In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “How Schools and Universities Can Digitally Map Their Campus Security Technology for Better Safety,” presented by Keon Blackwell, Security Systems Coordinator at Atlanta Public Schools, Maureen Carlson, Co-Founder and Vice President at System Surveyor, and Patrick Bucci, Security System Specialist at University of Wisconsin. Read on for what Maureen and Patrick had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2024!
Q: How did you become interested in your topic?
MC: We have seen a great deal of K-12 and university security teams use our software to ramp up their capabilities and provide better school and campus safety. Though these campus security teams are responsible for implementing physical security technology effectively, they often don’t have a sizable staff or budget. One thing that campus leaders tell us alleviates these challenges is the ability to share visual plans with non-technical stakeholders and communicate using a centralized, digital platform, in order to make the most informed decisions. In many ways, simplifying the system design and device management processes allows them to reallocate the rest of their time proactively safeguarding students, staff and faculty.
On top of all this, as a parent of both high school and college-age students, this is an especially important topic to me. When we can get campus safety and security leaders sharing best practices, the sum is greater than the parts.
Q: Tell us about your presentation and why security professionals should have this topic on their radar.
PB: I’m excited to be part of this presentation as a real-life practitioner and security specialist at the University of Wisconsin and am happy to share what I’ve learned and the benefits of digitally mapping our campus. We hope it will be an interactive discussion with others who manage complex campus environments. Here is a case study for some background prior to this event.
Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in this topic?
MC: My advice would be to collaborate and share resources with other professionals in your field and to strive continuously to learn ways to collaborate to solve problems. Every day, it seems, new and advanced technologies enter the market, making it all the more important to constantly educate yourself and communicate with campus stakeholders to determine which technology platforms are relevant and which are not.
When it comes to implementing those technologies, don’t forget to get your system integrator and vendors involved for problem solving and view plans and system designs together. Technology certainly can’t fix everything; but when implemented thoughtfully and with a solid understanding of the objectives of everyone involved, it can contribute to systems that are not only reactive but also proactive. With this in mind, I encourage you to bring questions and constructive thoughts to share during our panel discussion.
Q: Why do you attend GSX?
MC: This is an important event for the people who adopt, recommend and implement technology to come together and learn from each other on how to optimize the use and deliver on the promise of this technology for safety and security. This is my 6th time attending GSX, and it always encompasses people with a spirit to improve and collaborate.
PB: This will be my first time attending GSX. I am excited for the opportunity to share my experiences and to learn from others. We are always looking ahead to new technologies and solutions to keep our campus safe, and GSX is a great opportunity to collaborate with other professionals.