Safe Spaces: Security Best Practices for Populated School Areas

Populated areas, such as cafeterias, auditoriums, and libraries, are the heart of a school. They’re where students gather to eat, learn, and socialize. But because these spaces host large groups of people, they also present unique safety and security challenges.

Balancing openness and accessibility with oversight and preparedness is essential for creating a safe and supportive environment. As a security assessor, I leverage my knowledge and experience as a former school resource officer (SRO) to implement a modern approach to enhancing security in non-routine situations, such as school assemblies, as well as in everyday large gatherings, like school lunches.

In previous blogs, I have covered best practices for more confined areas such as classrooms and the main office. This blog will focus on strategies to enhance security in busy areas while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.

Cafeterias: Balancing Openness with Oversight

The cafeteria is often one of the most lively and unpredictable spots in a school. It’s a place for socializing and relaxing—but also a space where supervision and structure are essential.

In my experience as an SRO, daily staggered lunches typically last 75 to 90 minutes. This occupies a large part of the school day when 100 or more people are gathered in a small area at once. This period presents an opportunity for someone intending to cause harm, as many people can be affected in a short time. 

As an example, in January 2025, a shooting occurred in the cafeteria at Metro Nashville Public Schools’ Antioch High School, resulting in one fatality and one injury. Reports later indicated that the school’s weapons detection system did not function as intended during the incident.

The following are best practices to help make cafeterias safer.

• Design for Visibility and Flow—The cafeteria layout should allow staff to monitor the space easily with open designs, wide aisles, and minimal obstructions. Position staff and security cameras to cover entrances, serving lines, and seating areas. Keep pathways clear for movement and provide separate access for kitchen staff to reduce congestion.
  
  
• Supervision and crowd control—Maintaining a calm environment requires a consistent adult presence. Assign staff to monitoring posts, such as exits or serving lines, and rotate them to ensure they remain alert and vigilant. Staggering lunch periods can help manage crowd size and noise. Training cafeteria staff to recognize early signs of conflict—such as changes in tone or group behavior—can prevent minor issues from escalating.
  
  
• Emergency Readiness—Emergencies can happen at any time, especially in cafeterias because of their size and noise. Exits must be clearly marked and free of obstructions. Conduct regular evacuation or lockdown drills during lunch to help staff and students become familiar with procedures. Provide cafeteria managers and staff members with radios for quick communication with the main office or security.
  
  
• Duress Alarms—Cafeterias can become noisy and crowded, making it hard for staff to spot emergencies or communicate quickly. Adding duress alarms at serving stations, cashier areas, and staff entrances gives an immediate, discreet way to send an alert if a situation worsens. These systems should connect directly to the main office or security staff for quick response.
  
  
• Noise Control—Using noise control measures like acoustic ceiling and wall panels can reduce background noise, improving comfort and situational awareness. A quieter environment helps staff identify concerning behavior and respond effectively. In noisy situations, a flashing light with an audible alarm that activates at a specific decibel level can provide alerts.

Auditoriums: Securing Large Gatherings and Events

Auditoriums host gatherings, performances, and community events—occasions that often draw large crowds and visitors from outside the school. One of my former responsibilities was to be present at any school event, even outside regular hours. Allowing entry to large groups of parents, relatives, students, and staff can pose security challenges.

An auditorium-related incident occurred at Northern Illinois University on February 14, 2008. In Cole Hall, an individual entered during a class session and fired into the audience, causing multiple casualties.

Proper planning and control measures help ensure the safety of these gatherings. Let's explore ways to reduce security issues related to a school’s auditorium.

• Controlled Access and Entry Screening—During events, restrict the number of doors used for entry and exit to make monitoring easier and prevent unauthorized access.  Security staff or designated supervisors should oversee entrances to ensure smooth flow and discourage disruptions.
  
  
• Supervision During Events—Strategic oversight keeps everyone safe during events. Set up lighting and cameras to monitor the audience and entrances. Designate staff to manage the stage, backstage, and exits. Clearly communicate conduct and safety expectations to all staff and attendees.
  
  
• Emergency Response Policy and Procedure—Large crowds can hinder evacuation and shelter-in-place efforts. Staff should be trained in crowd management and aware of exit routes. Clear signage for multiple exits should be visible from all seating areas, and PA systems should be tested regularly for effective emergency communication.
  
  

• Technology and Communication Systems—Auditoriums benefit greatly from integrated emergency alert systems. Installing duress or panic buttons near the stage, control booth, and main entry points allows staff to discreetly summon assistance if an incident occurs during a performance or assembly.

Libraries: Quiet Spaces with Quiet Risks

Libraries are meant for focus and reflection, but that quiet environment can sometimes make supervision harder. These areas need subtle yet practical approaches to ensure safety and security.

As an SRO, I would routinely walk through the library at various times to ensure that exits are clear, camera views are unobstructed, and staff are properly supervising students when the library is in use. 

The 1999 Columbine High School incident in Littleton, Colorado, serves as an example of an event that extended into a school library, where several individuals were injured or lost their lives.

Below, we will discuss how security best practices can benefit school libraries.

• Design for Safety and Visibility—Modern library layouts should prioritize open sightlines, avoiding tall shelving that blocks views. Glass partitions and open study areas promote supervision and calmness. Secure storage options for students, such as lockers, help prevent theft of personal property and keep walkways clear and unobstructed from objects such as backpacks and lunchboxes that could be tripping hazards in an evacuation.
  
  
• Supervision and Student Management—Position librarian or staff desks near entry points for better observation. Set clear expectations for behavior, check-in procedures, and noise levels. Encourage students to report unattended bags, suspicious activity, or damaged equipment to promote a culture of safety.
  
  
• Technology and Data Protection—School libraries are moving to digital platforms, bringing new cybersecurity risks. User logins on computers and tablets are crucial for preventing unauthorized access. Internet use should be filtered for age-appropriate content, and staff must secure student information on password-protected systems.
  
  
• Duress Alerts and Smart Monitoring—In a library setting, security technology should remain subtle but effective. Discreet duress alarms at the librarian’s desk or study room areas allow staff to quietly request help if they feel unsafe or encounter an escalating situation. Integrating these tools with schoolwide communication systems ensures that library personnel can contact the main office or security staff immediately when assistance is needed.

Integrating Systems Across All Populated Areas

Security works best when it operates as a unified system, rather than separate efforts in different areas. Managing surveillance, access control, and visitor management through a central platform enables administrators to respond more quickly to incidents.

Consistent policies, such as ID checks for visitors, scheduled patrols by security officers, and standard communication protocols, ensure that expectations are clear and uniform across the school. Reviewing incident logs and staff feedback can also help identify trends and areas for improvement.

Security measures should never feel restrictive; they should foster confidence. When students and staff understand that these practices exist to protect their well-being, they are more likely to participate actively in maintaining them.

Final Thoughts

Cafeterias, auditoriums, and libraries each serve vital roles in shaping a school’s community. By combining strategic design, proactive supervision, and coordinated response systems, schools can ensure that these high-traffic areas remain both vibrant and secure.

A safe environment doesn’t just prevent incidents—it creates space for connection, creativity, and learning. Regularly reviewing and updating security policies and procedures will help keep schools prepared for evolving needs while preserving the sense of trust and belonging that defines a healthy educational setting.