There are many tools available to maintain security on campus. Don’t get caught off-guard. Here’s how you can use surveillance and access control to protect your school from disaster.

School campuses should be a safe place for academics, students, and visitors. Unfortunately, it’s no secret that schools across America have been experiencing violent altercations. Even though security is supposed to be a top priority, the emergency response plans and protocols are not being supported by the right tools.

Maintaining security on school campuses is not an easy task, that’s why we are here to provide tools like access control, video surveillance, lockdown, and panic buttons so that management staff can easily maintain campus security.

Access Control

Schools can create a safe space for their students and staff by using access control. The system will keep track of who enters the building and when they did enter as well as any threats outside before law enforcement arrives on the scene which is great protection against those trying to get into your school.

Video Surveillance

Security cameras give visual insight into any situation that might occur on campus. Video surveillance deters school crime, encourages professional behavior from both teachers and students, and allows campus security to identify weak points in security protocols and training. Recent studies show that implementing video surveillance systems on campus reduces bullying incidents by almost 70%.

Security Integration

Integrating access control and video surveillance into a single platform gives campus teams one place to monitor activity, verify incidents, and respond faster. And because these systems increasingly rely on IP networks and cloud management, integration should be paired with smart cybersecurity practices to protect devices, data, and day-to-day operations.

Campus Safety in the Age of IP Networks & Cyber Risks

Today’s campus security isn’t just doors and cameras—it’s also network-connected endpoints. Access control panels, IP cameras, intercoms, and cloud dashboards can become targets if they’re exposed or unmanaged. Real resilience means treating physical security devices like any other critical IT asset, with clear ownership, consistent patching, and the right network protections. Guidance from NIST emphasizes defining cybersecurity requirements for IoT-style devices, and real-world advisories from CISA show how vulnerabilities in networked cameras can lead to unauthorized access if left unaddressed.

A few practical safeguards that fit most campuses:

When Access Control and Video Surveillance work together campuses can experience the following benefits:

Increased Efficiency and Security

Access control and video surveillance increase campus security by monitoring and protecting students and teachers against all kinds of threats as well as helping management identify threats to develop better security policies and practices.

Real-Time Monitoring

Real-time monitoring allows the school administration to see what is happening inside the facility to boost security, mitigate, and identify problems before they even happen.

Remote Management

Access control and video surveillance can be managed remotely to ensure school grounds are safe even after class hours.

Secure facilities 24/7

Both systems work 24/7 to keep the facilities protected from threats like burglary, natural disasters, and trespassing.

BTI Communications Group takes safety seriously and our expert technicians are waiting to answer your questions or concerns. Contact us or you can call or text us at 562-298-5000 to learn more about school security and safety solutions.

Eric Brackett

Eric W. Brackett is the founder and president of BTI Communications Group, where he’s been helping businesses nationwide simplify communications, strengthen IT security, and unlock growth since 1985. Known for his client-first approach and “Yes! We Can” mindset, Eric transforms complex technology into reliable, cost-saving solutions that deliver long-term value.