Security is important in all sectors, including education. Everyone has a right to feel safe at their school, no matter their education level or age. Many businesses employ turnstiles to ensure building security as well as manage traffic flow; educational facilities are looking for similar support to safeguard their students, faculty, and staff. Turnstile security is an effective way to protect schools and support staff through technology.
Turnstile solutions mitigate risk due to human error or understaffing. Working alongside school staff and campus security teams, turnstiles can increase campus safety and security. How can turnstiles help protect schools? Read on to learn how turnstiles optimize security across all educational facilities.
Prevents Unauthorized Entries
An entrance turnstile controls access and prevents too many people from entering at a time. Since turnstiles lock after each person, only one person at a time can enter. If someone does not have valid credentials, an illumined status icon alerts them their card has been rejected, the barrier remains closed, and they will not have access to the facility. This security measure prevents unauthorized entry and therefore boosts security.
Turnstile access control systems act both as a physical barrier and visual deterrent to potential threats. They not only physically block unauthorized entrants, making breaching difficult but also act as a visual guard. Most potential unauthorized entrants see the large steel structures and are deterred from attempting access.
Installing turnstiles at entrance and exit points communicates to students, parents and guardians, visitors, and staff that safety is paramount. It helps deter would-be threats, making access harder for them by assuring safety solutions are in place.
MANAGES MULTIPLE SITES
If a campus has multiple access points due to size or layout, turnstile access control systems can be placed at various access points to control and monitor multiple sites. A campus may have a unique layout that allows for multiple entrances that need protecting or may have different areas all needing authorization, such as dorms, gyms, libraries, or cafeterias. Smaller schools may have less staffing to monitor all areas of the campus, while larger facilities have huge volumes of traffic at many different access points. Turnstile solutions provide security at all of these locales and can monitor activity at each one.
Data can also be collected regarding the activity at each of these sites. It logs how many people come through the turnstile, which can be used to determine the need for extra staffing or extra safety measures at certain sites. If staff members are out sick or employed in other areas of the campus or a particular campus has staffing shortages, turnstiles provide continued security, giving the facility some flexibility.
COMBINES WITH OTHER SECURITY SYSTEMS
Turnstiles can be combined with other security systems for 24/7 monitoring. They can integrate with cameras and video intercoms. For instance, if someone hops the turnstile and the alarm goes off, then a camera captures the image of the breach. This footage is then reviewed by security personnel to identify the intruder and take necessary measures to ensure continued safety.
Attendance counters also notify staff if anyone is still on campus outside of normal hours. This technology is useful for K-12 schools with clear hours of operation as well as university campuses with 24-hour access. If someone attempts to enter a grade school campus outside of the designated times or fails to leave, a turnstile counter can alert staff of unusual activity so security personnel can respond. In a university setting, students have access 24 hours a day. A turnstile allows easy access for students studying late or returning to their dorms, while still providing security when on-site staff may be limited.
CONTROLS ENTRANCE FLOW
Educational facilities have high volumes of traffic. It’s important to manage this flow efficiently. Turnstiles protect educational sites without stopping the flow of traffic. Manual security takes longer than swiping a card or fob. Students and staff can easily enter their campuses with a swipe, without compromising security.
Additionally, during peak traffic times, such as the beginning or end of a school day, campuses may be less safe, as many students rush on or off campus. A potential threat can easily be missed. Installing access control systems with entrance turnstiles allows education facilities to control entry—who has access and when—efficiently.
TYPES OF TURNSTILES
There are a variety of turnstiles, from standard to optical turnstiles. Optical turnstiles provide advanced technology and optimal security. These turnstiles are equipped with various alarm noises to indicate tailgating, lane loitering, and unauthorized entry. They also are capable of incorporating biometrics, visitor-access, detection, and video technologies.
Other turnstiles include full-height turnstiles, waist-high turnstiles, and revolving-door turnstiles. Full-height or revolving door turnstiles provide enhanced security with floor-to-ceiling construction, making them effectively impenetrable. These models are used in high-risk facilities or areas.
Educational facilitates desiring the utmost security may opt for optical or full-height turnstiles. However, standard turnstiles are also effective in managing access and preventing potential threats. Hayward Turnstiles manufactures a full line of access control products and is an industry leader when it comes to safety and durability. Access control specialists can help you determine which products are the best fit for your educational facility.
When you are ready to increase the security of your educational facility with turnstile solutions, choose Spade Security Solutions. With more than 15 years of experience, we offer a turnkey solution with materials and installation. Our full network of nationwide installers is ready to install within 24 to 48 hours and provide site training. Get a free quote today.
Ensure school safety at all levels with turnstile access control systems. Protect your campus by restricting access to unauthorized persons, managing entry flow, and keeping track of when people are on your campus. With these solutions, students and staff can safely focus on enriching their education and life skills.
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