We have that same security system at my school.
We used to have a phone system. The visitor picked up the phone, the office staff answered and after talking to the visitor, buzzed them in (or not). Then someone decided the buzzer system with a camera was better. So they took the phones away. Now the visitor just presses the buzzer, the office staff looks at the monitor to see who it is and buzzes them in (or not).
I have never once seen them refuse to buzz anyone in. If it's obviously a child (they are short) they always buzz them in without question. Once in awhile, the office staff may press the microphone button and ask who it is. But most of the time, they just buzz them in.
EVERYONE has to use this system. Parents, kids, teachers. Schools are busy places. So they buzz people in every few minutes all day long.
I know - now they are saying this kid shot the window in the door out and that's how he got in. But I can't help but realize this buzzer system is really not very secure.
I don't know what would be better. Perhaps employees should have cards or keys so they don't have to use the buzzer. Then maybe we would be more cautious about who we buzz in.
A couple years ago, as I was walking by the door, a lady outside was banging on it and wanted me to let her in. We preach to the kids to never do this. I was with my class and didn't want them to see me breaking a rule. So I motioned at the buzzer on the wall next to the door and told her to push it. She did, waited a few seconds and was buzzed in. And she immediately saw me in the hall and ripped me for being rude and not letting her in. She was an insurance vendor who was dropping off literature for school employees. And she was in a hurry. I asked if her insurance company sold coverage to teachers who were fired for not following security procedures. She didn't reply, just asked where the office was and walked away. Apparently she complained to the principal, who mentioned this at a staff meeting and thanked the unidentified staff member for refusing to let the lady in.
Anyhow, I dreamt about this inefficient security system last night. When I slept.
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and having them with them, be admitted.
Yet, I don't doubt those staff who try to question are reamed out by hurried parents or others.
I imagine after these most recent incidents, there will be far more latitude offered for those who want to tighten up the process. That said, a disturbed person with a gun intent on getting in, IS going to get it, as seems to be the case here. I guess the only comfort we can take is that those individuals who might want to do so, are quite rare.
so very very sad...
What are we going to do, put a brick wall with concertina wire and guard towers around every school ground in the country?
As well as malls, theaters, swimming pools, churches, city hall meetings, offices, and EVERY SINGLE OTHER PUBLIC SPACE?
