Security systems for schools
How to choose the right security alarm, cameras, lighting and monitoring system for your school or kura, and information on installing and maintaining it.
How to choose a security system for your school
To help decide what security system would be best for your school, do a security risk assessment and audit. You can then create a risk management plan and policy. Follow the steps on the page below, which also has information about funding for your security system.
Security for new schools and facilities
All new schools are required to have a security system. A security system is also required when constructing a new facility or upgrading an existing building, if the total project cost exceeds $200,000.
If the area for the project is over 1,000m2, you must have a security design report done to identify local security issues. The report must also outline how your security design will deal with those issues using the 'National Guidelines for Crime Prevention through Environmental Design in New Zealand' (CPTED) from the Ministry of Justice.
Security alarm systems
A security alarm system detects unauthorised entry to a property. It immediately alerts monitoring services and can act as a deterrent for potential break-ins.
Get advice and information before choosing your security system
When buying a security system, consider performance and price.
Be wary of cheap systems, new companies and new brands. Before making your decision:
- ask other schools that already use the product for their views on the product, the company and its after-sales service
- view a working system.
Standard specification for your security system
You must use our standard specification for the supply and installation of a security system at your school.
Using the specification means the security alarm system you choose:
- is of good quality
- meets national performance standards
- is reliable
- is compatible with new and existing fire alarm systems
- can be expanded as your school grows.
You must use a qualified security consultant to manage the installation of your security system.
Give them the full standard specification document. If you have trouble understanding the standard specification document, ask the security consultant to explain it to you.
The security consultant will develop the site-specific information to meet your project’s needs.
Off-site monitoring of your electronic security system
You’ll need to plan your alarm response strategy before buying your electronic security system.
Having an off-site monitoring and alarm response contract is the best use of your investment in an alarm system. If the alarm is triggered, a security guard will respond quickly. This is less risky than having a staff member respond to an alarm activation.
Fire alarms and the security system
Under our fire safety design requirements, the fire alarm must be the lead system when combined with a security system. This means the fire alarm can activate the security system but not vice versa.
Fire safety design requirements
Tendering for a security system
When you tender for a security system, ask for:
- a comprehensive, programmed maintenance contract
- full ‘as-built’ records, which should be held on site and available to the contractor when they visit, including drawings of the installation
- a maintenance logbook so the contractor can log and detail maintenance, call outs, system changes or alterations – this includes updating drawings, where applicable.
In their tender responses, consultants must confirm they have read and understood our standard specification.
Inspection of your security system
Once your new security system is installed, your security consultant will arrange a ‘commissioning inspector’ to do a final inspection. The inspector must be independent of the security consultant.
Your security consultant signs off the job. It should not be signed off by the security system installer.
Maintaining your security system
Buy a comprehensive, programmed maintenance contract along with any new or upgraded electronic security alarm system.
Security systems need regular, programmed maintenance to perform well. When you have a maintenance contract:
- the contractor remains responsible for the system
- the contractor fine tunes and manages the system’s performance over time
- your security system is cost effective – a preventative maintenance contract will pay for itself by saving the cost of your time and call outs, including for false alarms.
The cost of maintaining the system will come from your property maintenance grant funding.
Security cameras
A security CCTV system can deter crime, monitor activities in real time, and provide recorded evidence of incidents.
We do not require schools to have these systems. We recommend they’re installed in large schools. Small schools can install them where necessary.
Planning for a CCTV system
When you’re planning to install a CCTV system, keep in mind that:
- partial CCTV coverage will only give you partial protection – it’s easy for people to find out which areas the cameras don’t cover
- you need a specific type of security lighting to get clear camera recordings with colour
- you need a good-quality camera, lens and recording system
- your system works better if you buy a long-term, comprehensive, programmed maintenance contract with it.
If you have a CCTV system on site, have clear signs saying it’s there. The office of the Privacy Commissioner has advice on cameras in school environments.
CCTV and school bathrooms – Office of the Privacy Commissioneropen_in_new
Keeping learners and parents informed – Office of the Privacy Commissioneropen_in_new
Security lighting
Motion-sensor floodlights that turn on suddenly can deter intruders and increase personal safety. They can also reduce the risk of accidents by lighting walkways, and aid surveillance cameras.
It's best practice not to have security lights on all night. They should instead be triggered by motion sensor switches such as passive infrared sensors.
To make security lighting most effective, look at the specifics of your environment. Use your school security risk management and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to identify the most effective locations for lights.
Higher lighting levels may be required for vulnerable areas that were identified in your security audit.
General lighting
Lighting for your school is covered in the requirements for designing quality learning spaces.
More information
See our guidance on fencing, roof security, door security and keys.