School districts nationwide are increasingly adopting advanced multi-sensor technology to combat violence and tackle the rising use of vaping and e-cigarettes on school premises.
This technology addresses fire and life safety risks while aiming to create a secure learning environment for students.
Advanced Detection for Challenging Areas
An increasing number of K-12 schools are partnering with security integrators to deploy these intelligent sensors in areas like restrooms and locker rooms, where monitoring is typically difficult, and where vaping incidents are common.
The devices, designed to resist tampering, can identify various conditions, such as tobacco and marijuana (THC) vaping, loud or aggressive noises, or gunshots. The sensors provide time-stamped alerts for real-time incident notification and are capable of:
- Distinguishing tobacco vaping from THC vaping and detecting attempts to mask vaping with aerosols.
- Determining gunshot locations using two-factor authentication.
- Alerting when specific keywords or aggressive noises are detected.
- Monitoring air quality to manage CO2 levels, thus aiding in disease spread reduction.
- Detecting chemical spills or hazardous gas leaks in science labs or maintenance areas.
Custom applications can also alert administrators to unauthorized lights or noises after hours and help manage HVAC energy costs.
Success Stories in Implementation
School officials responded to an alert triggered by a student forcibly removing a towel dispenser
At a high school in Chickasha, Oklahoma, the first week after installation saw the sensors detect aggressive behavior in a restroom. School officials responded to an alert triggered by a student forcibly removing a towel dispenser, revealing it had been used to conceal illegal substances.
This incident showcased the system's capacity to prevent not just vaping, but also to deter crime and other disruptive activities.
"This system has gone way beyond expectation for not only preventing vaping but deterring crime and other disruptive behavior so we can keep our schools safe and create a positive learning environment for students," said Dan Turner, Executive Director of Operations for Chickasha, Oklahoma Public Schools.
Broader Applications and Benefits
The multi-sensor technology extends beyond vaping detection by:
- Providing comprehensive air quality assessments to curb contagions and enhance building safety.
- Assisting in identifying and deterring bullying, vandalism, and trespassing, ensuring a secure and conducive learning environment.
- Integrating with video management systems to enhance overall security and visibility.
Federal Funding Opportunities
Schools can leverage federal COVID-19 rescue and relief funding to support the deployment of these systems in middle and high schools.
Districts have tapped into Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, citing an August 2020 Stanford University study indicating a heightened COVID-19 risk among vaping teens and young adults.
Collaborate for Enhanced Security Solutions
Schools seeking comprehensive safety measures can collaborate with specialized teams at Everon for solutions that include multi-sensor technology, mass notifications, access controls, and video surveillance. Such partnerships facilitate risk identification and proactive response while ensuring the effective use of budgets.
Leveraging pre-negotiated contracts through cooperative purchasing groups offers significant cost savings during procurement, aligning with fiscal constraints.
- Network / IP
- Remote video surveillance
- Security cameras
- Covert cameras
- Security camera systems
- Metal detectors
- Explosives detection
- School security
- Physical Security Information Management (PSIM)
- Covert Surveillance
- Video Management System
- Cannabis and Security
- Network Video Recorders
- Video surveillance
- Weapon detection
- COVID-19
