When enhancing a school’s physical security, the options and possible strategies can be overwhelming, ranging from surveillance and perimeter protection to emergency communication, visitor management, and access control. While these elements are interconnected, our focus here is on door locking systems. As we’ve discussed before, the ability to secure classroom doors during a security incident is a crucial foundation of any safety plan.
Even within this specific area, there are numerous options between both electrified and mechanical solutions. Electrified locks are essential for allowing remote locking or unlocking, either within close range or as part of a larger electronic access control system. However, this brings up an important question:
Is it necessary to implement a comprehensive, campus wide, electronic solution? If it is the long-term goal, must it be done immediately, or can a mechanical lock approach be just as effective in protecting lives?
Is a School-Wide Electronic Solution Necessary?
There are many legitimate benefits that come with comprehensive school and campus wide electronic solutions for school security, and it is sensible to evaluate and review these when considering security for your school district. However, this can take a lot of time and obviously there’s the question of cost.
Our belief is that starting with mechanical door hardware for classrooms is a solid choice, particularly when prioritizing school safety. Hardware designed specifically for security in educational settings offers reliable protection, especially when working within a tight budget.
The allure of electronic locks lies in their advanced capabilities. They can offer remote access, audit trails, and compatibility with integrated life safety systems. These capabilities can be particularly appealing for large schools with many entry points and a high number of students and staff.
However, the initial investment in electronic locks and the required infrastructure can be prohibitively expensive for many schools. This includes not only the cost of the locks themselves but the installation of necessary wiring, power supplies, and network connections. Automated school security solutions also depend on power. While battery backups can mitigate the security risk this poses, they add another layer of maintenance and added cost.
Given these considerations, it’s worth evaluating whether an extensive investment in electronic locks is truly necessary for every school. While electronic systems offer impressive capabilities, they may not be the most practical or cost-effective solution for all schools.
While the long-term goal of an entire electronic and automated infrastructure can be the long-term goal of a school, there is no need to wait until an entire budget is in place before enhancing school security. Mechanical solutions are sufficient as well.
Can Mechanical Locking Be Just as Effective?
In many cases, a well-designed mechanical locking system, supported by a strong culture of safety and vigilance, can provide an effective and reliable security solution without the high costs of electronic systems. Mechanical locks, such as Bored and Mortise locks, generally have a lower initial cost and require less maintenance than their electrified counterparts.
Since they do not depend on electricity, mechanical locks continue to function during power outages, making them less prone to technical malfunctions and don’t have the added cost of backup batteries. Their simplicity and familiarity also ensure that they are easy to operate for both staff and students, reducing the risk of user error. Mechanical locks featuring large status indicators show the condition of the lock to the classroom occupants on the inside, and clear visual cues for administrators and law enforcement on the outside of the door.
While a mechanical-only solution can be adequate, it must be supported by a culture of safety and vigilance within the school community. The best lock in the world, whether mechanical or electronic, won’t secure a door that’s propped open or not properly closed. Therefore, fostering a culture of school safety is essential for any effective security system. Encouraging everyone to be vigilant and report any security lapses, such as propped-open doors or broken locks, helps maintain a secure environment.
With that in mind, it’s helpful for budget conscious schools to understand mechanical solutions are just as secure as electronic ones and are a suitable choice.
Start Simple
Because the options available for creating school safety strategy can be hard to sort through, we recommend starting simple and building as necessary. As recommended by PASS (Partner Alliance for Safer Schools), a comprehensive, multi-layered approach highlights a three-pronged system focusing on physical security, policy and process, and engagement.
Physical security is at the heart of school safety, focused on securing the classroom and effectively concealing its occupants should an emergency occur.
Policy and process involve establishing clear policies and procedures for maintaining security and responding to incidents. These policies provide a framework for consistent and effective security practices.
Engagement involves fostering a community-wide commitment to security, ensuring everyone understands their role in maintaining a safe environment.
By integrating these layers, schools can create a secure environment that doesn’t solely rely on high-tech solutions but leverages the strengths of a well-implemented mechanical system.
Conclusion
While electronic and automated solutions provide valuable and advanced capabilities for school security, we believe that relying solely on these sophisticated systems isn’t the only path to building a strong security framework. Many of these solutions share the same vulnerabilities as mechanical hardware (such as a student propping a door open). A highly effective security strategy can be achieved through more affordable mechanical door hardware when combined with well-crafted policies, processes, and active engagement.
Start and accelerate your school safety journey with budget optimized, quality mechanical locks with status indicators and build a layered security approach to ensure the safety of your school.
