It’s September and school is back in session. Gone are the days of summer lounging at the beach or pool and it’s time to hit the books! Parents with college bound children are seeing them off to schools all across the country. This can be an exciting time, yet a scary one as well. In light of numerous violent acts committed across different campuses in recent years, many parents and students alike find themselves somewhat concerned with safety when returning to school. However, several controls have been implemented on campuses to improve security and give peace of mind to parents and students.

The best way to lower crime or violence is to use prevention tactics. If there are controls in place to keep schools safer, then statistically speaking, crime should be lower than if the measures were not in place. Schools have been installing security cameras over the past few decades to deter crime. Criminals may think twice about committing violent acts such as vandalism, gang activity, and theft, if there is a camera nearby. Security cameras put fear into criminals’ minds, as being caught on tape can be almost a sure conviction of guilt. Also, many students take the bus on college campuses to class. Having a security camera in place is an extra set of eyes for the bus driver who already has a lot to manage. A bus is not that large of a space and having every action caught on tape most likely will prevent any wrongdoings.

Metal detectors at campus buildings are also becoming more common. At first when metal detectors were used in school settings they were viewed in a negative connotation. However, many students and parents realize that the positives outweigh the negatives when metal detectors are implemented at schools. Emergency call boxes are another security measure taken on college campuses. The devices placed throughout the area ensure those in danger an outlet to request help, which university officials believe will prevent violence. Even though most people have a cell phone, not everyone has it with them at all times. Also, if you are a victim of a criminal or violent act, the perpetrator may steal your phone in order to ensure their getaway. Again, this is when a call box would definitely serve its purpose.

Prevention is the best way to avoid crime and violence, but sometimes crime and violence cannot be avoided. The added security and safety measures discussed in this article also help in the event a crime or violence does occur. Although it may not have been prevented, violent acts recorded by security cameras often lead to a conviction and justice in the legal system. Taking appropriate measures and embracing technology to keep schools safer can give peace of mind to parents and students. Knowing that someone or something is always on patrol can lead to less time worrying about safety and more time enjoying scholastic experiences.