The Summer Security Walk-Through: 3 Areas on Your Campus to Re-evaluate Before August
Summer's quiet period provides school leaders with a rare and valuable opportunity. Before students return to the classrooms, take the time to inspect your campus thoroughly, viewing it through the eyes of a security expert rather than solely from an educator’s perspective. This approach can help identify potential vulnerabilities and enhance overall safety measures.
From my years in law enforcement, I learned that preventing a crisis often comes down to seeing and addressing vulnerabilities long before they can be exploited. Here are three critical areas to focus on during your summer security walk-through.
1. The "Transition Points": Entrances, Exits, and Lobbies
Your main entrance is more than just a doorway; it's your first line of defense. During the summer, take the time to stand in your lobby and ask the hard questions. Is there a clear line of sight from the front desk to the main doors? Is your visitor sign-in and vetting process consistently followed by everyone, every time?
What to check:
Doors and Locks: Do all exterior doors, especially secondary ones for gyms or portables, latch securely every time?
Visitor Protocol: Is your visitor management system just a logbook, or is it a true vetting process?
Visibility: Can staff see who is approaching the building? Overgrown summer shrubbery can create dangerous blind spots that need to be addressed.
2. The Communication Black Holes
When a lockdown is initiated, can you be 100% certain that the coach on the far end of the football field and the teacher in the portable classroom received the message instantly? In a crisis, communication gaps are dangerous.
What to check:
PA System: Test it in every corner of your campus, including athletic fields and playgrounds. Are there dead zones?
Digital Alerts: Do you have a system for sending instant text or app-based alerts to all staff? Is every staff member’s contact information up to date?
Two-Way Radios: Do key personnel have them, and are they charged and functional? A simple battery check now can prevent a failure later.
3. The Culture of Reporting
The most sophisticated cameras in the world are no substitute for a student or staff member who feels safe enough to report a concern. A culture of safety—often called the "see something, say something" principle—is your most powerful, yet least tangible, security asset.
What to check:
Anonymity and Accessibility: How easy is it for a student to report a concern—like a troubling social media post—anonymously and without fear of reprisal?
Staff Training: Does your staff know exactly what to do when they receive a report? A fumbled response to a student's concern can discourage future reporting.
A Professional Eye Can See What's Missing
A summer walk-through is a vital first step. The next step is a comprehensive, professional assessment. If you'd like a trained expert to walk your campus with you and identify the critical vulnerabilities you may have missed, please reach out. Let’s work together to make the 2025-2026 school year your safest one yet.