The guide reviews existing, commercially available technologies and considers both the potential safety benefits of the technology and its cost to the schools. Following the main text is a resource guide listing books, publications, Web sites, and conferences. Overall Issues Many programs, the author notes, attempt to deal with broad issues of bullying, violence, and related problems with long-term prevention and intervention. As officials turn to technology in their fight to contain risks and prevent problems, they must chose the right methods for the risks they face and for their facilities. They must then apply that technology properly to succeed.
Schools have limited resources.
Administrators must realize that the long-term cost of a system includes not only the thousands of dollars that may be spent to purchase equipment, but also the cost of maintaining the equipment and the high cost of trained personnel to run the devices. Some potential systems may also be socially unacceptable to the community, such as video cameras in bathrooms or locker rooms, or a style of security fence that makes schools look like prisons. Planners must balance cost, effectiveness, and political and social acceptability before installing security equipment. To plan an effective and appropriate security system, school leaders must understand the risks faced at the particular school. The report states that school boards must set security goals and communicate them clearly.