Blog Archives

Why we can’t solve a human public safety issue with a technological quick-fix: The knee-jerk jump to security cameras and other gadgets from Sandy Hook to Ferguson, New York to Cleveland

Posted by on January 5, 2015

“Call our financial advisor and move all of our investment money into body camera manufacturers,” I recently told my wife. My comment was made tongue-in-cheek in reflection of the pathetic state of our public policy reaction to a public safety crisis, rather than as a passing joke or disrespectful and glib response to one of […]

Push for laminate window film raises questions on school security priorities, “expert” credibility

Posted by on September 12, 2014

Recently I read a news report where a well know national presenter was interviewed as a “school safety expert.” This law enforcement trainer was quoted as saying there are two steps all schools should take for school security: Training and “laminate” film to cover classroom windows. The training recommendation is certainly on-target, although we are […]

Create a realistic focus when using school security cameras

Posted by on July 20, 2014

The post-Sandy Hook education community has seen a heavily skewed response to the shootings with millions of dollars being thrown at physical security measures. School security cameras have often been at the top of the list as state legislators dish out grant money or local districts throw up some new cameras in response to parent […]

Can your principals and security staff access surveillance camera systems?

Posted by on March 11, 2014

Can your principals access the surveillance camera systems they are supposed to be able to access from their desktop computers, laptops, or other monitoring consoles? This may seem like an odd  question. After all, who would install camera systems with the capability for principals, security staff, and School Resource Officers (SROs) to access and retrieve […]

Sandy Hook skews focus to security equipment, away from human side of school safety

Posted by on December 9, 2013

Surveillance cameras and fortified front entranceways with enhanced access control are among the most common security equipment purchases by school districts reacting over the past year to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. Meanwhile, many schools continue to fail to invest the time and resources into the training, planning, exercising of crisis plans, and other […]

Ken Trump provides insights into school security camera failures

Posted by on November 14, 2013

Columbus, Ohio, investigative reporter Paul Aker of 10 Investigates (WBNS) sat down with Ken Trump to get an inside look at school security camera equipment malfunctions — a problem we see around the nation during our school security assessments. Ken Trump Visit School Security Blog at:  www.schoolsecurityblog.com Follow Ken on Twitter @safeschools Visit and “Like” Our Facebook School Safety News Channel at: www.facebook.com/schoolsafety

I-Teams find malfunctioning school security surveillance cameras; How to stay ahead

Posted by on November 13, 2013

Your school district puts surveillance cameras in schools to protect students and staff. But what good are they if they are not working? Investigative news stories reveal malfunctioning, unrepaired school security cameras Recent investigative news stories uncovered disturbing school security equipment failures, in particular focusing on camera systems not being repaired in a timely manner: […]

Is Your School Safety Information Tainted by Product Vendors?

Posted by on July 19, 2010

As education budgets tighten and the overall economy remains uncertain, the draw to the almighty dollar increases. Now, more than ever, “buyer beware” needs to be the mantra of consumers of school safety information, services, and products. The line between professional, best practice school safety information and product vendor-influenced information appears to be getting more and […]