School campus safety is a top priority for Texas educators, parents, and administrators. With the rise of active shooter events nationwide, decision-makers must explore how modern security systems can mitigate and even prevent these tragic incidents. 

This guide examines well-known active shooter events in American history and discusses how advanced security technologies could have made a difference. We aim to provide actionable insights for K-12 school administrators in Harlingen and the surrounding region.

READ MORE: The Impact of School Building Security on Student Well-Being and Learning

Analyzing Active Shooter Events of the Past

There’s no way to know for certain whether or not modern technologies would have dramatically changed the outcome of these horrid historical events. Still, we believe they could have helped reduce the extent. The following events are, unfortunately, not the only active shooter events in our nation's history. We also chose not to include the most recent Texas campus shooting in Uvalde, as it’s still too fresh, and investigation and response analysis are still underway.

Columbine High School (1999)

The Columbine High School shooting was a watershed moment in American history. The shooters managed to bypass several access control measures, resulting in significant casualties. Modern security features like gunshot detection could have played a crucial role in this scenario. By immediately identifying the sound of gunfire, these systems could have alerted law enforcement, potentially reducing response times and the scale of the event. Strategically placed surveillance cameras with remote access could have provided real-time footage, helping first responders locate and neutralize the threat more quickly from an off-site location.

Virginia Tech (2007)

The Virginia Tech shooting highlighted significant security shortcomings, particularly in access control. The shooter was able to enter and move freely within campus buildings. Updated access control systems could have restricted entry, allowing only authorized individuals and facilitating lockdown procedures with a few taps of a button. Because these systems integrate with emergency communication protocols, buildings could have been locked down more efficiently, potentially saving more lives.

Sandy Hook Elementary School (2012)

The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting exposed critical lapses in physical security. Bullet-resistant film on windows and doors could have slowed the shooter’s entry, providing valuable time for law enforcement to respond and students to flee to safety. Enhanced surveillance systems would have captured critical evidence and monitored the shooter’s movements, aiding in the immediate response and investigation.

Modern Security Systems Could Have Made a Difference

Surveillance cameras, gunshot detection, bullet-resistant film, and emergency notification systems are just a few features your campus can add to improve security and response times. It's also essential to have professionally designed and well-tested emergency response practices. 

Circle Industries Is Your Local School Safety Expert

You need a comprehensive security assessment before purchasing a single surveillance camera or lock for the next school year. Before implementing any security system in Harlingen-area schools, you must identify vulnerabilities and discover which areas to prioritize for improvement. 

A professional school security company like Circle Industries will customize solutions to meet your institution’s specific needs, then handle system design, installation, maintenance, and staff training to ensure systems are effectively integrated and utilized.

Administrators should explore state and federal grants, as well as private funding sources, to support these critical investments. Securing funding for security upgrades is essential, and we can help you navigate the many grants and funding opportunities available for schools looking to enhance their security infrastructure.

Now is the time to assess and upgrade security measures. Contact us here to begin working together, and let’s create a safer future for our South Texas community together.