#United States #Madison #Singlewire Software #Visitor Aware #School Security

An In-Depth Look at the 2025 School Entrance Security Report

In a world where school safety is more crucial than ever, Singlewire Software has taken a significant step forward by releasing its inaugural School Entrance Security Report. This extensive survey gathered insights from over 500 school staff members across the United States and highlighted the key challenges schools face in securing their entrances against potential threats.

Key Findings of the Report

The report unveiled several alarming statistics, demonstrating that while schools are genuinely committed to safety, many still grapple with fundamental security concerns. Out of the respondents, only a mere 17% felt that their school entrances were fully secure. This clearly indicates an urgent need for enhanced measures.

Among the primary challenges cited by school staff, non-compliance with check-in procedures was the most prevalent, accounting for 31% of responses. This was closely followed by a lack of staff to monitor these procedures (30%) and difficulties in verifying the identity of guests (24%). Terry Swanson, the president and CEO of Singlewire Software, succinctly stated, "School safety starts at the front door." According to him, a secured entrance can effectively block threats before they can infiltrate school environments.

Monitoring and Surveillance

While many schools strive to improve security protocols, the report also revealed that a majority have measures in place for monitoring their entrances round-the-clock. 59% of staff mentioned that entrances are always under surveillance, while 32% indicated that monitoring occurs daily when classes are in session.

Interestingly, 89% of schools have installed video surveillance systems, with another 43% planning to upgrade or invest in new surveillance technology over the next two years. This strong reliance on video monitoring demonstrates schools' awareness of the importance of visual oversight in preventing potential incidents.

Staff Knowledge and Preparedness

Another positive highlight from the report is the preparedness of school staff when it comes to handling security issues. A staggering 89% expressed confidence in their ability to respond effectively to challenges that may arise at entrance points. This level of readiness is crucial in ensuring that staff can act quickly and efficiently when situations demand it.

Additionally, 99% of the respondents confirmed that communication systems are in place to facilitate the swift exchange of information when issues arise, marking a significant stride in proactive security management.

Areas for Improvement

Despite these advancements, gaps still remain. Joanna Haugland, chief product officer for Visitor Aware at Singlewire Software, pointed out these remaining challenges, noting that although schools have made considerable progress in entrance security, more needs to be done to enhance safety measures. Proactive tools that can help identify potential threats before they escalate are essential for safeguarding students and staff.

Singlewire Software's Visitor Aware tool is one such innovative solution. This paperless tool not only helps schools manage guests but also verifies their identities against national databases, flagging any potential issues before they can enter the school premises.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the findings from Singlewire Software's 2025 School Entrance Security Report paint a mixed picture of school safety. While schools are taking steps to secure their environments, significant challenges remain. Addressing these gaps through innovative solutions and improved compliance can help ensure that schools prioritize the safety of their most precious asset—their students. With the right tools in place, schools can create safer environments conducive to learning and growth.

For anyone interested in exploring the full findings of the report, the comprehensive data can be accessed through Singlewire’s official platforms, showcasing the importance of dialogue and action in school safety initiatives.