When a K–8 school in San Jose, California, found itself battling growing campus safety concerns—vandalism during holidays, student vaping, and after-hours trespassing—it knew changes had to be made. The problem? A limited security budget and an urgent need to reduce false alarms that strained local police resources.
That’s where Spade Security Services stepped in.
We began with a full-site security audit that included:
Reviewing incident reports and disciplinary data
Inspecting current surveillance systems and access control
Surveying staff and parents on safety priorities
Identifying blind spots in camera coverage and underlit zones
What we found was a series of weaknesses:
Inadequate camera coverage along the school’s perimeter
No remote monitoring or analytics to detect unusual activity
No automated system to flag unauthorized access
Vaping and vandalism occurring in minimally supervised areas
A slow, manual process for reviewing footage after incidents
Spade Security developed and implemented a 60-day security upgrade strategy that was both tech-driven and tailored to the school’s unique environment. Here’s what we delivered:
Smart CCTV cameras with built-in analytics to detect suspicious behavior
24/7 remote monitoring with real-time alerts sent to staff and security responders
Automated access control to detect and log unauthorized entries after school hours
Mobile alert integration, allowing school staff to act instantly
Tiered response protocol, ensuring efficient escalation depending on incident severity
During the first 30 days, we collected baseline data to understand campus behavior patterns, then fine-tuned the analytics and alert thresholds. Security policies were revised to match the new capabilities, improving overall responsiveness and clarity.
After just two months, the impact was undeniable:
75% drop in vaping and vandalism incidents
86% reduction in after-hours access attempts
90% fewer police dispatches due to false alarms
80% less time needed to review security footage thanks to smart alerts
These results improved not just campus safety, but operational efficiency.
Although the project went 20% over budget, the return on investment was well-justified and swift. Here’s how:
Reduced staff overtime: Automated monitoring meant no need for late-night patrols.
Lower repair costs: Fewer incidents = less property damage and maintenance.
Avoided false alarm fees: Real-time video verification cut unnecessary police calls.
Optimized police use: Verified alerts ensured only real threats were reported.
Improved attendance: A safer school environment increased student participation, positively affecting funding metrics.
The projected ROI timeline? Just 8 months. Long-term savings are expected to far outweigh the initial overspend—both financially and in peace of mind.
By prioritizing real-time response, intelligent automation, and a tailored rollout, Spade Security helped the San Jose K–8 school take control of its security challenges without breaking the bank.
This case shows that investing in the right tech and partnering with the right team can deliver long-term safety and sustainable savings—even in tight-budget environments.
