Even with all the new security mandates, schools across Texas are still experiencing violence. From bullying to guns fired, the sense of security we long for in our schools has been challenging at best and quickly disintegrating at worst. 

The National Center for Education Statistics found that almost 20% of students during the 2021-22 school year reported being bullied. That number is actually much higher, as only half of the kids bullied report it to an adult, according to the National Bullying Center. In extreme cases, this action can cause children to act out and hurt others or themselves. Studies also show that students exposed to bullying experience more stress and depression and tend to be undisciplined.

A high school in McAllen went into lockdown in March 2024 when an altercation resulted in one student heading to the hospital and another taken into custody. From about 2018 to 2021, the number of violent crimes increased by 33% in McAllen, TX. 

Whether we’re looking at an increase in guns or the continued rise in bullying, it’s clear that the continued search for the underlying cause and the possible solutions to school violence needs to continue. One of the advancements in this arena is using security cameras with AI learning and enhanced video analytics technology.

Let’s explore how some schools throughout Texas use these cameras to reduce violence in their schools.

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Security Cameras Designed for Gun Detection

Security cameras enabled with intelligent video analytics are placed at entrances and high-traffic points. These cameras are designed to detect people brandishing guns and, when spotted, send an immediate warning to those in authority via push notifications.

These systems are designed to produce a rapid response and are nearly invisible compared to metal detectors. In addition to entrances, these cameras can also monitor parking lots and exterior grounds, alerting security when someone with a firearm is on school grounds. This enables a school lockdown before they reach interior classrooms. 

Security Cameras for Preemptive Measures

These same cameras use precision counting to determine hot spots and send alerts. This proactive measure identifies unusual or unauthorized areas where kids are gathering and can stop a fight or bullying before it escalates. Schools can also monitor susceptible areas by delineating specific zones and receiving alerts when these lines are crossed. 

These security cameras can also detect when something unusual occurs, such as a slip-and-fall or unauthorized access. By sending a real-time alert, security personnel are immediately informed and can determine the cause and the correct action required. If it’s someone entering through a propped-open door, they’re immediately locked down and retained in a confined area.

Working with Circle Industries

As people look for solutions to school violence, the technology to help create secure and safer school grounds is being deployed rapidly. At Circle Industries, we’ve watched manufacturers continue to develop unprecedented security devices to save more lives and reduce school violence. We, too, have been looking forward to advanced security solutions that can give schools the upper edge in this unprecedented time. To learn more about school security cameras or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Circle Industries today.