Report Overview
Educational institutions seek a balance
Educational institutions balance interest in more thorough and more advanced security solutions against budget limitations and the desire to maintain an inviting space open to the students and the wider community. They want more security for their vulnerable student populations without generating a climate of fear. Similarly, educational facilities must comply with building codes that enable the rapid exit of students and staff in case of a fire or other emergency, while controlling access to those without legitimate business on the premises. Furthermore, a smooth flow of students and staff at conventional entry and exit times must be still maintained.
Security needs vary by facility
According to Education Security Market, various types of educational facilities have different security needs. For instance, higher education institutions are large campuses with multiple buildings, generally including residential facilities, laboratories with costly and sensitive equipment, and arenas and theaters where large crowds routinely gather. Therefore, their security needs are relatively extensive and involve the use of more costly systems. Primary and secondary institutions are generally single-building campuses occupied primarily during conventional business hours, so some security elements are targeted to protect the students during the day, while others are meant to secure the property after hours, when it is unoccupied. Other institutions, such as day-care centers, tutoring facilities, and non-degree granting schools, have similar priorities.
Student protection is new focus
Historically, security spending was related primarily to limiting property crimes. However, the increasing media attention on a number of school related tragedies, particularly the December 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, has spurred upgrades to security equipment and procedures focused on student protection as public outcry boosted funds available for security spending. Still, the most significant security upgrades tend to occur when new buildings are constructed or as they undergo large-scale remodeling.
Technology spurring security demand
Technology innovations have also spurred greater security spending in educational facilities. Freedonia projects that video surveillance equipment will see some of the fastest gains through 2020 in light of developments in the increasingly affordable, better performing IP cameras. These products have been favored in recent years as a tool both to protect students and staff during major security incidents, and to deal with more routine disciplinary issues.
Study coverage
Education Security Market study analyzes the US education security market. It presents historical demand data (2005, 2010, 2015) and forecasts (2020, 2025) for electronic products (e.g., alarms, access controls, video surveillance, contraband detection), mechanical products (e.g., locks, security storage equipment, door security hardware), and services (e.g., guarding, alarm monitoring, systems integration, security consulting, pre-employment screening). The study also considers market environment factors, evaluates company market share and profiles industry players.
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