School safety is a top priority for educators, administrators, and parents alike. With increasing security concerns and evolving legislation, implementing professional video surveillance cameras in schools is an essential step to protecting students, staff, and visitors. It begins with finding an experienced provider to handle the job.
Without proper security infrastructure, Utah’s schools are left open to threats like vandalism, trespassing, and even active violence. School video surveillance has a crucial role to play in a comprehensive safety plan, offering real-time monitoring, incident documentation, and an added layer of deterrence against threats.
As a leading provider of security solutions throughout the Mountain West, PEAK Alarm has been securing schools against both internal and external threats for decades. Here’s one example of a school we helped boost their security.
Addressing New Legislation and Security Blind Spots
George Washington Academy is a public charter school in St. George, Utah, that serves roughly 1,000 students in grades K-7 with a staff of 135 employees. Despite using video surveillance for the past decade, the school continually found its security measures lacking as its operations grew. The previous setup consisted of only 10 cameras, primarily focused on the parking lot. This left critical zones like hallways and entrances entirely unmonitored.
“It just wasn’t working very well,” said Steven Erickson, the school’s head of security. “We started out with just a basic [system]—we had a server that we just hooked a couple of cameras to. And as our school has grown, we’ve noticed we’ve needed some more coverage. And so I applied for a safety grant.”
With new state legislation tightening requirements for school security, leadership could not ignore the need for a more robust, centralized system. Fortunately, local regulatory changes came with the opportunity for a competitive grant—and the school seized its chance to secure the necessary funding.
Selecting a Security Provider
The grant required the school to consider proposals from at least three security providers. And, though the committee weighed their options fairly, Officer Erickson says the choice was obvious very early on. The academy highlighted several reasons for choosing PEAK Alarm over the competition, including:
- No ongoing licensing fees – While other solutions require an ongoing software license, PEAK Alarm offers a cost-effective security service without recurring software expenses.
- Exceptional customer service – The PEAK Alarm team was immediately responsive, conducting a detailed walkthrough to assess the site’s needs before recommending a tailored security strategy.
- Poven partnership – The school had previously worked with PEAK Alarm for its alarm system and sensors and was pleased with the company’s track record of communication and reliability.
Following a thorough evaluation process, the safety committee graded PEAK Alarm on price, professionalism, and company reputation. The decision was made, and installation quickly followed.
A Seamless Security Upgrade
PEAK Alarm installed 35 brand-new, high-quality surveillance cameras throughout the school, with plans to expand further in the near future. The school’s new system provides fuller coverage of critical areas, including:
- School hallways, allowing for real-time interior monitoring and retroactive review of behavioral incidents.
- Perimeters and entrances, ensuring all access points are protected against trespassers and loitering.
- The parking lot, creating full visibility for student drop-offs, pick-ups, and outdoor incident investigation.
Throughout the installation process, school operations continued uninterrupted, with teachers and students safely attending classes while PEAK Alarm’s team worked diligently. The transition from the previous system to the new one was expedient and expertly coordinated, allowing staff to begin using the upgraded system immediately.
A Safer, More Proactive School Environment
Since the installation, the academy has already seen several substantial improvements to its everyday security, including:
- Behavioral incident monitoring – Reviewing footage before contacting parents has ensured disciplinary decisions are based solely on objective evidence.
- Live monitoring for law enforcement – This allows local police to access live video feeds during emergencies in accordance with new state regulations.
- Outdoor and perimeter security – External surveillance cameras help document and resolve practical issues like traffic, accidents, and unauthorized activity.
“I use them every day. And now that we have them, we have them all around our school,” said Security Officer Erickson. “It’s nice to know that, if [an incident] has something to do with behavior, we’re able to look it up and make sure we know what’s going on before we make a call to a parent.”
What’s Next for George Washington Academy?
Based on recent reports, security has never been better at George Washington Academy, with parents commenting on how much stronger the school’s security now feels. When staff can operate safely and parents can feel good about dropping their kids off for the day, PEAK Alarm has done its job well.
So satisfied is the school with its new surveillance system, in fact, that there are already talks of another upgrade in the near future. With another safety grant on the horizon for Utah schools, George Washington Academy looks forward to installing more security cameras from PEAK Alarm in the year ahead.
Strengthen Your School’s Security With PEAK Alarm
Utah’s schools have too much at stake to rely on outdated, in-house solutions. When installed by seasoned professionals like PEAK Alarm, the impact of video surveillance cameras in schools can be profound. The experience of this local institution is a reminder of just how beneficial comprehensive school security can be—for the staff, the students, and their families.
A well-designed surveillance system can transform academic safety, improving the experience for students while providing the peace of mind parents and educators seriously desire. If your school is looking to improve its video surveillance, whether due to new regulations or outdated systems, PEAK Alarm can offer the customized surveillance solutions you need to feel confident in your security again.
Protect what matters most to you. Contact PEAK Alarm today.