After a high-profile mass shooting in Yuvalde, Texas, where 19 students and two teachers were killed, many politicians opposed tightening gun control called for “strengthening” US schools. I’ve been.
President Joe Biden has signed a rare bipartisan law To deal with gun violence at the end of last month. The law provides $ 1 billion in funding for schools to cite.Create a safe and healthy learning environment for all students “ In addition, we will add $ 300 million to training and equipment to help in the event of a violent threat.
According to research and consulting firm Omdia, the private security industry, with a particular focus on the education sector, is forecasting revenue of $ 3.1 billion in 2021 with an average annual growth of over 8%. ..
However, these quotes are only for companies that offer technologies that help manage those enrolled in school, such as cameras and electronic locks.
The Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education And that Department of Homeland Security At the federal level, each has a program that subsidizes school districts for security upgrades. The Ministry of Justice has awarded more than $ 410 million in grants through the program created below. Stop the 2018 School Violence Act..
Security experts warn that grant programs to ensure school security may not be sufficient.
“We went to a one-time funded school, for example through a grant or a school board assignment to install an additional camera, and go three or four years later. , The camera isn’t working. ” Trump has nothing to do with former President Donald Trump.
“They don’t have the budget for maintenance, repairs and replacements at the school or school district level,” Trump added. “But there is this security theater, this façade that makes the school safer when not really much technology or equipment is used.”
In addition to the inconsistent funding for schools to purchase these services, demand from parents and school districts also tends to increase or decrease based on news events.
This sporadic demand is impacting the growth of the industry. According to Omdia, for companies that provide security equipment and services to control who has access to a building, growth rates can vary from 5% to 15% depending on how many shots are fired each year. there is.
Watch the video above to learn more about the growing school security industry, the fortifications schools are taking, and the costs involved.