Today, school fires, vandalism, graffiti and bullying in school environments are common occurrences in Sweden. As a result, schools are faced with significant tangible and intangible costs for different types of measures, of which surveillance technology is one. This paper presents a study of newspaper articles mapping the occurrence and…

From 2003 to 2005, fires on school properties cost about $85 million a year. An estimated 14,700 fires required a fire department response: 36 percent were trash fires, 19 percent were fires in open fields, and 43 percent were structural fires. Sometimes, the needs of school security seem to conflict with the requirements of fire safety. In this…

Provides an overview of recent campus emergencies faced by Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers members and how they coped. Emergencies evaluated include campus crime, a snow storm, and violent campus demonstrations. (GR)

Describes the alarm system used by the Memphis (Tennessee) city schools to cut vandalism costs in half. (IRT)

Discusses the uses of building security systems to prevent loss from damage by vandalism in school buildings. Outlines types of systems, selection of systems, and current practices in securing schools. (MD)

Discusses vandalism as a major concern in schoolyards and believes that it can be kept at a minimum during outdoor activities. Presents statistical information on arrests in cases of vandalism. Describes four key strategies for discouraging vandalism that the National Crime Prevention Council focuses on, and discusses the psychology of criminals.…

Examines ways of adequately providing the security of middle schools while creating an environment in which students and staff feel at home. Areas covered include architectural strategies to encourage better communication, controlling vandalism, and preventing unauthorized people from entering the building. (GR)

The problem with traditional, perimeterbased security methods is twofold: First, they can stifle the educational mission that district networks were created to encourage. Firewalls can thwart hackers, but they can also prevent staff and students from accessing online tools or information. Second, these approaches tend to provide inadequate…

A review of school vandalism and specific systems and approaches to use in preventing it. (LD)

Describes one high school's use of video cameras as a preventive tool in stemming theft and violent episodes within schools. The top 10 design tips for preventing crime on campus are highlighted. (GR)

Shows how schools can include features and equipment in their facilities that deter vandalism and unauthorized entry. Pros and cons for lighting vacant campuses after dark are highlighted. (GR)

A San Jose high school's campaign to develop student pride in the school and its appearance includes publicity measures, painting garbage cans in school colors, and cafeteria supervision. Results in diminishing acts of vandalism have been encouraging. (MJL)

Describes the major categories of school security systems that are being used in New York City schools. (MLF)

Book thefts and mutilation remain common problems in college libraries. This article: demonstrates that some government publications are rare and valuable; recommends ways of identifying which documents are in danger; and suggests strategies for protecting those documents are at risk. (Author/AEF)

Suggests school business officials, particularly those directly responsible for facilities, should know about school security measures such as metal detection devices at entry points, direct classroom telephone access, strategically placed mirrors, corridor video monitors, modified food-service facilities and bathrooms, stair and courtyard…