Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, USA, has decided to elevate its security measures by implementing a facial recognition system for first-time visitors, according to a report by the Harvard-Westlake Chronicle.
Boosting Security with Facial Recognition Technology
The new security system is targeted at first-time visitors who will be asked to upload a photograph of themselves prior to their visit. The facial recognition system will check the visitor's photograph against a database of known individuals. The system is designed to enhance security by preventing unauthorised access and ensuring that only approved visitors can gain entry to the school.
Partnering with Digigreet
We are looking for schools to partner with Digigreet, a leading provider of visitor management software, to discuss the idea of implementing this type of system. DigiGreet is continually looking to improve safety and security and facial recognition technology may become a sensible part of Digigreet’s system which also includes features such as ID scanning, visitor tracking, and instant notifications to hosts when their guests arrive.
Privacy Concerns Addressed
In light of privacy concerns that often accompany the implementation of facial recognition technology, the school has ensured that the system they are using is GDPR compliant, as is DigiGreet. According to the school’s Head of Campus Operations and Construction, Jim De Matteo, the system does not store any images and the data is deleted within 30 days of the visit although we at DigiGreet would like to understand the effectiveness of this approach Vs the concept of storing the image to reference. Currently, we feel it may be necessary to have a human compare the original photo and that storing the photo is not meaningfully different to all of the other personal details held and certainly in the case of a school, or another high security establishment, may be worth doing.
Positive Reception from School Community
The new system has been well received by the school community, with many parents and staff expressing their support for the enhanced security measures. Many see it as a necessary step towards ensuring the safety of students and staff in the school premises. For more information on the facial recognition system implemented by Harvard-Westlake School, please refer to the school. For more information on DigiGreet, visit
Digigreet for more details.
Get in Touch