Integrating School District's Security Systems for Comprehensive Protection

By Julie Brown, Institutional Market Leader, Johnson Controls

A midwestern school district realized its security systems were not up to par. With over 60 schools in the district relying on an outdated burglar alarm system, they were lacking an intelligent security system that would maximize protection of students and visitors and didn’t have an access control system for easy visitation and awareness of who was onsite. Meanwhile, the district’s fire detection systems lacked responsive and comprehensive support from its provider, resulting in disruptive events throughout the district’s schools and buildings. District leaders knew they needed to upgrade their systems to provide the safest learning environment possible.

Upgrading systems for undisruptive, 24/7 protection

From a large pool of competing vendors, Johnson Controls was chosen for its proven value and exemplary customer support. Once signed on, Johnson Controls experts quickly got to work. To create an integrated security infrastructure, they installed advanced security systems with remote monitoring capabilities, access control and intrusion detection systems that could be seamlessly integrated with the existing cameras. To combat disruptive false alarms, updated fire detection technology was implemented throughout the district’s buildings.

Intelligent security with unmatched support

Once these new technologies and systems were in place, the district had insight into who was accessing its buildings and schools at all times. The integration between security systems and the schools’ existing cameras provides rapid notification when an intrusion or abnormal event takes place, ensuring a swift response. And through Johnson Controls support and monitoring of its fire detection systems, the district can reap the benefits of reduced false alarms and faster communication with the local fire department in the event of an actual emergency.

Because the district’s security and fire detections systems are all managed by Johnson Controls, it can be handled by a single local response team, ensuring the district receives fast and comprehensive support. With its new integrated security systems in place, the district can feel confident it is delivering a safe educational experience for students and teachers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a secure school environment for students, staff and visitors is crucial to districts’ central mission of education. Having insight into who is entering schools and when allows districts to maintain social distancing and contract tracing guidelines.

To learn more about how Johnson Controls protects K-12 schools, click here.