Schools explore security measures after mass shootings

Recent tragedies have made security door systems and panic buttons increasingly more popular. Some people think it’s the safest way to regulate foot traffic.

“The cameras, the access control, the panic buttons. All that is definitely more popular today,” said Steve Kaufer, president of Maximum Security, a local home security company.

Kaufer has 30 years of experience installing security systems at local schools and businesses. He says he’s been busier this last decade.

“There’s a national concern about safety of students and staff at school. So schools are going the extra mile to add additional protection,” Kaufer said.

That additional protection has been implemented at some schools in the Coachella Valley Unified School District.

“We really started pushing safety after the sandy hook shooting incident several years ago,” said Fred Gonzalez, CVUSD Director for campus safety and security. He took KESQ/CBS Local 2 through a tour of the safety standards set upon an arrival of a guest.

“Push the button. There’s a camera up on top watching us. Then they’ll buzz us,” said Gonzalez.

Majority of CVUSD schools have become closed campus schools.

“Whoever, the parent or guardian, have to electronically sign into the site, which contacts the school staff,” Gonzalez added.

There are also additional safety standards in place, like 24 hour on campus security and camera and radio systems, however, Gonzalez says he understands the reality of active shooter situations.

“The way things are going on now, you can never say it’s not going to happen. All we can do is prepare as best we can and pray it doesn’t happen.”

Gonzalez also went on to say, CVUSD is looking into installing panic buttons on campuses, but couldn’t go into detail. Palm Springs Unified School district tells KESQ/CBS Local 2 they lock doors on campus during business hours. Desert Sands Unified did not want to discuss specific safety technologies.