HOUSTON – All across our country right now students are protesting, outraged and sick of the killing taking place on school campuses. They are demanding more protection.
At the Harmony School Of Innovation in Houston, students and teachers are serious about security. So serious, they practice active-shooter drills that include fighting back against attackers.
"They are going to fight for their lives. So if they have to throw books, throw chairs, make noises, scream, whatever it is they have to do, to get away from that shooter," said Lisa Smith-Williams, dean of students for the school.
Channel 2 Investigates tested another layer of school security available to campuses. We're talking about four new devices that are designed to keep violent intruders out.
Helping us test the devices are Smith-Williams and Jim Napolitano, Montgomery chief of police and a former U.S. Secret Service agent.
First up to test was the Fighting Chance Solutions Door Sleeve for $79. The Sleeve fits over the top of the metal door return lever at the top of the door and is supposed to keep anyone from being able to get through that door.
So we put the Sleeve in place and then I tried to force my way inside the classroom. In the first test, the device failed to keep me out.
After hitting the door hard with my shoulder, I am able to squeeze my way into the classroom. But then we realized that The Sleeve isn't even designed to work on a door that opens in to the classroom. It's only meant for doors that open out into the hallway.
We changed locations to a room with a door that opens out, tried it again and this time the device worked perfectly.
"The Sleeve fits very snug, very tight. It's going to hold this door in place and it is going to keep that door from being opened by an intruder. It works," Napolitano said.
Up next is the Master Lock Security Bar, available for around $17. It's a lightweight, pole shaped barricade that adjusts to any door size. You simply shove one end of the device underneath the door handle and the other end is braced against the floor at an angle.
Again, you must follow directions carefully. The base of the pole must extend 18 inches out from the bottom of the door.
Now with the device in place, I slammed my body up against the door over and over again. I kicked the door as hard as I could, and still I could not force the door open.
Smith-Williams is impressed.
"I think it worked great. But I would make sure that my teachers knew how to use it first ... that they measure the distance from the door correctly in order for it to work," Smith-Williams said.
Next, it's the Lockdown Magnetic Strip. It's a very simple magnetic strip that costs about $25 for a package of five. The strip is placed over the metal lock plate. Then, you lock the door, but the magnetic strip blocks the door from locking, so people can come and go as they please.
When an intruder breaches the building, the teacher needs to open that door and remove the magnetic strip and the door will automatically lock itself.
What does Smith-Williams think?
"Well, our classrooms are always locked for security, all of the time, so this device wouldn't even work at our school," Smith-Williams said.
"No, it's too much trouble for the teacher. The door should always be locked anyway," Napolitano said. "You are adding unnecessary confusion to the whole process and you are forcing the teacher to have to open that classroom door, when there is trouble outside that door."
Finally, we tested the Defender High Security Door Lock. It retails for about $20 and is available online. The device goes right above the door handle and must be installed using a power drill and several screws.
Once installed, the Defender is a locking device that attaches to the door jam and when activated, snaps into place and prevents the door from being opened. Once again though, this device can only be used on a door that opens in to the classroom, not out into the hallway.
After installing the device, I again did everything I could to force the door open, but it was no use; I could not budge it.
"I think it was awesome. I am ready to order those right now," Smith-Williams said.
"This is a great piece of equipment," Napolitano said. "This thing works very, very well. In fact, I have three of these things installed at my house."
Both Napolitano and Smith-Williams agree the Defender High Security Door Lock is their favorite, offering the most protection, but they both stress that you need to know exactly what kind of door you have and know which way it opens before you buy any of these products.
If you would like more information on these protective devices, or even want to purchase one, we have included links to several websites directly below this article: