NCJ Number
79450
Journal
Security World Volume: 18 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1981) Pages: 50-54
Date Published
1981
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Revisions in the Toledo, Ohio, public school system security network dramatically cut theft and vandalism losses.
Abstract
In the mid-1970's, the Toledo public schools had annual theft and vandalism losses of about $400,000. Security matters were handled by a number of different school system departments, and electronic monitoring of school properties apparently had little impact on losses. By reorganizing its security department, taking a tough stand on restitution, and installing a proprietary central station to monitor the property, the school system trimmed losses to $50,000 annually in a 2-year period. Specifically, these activities included charging those for various schools with a general duty for all schools in the system; e.g., following through on all vandalism cases. The new security department has pursued an aggressive program of restitution. Under Ohio law, the parents of a minor convicted of vandalism are responsible for up to $3,000 for each vandalism incident. In the last 2 years, the school system has collected about $50,000 in restitution payments. A new alarm system monitors and transmits alarms from smoke detectors, ultrasonic and passive infrared motion detectors, infrared beams, contact switches, metal window tape, and metal grating. All alarms are silent at the site, and a panel in each building shows responding police the building zone reporting the alarm. Rigorous testing of the alarm system has helped reduce the number of false alarms. Illustrative photographs and an organizational chart are provided.