilant environment designed for learning. While the statistics alone for school shootings can be overwhelming, administrators are fighting to keep a balance between safety and education.

Over 230 shootings have happened on school property since the year 2000, with almost half of the shootings resulting in death. Not all were students and not all happened inside the school building. Since the beginning of 2018 there have been nearly 35 school shootings alone on school grounds, the worst in February when the alleged shooter pulled the fire alarm, rendering the students, teachers and staff vulnerable.

No school administrator wants to have to face the challenges of violence; yet all must come to grips with that possibility. School Administrators must plan and prepare for a broad array of threats and train for each response option associated with that particular threat.

They must be prepared to proactively communicate about school safety, and evaluate their protocols, strategies, practices and technology on a yearly basis.

Assessing School Safety – Both informal and formal safety and security audits should be conducted. Conduct a security assessment every year.

Best practices

• A comprehensive physical inspection and evaluation of all systems and controls by a security professional will determine where the gaps in security are and be able to recommend cost-effective solutions that will provide the greatest impact on school security.
• Scheduling a preventative maintenance inspection yearly keeps systems in working condition, before issues arise. Regular security system maintenance is vital to safeguard your school.

Making Upgrades – Updating technology is critically important. Innovation moves quickly, so it’s important to mitigate hidden risks from old systems. Upgrading is vital.

Best Practice

• Security enhancements and updates should be done at a minimum of every two years to keep the campus secure against intruders.
• Video surveillance with remote online access capabilities allows first responders real-time access to recorded and live, up-to-the-second information about an unauthorized intruder’s movements. Remote access allows immediate and appropriate responses to situations.
• Use video surveillance with video analytics technology, which is a sophisticated deep learning artificial intelligence search engine for video. See how Fulton County School District is using this technology to keep their students, teachers and staff safe. https://www.youtube.com/embed/8JuVMqlhz_E

Security Measures – The more time you spend in preparing for a threat, the more prepared you will be to respond and defend against it.

Best practices

• Protect the school perimeter with fencing and video surveillance. Install well placed signage with clear instructions for all visitors.
• Use an electronic Visitor Management System or VMS with printed temporary badges that include the date/time, who they are going to see and a photo of the visitor.
• Primary entrances should be equipped with electronic access control and a video intercom system to manage access and communicate with visitors.
• All secondary doors should always be locked from the outside and modified for emergency exit only. Traffic should be directed to designated entrances and exits to monitor and control access to the building.
• Interior doors should be held open with magnetic door holders with the actual hardware locked at all times. During a lockdown event the doors can be programmed to automatically release, close and lock, with the swipe of a specific lockdown card at any reader.
• During emergency lockdowns it is critical that students and faculty are prepared to react quickly.

,

1. Install classroom security locks on the classroom doors so teachers can readily secure students and themselves behind locked doors without becoming a target in the hallway.
2. All classrooms and common areas should have the same key, which gives teachers and staff the ability to secure any area or classroom during a lockdown event, quickly and easily. Keys should be with teachers and staff at all times.

,

• Implement an effective communication system with an alternative power source, to notify every student, teacher and staff member within and outside the school.
• Panic buttons should be installed with the ability to alert security or police and set emergency protocols in motion.
• Installing security laminates on windows and doors will render them smash-resistant.

Process and Procedures – When an emergency occurs within the school, staff and students must know how to effectively respond within mere moments. Practiced procedures produce effective results.

Best Practice

• Every school should have a comprehensive, multi-hazard emergency management plan with well-defined and well-executed processes for natural or manmade disaster events that is written and available to staff members.
• Implement active shooter procedures and conduct practice drills regularly.
• Keep a vigilant eye out for any breach of security and take action immediately. Proactive observation by teachers and staff can help to prevent a situation from occurring. Staff should be trained to know what to do if they engage an unauthorized visitor on campus.
• Require all students, teachers and staff to wear color coded photo ID badges at all times.
• Have a dedicated full-time school resource officer for each school or district depending on the size of the school system.

As a school security expert we can provide your school with the knowledge they need to increase safety and security in and around their buildings. We offer access control, video surveillance, intrusion systems, panic notification, security laminates and more. If you would like a FREE security assessment, call One Source Security today at 1-800-570-6478.

‘In reference to One Source Security, We have been using One Source as a preferred vendor here at the Milford School District for 15 years now. From the front office staff to the technicians that show up on site, they are all professional and friendly, willing to help and go the extra step to ensure we are satisfied with all of the work. We have them work on all of our camera systems, card access and alarm systems and I will not hesitate to recommend One Source for all of your security needs’.

William S.Cooper

Director – Buildings and Grounds

Milford School District – SAU 40

We recently got a call from a school administrator who clearly needs security for his district.

He is in need of specifics such as security cameras (we’re doing so many upgrades for schools lately), as well as strobe lights. He needs an innovative solution which may include strobes to signal to students that are further away on campus. We enjoy designing systems such as this.

He sort of tabled our request to visit him and for us to simply provide advice (we’re not in the “selling” business with pressure applied after we meet with potential clients). We are advisors and act as a resource to help with security solutions.

By not meeting with us, he will not get to ask questions and receive advice in a no-pressure meeting and consultation. To his credit, he did say he would “pass it on” at the next quarterly meeting.

We can only assume that he has some of the following concerns, and we can do this because we’ve met with countless schools who have the same, valid concerns.

With all that has occurred at schools in recent years, do we want to further concern the children, parents and staff by installing an over-abundance of daunting security cameras, etc? Or does this action actually soothe people more?

This can go either way, but our experience is, that administrators don’t want an overwhelming display of security due to the former mentioned above.

Schools quite often have metal detectors at the entrances nowadays. So how could some extra security cameras be worse than that?

The answer is, we can install security cameras in discreet fashion. We can even install covert (hidden) cameras.

As for protection of the staff and children, highly discreet measures can be taken such as installing panic buttons under desks and supplying staff with universal keys.

These allow for any staff to jump into a class or other room, and lock any door from the inside with his or her key.

It can be set up also, so that staff can immediately and with the swipe of one access card, set all the doors of the school into an emergency lock down.

Also discreet are the tiny camera lenses that are housed in video-intercom metal plates that are affixed to the building near entrances. This video-intercom allows office staff to not only screen a person, but to see his or her demeanor and current state.

This writer needs to highlight one more issue before he signs off. Does it have to be “zero sum”? All or nothing? Of course not.

Administrators don’t want a “prison-like” atmosphere in their schools. But at the expense of what? Should you take no action because this is your concern? Or should you meet with an expert who does this consulting and installation for scores and scores of school systems?

I say the latter.