Simple Fixes, Safer Schools: A Former SRO’s Take on Security Gaps

Throughout my career, I’ve focused on my passion for security—a commitment that’s taken on even greater meaning as my son prepares to enter public school. In today’s evolving world, ensuring his safety is a top priority. I’m driven to use my experience to help others reduce risks and strengthen their security in everyday life.

I have nearly a decade of law enforcement experience, including six years as a school resource officer. Now, as a security assessor, I focus on helping schools and other facilities reduce risks by conducting security assessments.

Assessments focus on multiple areas of security. This blog will examine exterior security gaps commonly seen around school building entrances. Many people are unfamiliar with these assessments, so it’s important to define them clearly and explain how they help identify and address these gaps.

Getting Started

A security assessment examines a building or facility to identify vulnerabilities and highlight effective security measures. By recognizing existing safeguards and pinpointing areas for improvement, organizations can take proactive steps to strengthen security where it’s needed most.

While security assessments can be applied to any facility, they are especially valuable for schools, public safety buildings, government offices, and courthouses due to their operations and high volume of visitors. In my work, I’ve had the opportunity to assess each facility type and identify common security gaps across them.

Five Common Security Gaps at Entrances

In conducting security assessments across various school buildings, I’ve encountered several recurring vulnerabilities when entering and accessing the sites. These issues often go unnoticed but can significantly impact overall safety. Below are five common risk areas and real-world examples illustrating why addressing these deficiencies matters.

1. Access Control—Access control is the first line of defense for any facility. Key card access through locked doors is critical to keeping unauthorized individuals out. However, in nearly every school I’ve assessed, I was let in by a student through a secondary door. While the gesture may seem polite, it underscores the need to educate students on the importance of not opening doors for unverified visitors.
   
   
2. Wayfinding —Closely tied to access control, wayfinding helps guide visitors to the correct entrance, usually the main entry where screening occurs. On large campuses, a lack of directional signage can lead to confusion and unintended access points. I have often found myself confused by campus layouts at large schools due to a lack of guidance to the main entrance, leading to the above example of well-meaning students letting me in.
   
   
3. Lighting—Uniform, well-maintained lighting around parking lots and exterior walkways is essential for deterring crime and promoting a sense of safety. I once assessed a school where dim lighting in the parking area raised significant employee concerns. Poor lighting not only increases the risk of theft and vandalism but also leaves individuals vulnerable as they walk to and from their vehicles.
   
   
4. CCTV—Security cameras are often well-positioned, covering entrances, parking lots, and secondary access points. However, one commonly missed element is CCTV signage. Informing visitors that they are under surveillance can serve as a powerful deterrent. CCV signage reinforces that the area is monitored and adds a psychological barrier to potential intruders.
   
   
5. Landscaping—Curb appeal matters, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of security. Overgrown shrubs and low-hanging branches may provide hiding spots near exits or obstruct views into and out of buildings. I’ve seen situations where someone could easily conceal themselves behind thick vegetation just feet from an exit door, posing a risk to students and employees as they leave the building.

Receiving a list of security gaps can be daunting, but a good assessment balances identifying vulnerabilities with highlighting strengths. The goal is not to criticize, but to inform and guide strategic improvement based on available resources, budget, and operational needs. Facilities that build on their existing strengths while addressing key gaps can significantly enhance safety, both immediately and in the long term.

Addressing the Security Gaps

To develop an effective risk mitigation strategy, it’s important to distinguish between immediate needs and long-term improvements. Critical issues—such as weak access control, poorly managed key control policies, and inadequate camera coverage or lighting—should be addressed without delay. Longer-term strategies may involve upgrading existing camera systems with more advanced technology to enhance overall security.

There are several effective, low-cost measures that can enhance safety and security—one of the most impactful is regular groundskeeping. Using maintenance crews to keep vegetation trimmed and outdoor areas clear improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots. This simple, consistent practice can significantly strengthen a property's exterior security with minimal expense.

While these examples offer low-cost ways to enhance facility security, some agencies may not have the budget for more extensive measures. Fortunately, grant programs—such as FEMA’s preparedness grants—are available to help connect local, state, and federal governments to a wide range of resources that can help.

The grants finder tool can help schools identify federally available grants specifically focused on school safety. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education offers a variety of grants to support emergency management and planning efforts.

Final Thoughts

As a former School Resource Officer, I can tell you—a good day is when the only thing happening inside the school is learning. While this discussion highlights just a few common security gaps, it’s important to remember that effective risk mitigation goes far beyond isolated fixes. My goal in sharing these experiences is to emphasize the value of security assessments in building safer, more resilient environments—for students, staff, and the broader community.