Schools today face unprecedented challenges. In September 2024, several school districts in Texas, including those in McAllen, TX, received violent threats from students and outsiders just weeks after school began, with at least 20 schools reporting various incidents. 

At the beginning of September, state officials also reviewed Bill 3, the school safety law that was passed in 2023. Some of the requirements include training and infrastructure upgrades as well as armed officers or security guards on every campus. Unfortunately, it did not supply the funds to implement these laws. While another mandate provides $15,000 for each school directed toward security, it falls far short of the pay for a full-time armed officer.

There is no one solution to our current crisis. However, schools are taking steps to support a safer environment. One of those steps is integrating a security monitoring service.

SEE ALSO: Why Every School Needs an Advanced Threat Detection System

What Is a Security Monitoring Service?

A security monitoring service offers remote video surveillance in schools, keeping an eye on areas prone to trouble or possible intrusion. Common areas for security camera placement include entrances, hallways, parking lots, gymnasiums, and cafeterias. These areas are monitored remotely, ensuring an immediate response in the event of a security incident.

At Circle Industries, our monitoring professionals detect potential problems and immediately contact your school’s administration and security, as well as first responders, if warranted. If a security alarm goes off after school hours, they verify it, prompting the police to prioritize the event.

In addition to potentially violent incidents and onsite weapons, these professionals monitor campuses for drug use and distribution, bullying, and injuries.

Where Is the Security Monitoring Service?

At Circle Industries, we have several monitoring stations distributed throughout the country. This ensures our monitoring remains active, even when storms or natural disasters occur in parts of the country. It also takes advantage of time zones, enabling the quickest response in emergency situations.

Who Performs the Security Monitoring Service?

Who monitors your buildings, students, and staff is an essential question for schools looking to implement this service. Our monitoring professionals are certified, which means they receive ongoing training regarding the latest surveillance technology, current security threats, and best response practices.  

Are There Alternatives to 24/7 Monitoring?

While human eyes offer the best solution to the increased school security needs, integrating this service is not always possible. A growing alternative is artificial intelligence (AI). As part of the video surveillance system, this technology has proven beneficial in learning what constitutes an emergency or possible threatening situation and sending alerts to qualified personnel. 

Advances in this technology include recognizing weapons and facial and license plate recognition. The system integrates watch lists and alerts personnel if a person or vehicle on one of these lists appears. 

As the largest integrator providing unrivaled security solutions in the Rio Grande Valley, our team is here to help sort through the growing options in school security and find the system ideal for your property and concerns. To learn more about our security monitoring service or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Circle Industries today.