Start With a Fresh Look at Campus
A security review should begin with a walkthrough of the entire campus. Look for changes that may have created blind spots, entry points or supervision challenges. For example, a new fence or sign can change what cameras and other sensors see, while a construction project that was completed over the summer can open a new entry point.
The same approach applies to doors and access control. Physically check that doors close, latch and lock properly. Ensure electronic access control devices, door-position sensors and alarms work as intended. Then review employee credentials so former employees, contractors, substitutes and vendors who no longer need access don’t retain it, while new staff have the appropriate credentials from day one.
Put Yourself in a Visitor’s Shoes
Visitor management procedures that work smoothly during a normal school day may become harder to manage when a school is hosting a performance, athletic event or parent activity. Testing those scenarios helps staff identify where the process may break down.
Walk through the visitor experience from the parking lot to the front office and confirm where visitors should enter; whether intercoms, electronic door releases and visitor management systems are working; and how front-office staff should respond if someone refuses to follow a process. Schools should also review how they handle contractors, vendors, volunteers, parents and other visitors who may be familiar faces but still need to follow appropriate procedures.
Test the Technology — and the Response Behind It
Security checks should go beyond confirming devices are powered on. For video surveillance, make sure cameras are operational, properly positioned and provide usable images. Verify recording and retention settings, synchronize the date and time across systems and ensure authorized personnel can retrieve recorded video as needed.
The same principle applies to panic systems and emergency communications. If someone presses a panic button, who receives the alert, from where did it originate and who is expected to respond? Hitting the button is just the first step. If the response process is unclear, the technology is adding little or no value.
Schools should also test public address systems, radios, intercoms, mass notification platforms and other communication channels. Emergency messages must be heard and understood even in noisy environments, such as playgrounds, parking areas and cafeterias. The ability to broadcast campuswide or target communications to specific areas also adds significant value.
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Review Emergency Plans With the People Who Use Them
Technology cannot replace clear procedures or employees who understand their roles. Review emergency operations plans to make sure they reflect current personnel, facilities, contact information and response procedures. Identify employees with emergency responsibilities and designate backups. Training should extend beyond teachers and administrators to support team members such as custodians, food service staff and substitutes.
It’s also worth connecting with local law enforcement, fire, EMS and dispatch partners before an emergency occurs. Reviewing campus maps, emergency access points and response terminology can reduce confusion and miscommunication during an incident.
Keep the Checklist Going
Security readiness shouldn’t be something schools only revisit in the fall. Assign clear ownership for year-round inspections, maintenance, training and corrective actions, and set timelines for addressing deficiencies. Encourage employees to report damaged equipment and malfunctioning systems without fear of being held responsible. Then, ask what happens next. Identify who receives the information, what they are expected to do, and how quickly they can act. Testing those workflows throughout the year can identify potential problems before they become issues.
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Break Down the Silos
Schools often have multiple systems supporting safety and security, including video surveillance, access control, communications, intrusion detection and visitor management. If these systems operate independently, there may be opportunities to improve the way information flows between them.
For example, an access control alarm could be paired with nearby camera images so security personnel can see what is happening as they respond. An emergency event could trigger an appropriate audio or mass-notification message.
These systems work best when they can share information and support the people responsible for responding. Integration helps staff and emergency responders build a clearer picture of what is happening so they can respond more efficiently.
Having the security technology in place is the right start, but it is critical that the entire security ecosystem works when needed. A camera that can’t provide a usable image, a door that doesn’t latch or an alert that doesn’t reach the right person can create gaps between security measures and effective response. The beginning of a new school year is the best time to find those gaps and address them before an emergency does.
