With Ohio facing some of the nation’s highest school violence rates, districts should consider replacing outdated technologies with advanced security systems.

As we’ve discussed before, students need to feel safe in their learning environment in order to learn and thrive. Unfortunately, school violence continues to increase nationwide, and students right here in Ohio are facing some of the highest school violence rates in the country. According to the Educator’s School Safety Network, only one state has a higher risk of school violence than Ohio.


Fortunately, Ohio schools aren’t without recourse. There are proven means to reduce school violence, but they require a concerted and strategic effort from school officials. One such method, which has been proven to have a tangible effect on crime rates, is security systems. For example, in downtown Baltimore, once one of the most dangerous areas in America, officials noted “significant declines” in crime following the installation of 500 security cameras.


In the wake of increased school shootings and other violent incidents, an increasing number of school districts are turning to surveillance systems to keep their staff and students safe. However, maximizing the benefits of security cameras requires choosing not just any security system, but the right security system.


The Advantages of IP Security Cameras


While any security cameras are better than none, the significant benefits of Internet Protocol (IP) surveillance versus traditional analog CCTV cameras more than outweigh the higher upfront cost. An IP camera is a digital video camera that uses the Internet to receive and send data.


For most of the security industry, IP cameras are now considered standard, and their sales far outpace analog cameras in the United States for a few key reasons. Schools looking to make a sustainable long-term investment in their students’ safety should follow the security industry’s lead.


Here’s why security professionals recommend IP cameras over analog alternatives:


Scalability


One of the most important advantages of smart camera systems is their ability to scale. With edge processing, additional cameras can be added at any time, allowing your school’s security system to grow with your school’s needs. IP camera solutions also seamlessly integrate with your school’s network infrastructure, allowing you to easily set up increased security measures down the line.


Resolution


Unlike their analog counterparts, many IP cameras use progressive scan technology to ensure captured images are crystal clear, even if objects in the picture are in motion. At the same time, digital cameras are also able to provide a much wider field of view, which is critical when you want comprehensive surveillance over a location. Plus, because there’s only one digital conversion instead of the several that are necessary with analog cameras, there’s no risk of image degradation.


Analytics


Along with improvements in image quality and scalability come improvements in analytics software. Today’s IP cameras can be easily equipped with AI and analytics software programs that enable advanced features like license plate recognition, people counting, motion detection, loiterer detection, and more, taking much of the legwork out of keeping your school safe and secure.


Cybersecurity


Network cameras offer several key cybersecurity advantages over CCTV systems. Firstly, analog cameras deliver video over coax cabling, while IP cameras send encrypted digital transmissions. Secondly, because IP cameras can be equipped with Power over Ethernet and battery backup, they’ll continue to record even during a power outage. And finally, there’s a much lower risk of an IP video signal being hacked or compromised thanks to device authentication.


Remote Access


CCTV cameras send a feed directly to a main control room — and only to that control room. Digital camera footage, on the other hand, can be accessed via the Internet on a PC, Mac, or even a mobile device. IP camera footage can also be stored digitally at a remote location, so there’s no chance of footage being destroyed and lost forever.


A Trusted School Security Partner


If you’re interested in increasing your school’s security and the safety of your students, the experts at Vinson are here to help. Vinson Security as a Service can help you plan, implement, and utilize an effective security system. What’s more, we offer comprehensive training to ensure that your employees know how to take full advantage of the new surveillance features your system offers.


Our IT team works exclusively with K-12 school districts in Ohio, meaning we’re dedicated to the education space and know the ins and outs of what you need. Whether you’re looking for support in securing funding for new cameras or in planning a full roll-out across multiple campuses, Vinson can help. From public schools gearing up for track season with outdoor cameras, to charter schools hoping to implement indoor surveillance, we’ve seen it all. Contact us today to find out how IP cameras might work for you.