Blackwood Comprehensive School in Gwent has prepared for emergency lockdown procedures by retro-fitting door jammers to all classroom doors, using Swiftlock door jammers, invented by British crime prevention specialists, Solon Security.
Gwent Police liaised with the school on the install, having worked closely with Solon Security during multiple editions of the Safer Streets Campaign. Funded by the Home Office, the campaign aims to assist police forces to purchase and install security equipment to prevent, reduce and tackle neighbourhood crime, anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls. “It’s vital for us to be able to lock down swiftly should the need arise,” says School Business Manager Nathan Bracegirdle. “Knowing we have an effective system in place means we can place our focus on educating our students.” Swiftlock door jammers enable internal doors with a lever handle to be rapidly locked from the inside. Teachers carry with them or safely stow the lock piece, which can be rapidly slid onto a small ratchet track attached to the classroom door. Once the lock piece is pushed up into place, the door handle is firmly locked in the closed position. A push and slide mechanism allows the the door to be opened once the all clear is given. “Students and teachers should feel safe when attending school,” says Police Sergeant Clark Evans, Safer Streets Co-ordinator. “We hope this installation reassures parents, students and teachers that the Police and local authority are working together to help create a secure educational environment.”
