Beyond the Bell:

Safety First

With safety becoming a major priority in the face of potential threats, schools are taking greater steps to protect their students, staff, and faculty. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there were 1,375 school shootings at public and private elementary and secondary schools nationwide from the 2000–01 through 2021–22 school years. In total, these incidents led to 1,676 casualties, resulting in 515 deaths and 1,161 injuries.

 In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in events involving gun violence. In the 2021–22 school year alone, there were 327 school shootings. These incidents lead to 350 casualties, resulting in 81 deaths and 269 injuries. Of those,

  • 57 involved deaths
  • 131 caused injuries only
  • 139 resulted in no casualties

In response to these rising safety concerns, one Louisiana school district partnered with TruConnect to implement advanced access control solutions across its lower, middle, and high schools.

Protecting What Matters Most

The district needed to secure 36 campus locations, including elementary, middle, high schools, and facilities management properties, against potential threats, such as active shooters and intruders. With no prior access control or intrusion prevention systems in place, administrators faced two urgent priorities:

  • Deploy a solution that would minimize exposure to threats
  • Ensure that every exterior and high-traffic entry point was secured without disrupting daily campus operations

The goal was to create a scalable, sustainable framework that would both deter unauthorized access and enable swift lockdowns in emergencies.

Creating Confidence Through Preparedness

Using Access IT! Access Control Solutions, TruConnect delivered a district-wide access control system designed to enhance safety at every campus. To bring the system to life, the installation included:

  • 150+ HID proximity card readers, access control panels, and electronic locking door hardware across all schools
  • Door release buttons, allowing staff to control access to designated areas
  • Access control systems covering at least 10 to 15 entry points per campus, with some facilities requiring coverage for over 100 doors
  • Card readers installed at every exterior entry point, ensuring entry is only granted for those with authorized credentials
  • 36+ Lock down buttons and notification strobes to secure entry points from anyone entering the facility

To further strengthen emergency preparedness, TruConnect implemented a lockdown feature that, when activated, immediately disables the access control system and prevents entry into the school during critical situations.

Beyond the installation, TruConnect partnered with local emergency authorities to support quarterly active shooter drills, ensuring the technology was field-tested in real-life scenarios. This collaboration improved preparedness and built confidence among staff, students, and first responders.

A Safer Environment for All

The district achieved a measurable increase in safety and preparedness through the implementation of an access control and lockdown system, enhancing security across all campuses. Students, staff, and parents alike now feel more confident that the school environment is safe and protected.

Since implementation, TruConnect continues to support the district through regular communication, quick responses to service needs, and a partnership that has lasted more than four years. This ongoing relationship ensures the schools not only stay secure but also have the confidence that their safety systems will work when it matters most.

Services Provided

  • Access Control Design
  • Access Control System Installation
  • Lockdown System Implementation
  • Project Management
  • Crisis Response Planning
  • Ongoing Support and Partnership
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