In the past, schools, churches and other public areas would often leave doors open during daytime hours. Recently, however, more organizations are locking up to keep out intruders intent on theft and other malicious activities, according to a report by the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Schools, in particular, are implementing access control systems and surveillance cameras to deter unauthorized individuals from entering dormitories, academic buildings and other structures without the proper authorization, the news source noted.

In many cases, universities and local school districts now require students, faculty and staff members to carry ID cards for authentication, the Knoxville News Sentinel said. Biometrics, or the use of scanning fingerprints, irises and other human characteristics that cannot be duplicated, are also being used for access control.

Meanwhile, decision-makers are implementing integrated security systems that converge multiple tools.

"Schools want to combine and integrate intercom systems to security, access control and cameras," Alcoa-based security provider Gallagher & Associates CEO Tom Gallagher said, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.

A separate report by Labeling News noted that many schools are now using radio-frequency identification technologies to provide a safer learning environment for students and teachers. By using RFID solutions, administrators can track individuals to ensure they remain on school premises.

A study by RNCOS revealed the RFID market is forecast to expand at a compound annual growth rate of roughly 18 percent through 2014, at which point it will generate more than $19 billion in revenue.

"More and more businesses are keeping their doors locked," Knoxville-based Fleenor Security Systems president Mike Fleenor said, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. "Now, more of those customers are going to card access systems. … It used to be that was eccentric to do that but now that is the norm."