Avigilon HALO Smart Sensor

School vape detectors work by continuously monitoring the air quality in specific locations for indicators of the unique chemicals, gasses and other particulate matter known to be present in e‑cigarette vapor. If the concentration of these substances rises above a certain threshold, in-built alarms will sound, and admins will be notified remotely of a suspected vaping incident.

With reports revealing almost 30% of high school students and over 10% of middle school students in America vape regularly, many educators are facing significant challenges with regard to rising tobacco, marijuana and e‑cigarette use in schools. Developing school vape detection systems to deter vaping events can help admins mitigate numerous serious risks like:

While the primary reason for installing vape sensors in schools is to better identify and deter vaping and smoking incidents, there are several wider benefits that can be realized through the development of school vape detector solutions. From compliance management to air quality improvements, below are a few benefits associated with school vape detectors.

Cloud-based management:  Cloud-based vape detectors for schools can be linked to wider security systems via a combined cloud management platform, enabling on-site staff and security teams to view live data remotely at all times. This means instant alerts can be sent to mobile smart devices warning of events in progress, including accurate time and location data to help staff respond quickly and effectively.Analytics and reporting: The more information staff can collect pertaining to vaping incidents, the more accurately they can respond to and address offenses. Schools should prioritize vape detectors featuring built-in analytics capabilities, including software that can produce trend graphs detailing key information like the times, dates and locations of incidents, as this data can be used to inform wider policies. Reporting capabilities are another important feature to look for. School vape detection systems that can send instant alerts and copies of trend reports to staff via SMS, email and app-based communications ensure teachers and security staff are always aware of current security events.Customizable controls: Customizable controls allow admins to adjust school vape detectors to meet site-specific needs. Look for sensors with adjustable detection thresholds, alarm settings and reporting features that enable users to determine which devices and staff members receive alerts during specific times and dates. Developing custom solutions ensures incidents are always addressed appropriately.Privacy standards: As school vape detectors are usually installed in private areas like changing rooms and restrooms, it’s essential that the installed devices cannot record audio or video. Integrations with video security cameras may be pursued in public areas like hallways and common rooms, but only in accordance with relevant data privacy and safeguarding rules associated with school properties. 

To improve the efficacy of school vape detectors and to reduce the likelihood of false alarms, it’s important to select a system that features multiple different types of built-in sensor technologies.

The performance of both a vape sensor for schools and existing security technologies can be improved through the development of unique integrations. By combining these technologies within a greater cloud-based management system, admins and security teams can view real-time data collected from multiple devices, even remotely, and configure automated responses.