Holiday Break Security: Protecting Vacant Campuses

The holiday season brings cheer and well-deserved respite to both students and school staff. However, the vacant campuses during these breaks can become targets for vandalism and unauthorized entry. Students are the most likely group to damage school facilities. Police see an increase in destructive school activity over long weekends and during Holiday Breaks. According to the U.S. National Center for Education Statistics, 38% of schools reported having one or more incidents of vandalism either on the school grounds or at a school-sponsored event such as a sports game. Here are four tips to help improve campus security over the Holiday Break: 

1. Collaborate with Campus and Local Law Enforcement 

Campus Police and Security Personnel know your facilities best and will be able to determine if any unwanted activity is occurring when the campuses are unoccupied. Scheduling regular patrols by Campus Police and coordinating with your local law enforcement during the break can prevent damage from occurring. The presence of patrol cars driven on a regular basis is often enough to deter potential crime. These patrols help school personnel promptly identify facility damage, enabling swift repairs before further harm occurs. 

2. Leverage Video Surveillance Systems 

Most Texas schools have interior and exterior video surveillance systems to protect your school property. The school’s video surveillance system should cover as much of the property as possible. Monitoring these systems over the Holiday Break can help to identify damage and possibly stop intruders and vandals while still in the act. 

3. Implement Access Control Measures 

Access control can range from number pads to card readers to high tech biometric hand and finger scanners — meaning only those with passwords, badges, or biometric markers can enter buildings or secure areas. Combined with video surveillance, campus police and administrators can monitor who approaches a building over the break and notify law enforcement if an individual does not have prior authority to access an area. 

4. Invest in Robust Alarm Systems 

One of the best ways to protect a school from intruders and vandals is an alarm system. A professional-grade alarm system will create an invisible barrier of protection around your school. Monitored alarm systems provide quick notification to law enforcement should an unauthorized person enter the building over Holiday Break.  

North American Solutions wishes you a safe and restful Holiday Break. We hope these tips assist in the protection of your properties, ensuring a smooth start to the upcoming semester without any interruptions.