Abstract:

The growing prevalence of crises in educational environments has underscored the need for proactive measures to ensure the security and well-being of students and staff. A security audit tailored to the threat of an active shooter represents a critical tool for assessing and enhancing school preparedness in such scenarios. This paper explores the multifaceted benefits of these audits, highlighting their role in mitigating risks, fostering resilience, and minimizing the impact of potential crises on the educational process.

A comprehensive security audit addresses vulnerabilities in physical infrastructure, identifies high-risk zones, and evaluates the effectiveness of access control systems, surveillance technologies, and emergency communication tools. Furthermore, it assesses the readiness of staff and students by analyzing existing crisis protocols and recommending targeted training and simulation exercises to strengthen response capabilities. Collaboration with law enforcement and emergency services is emphasized as a key strategy to integrate external expertise into school security planning, ensuring swift and coordinated responses to incidents. The findings also underscore the importance of psychological preparedness, advocating for strategies to support mental health during and after crises. By integrating these elements into school policies, the audit not only enhances physical security but also contributes to creating a supportive and resilient educational environment. This research aligns with the broader goal of safeguarding the continuity of education, even amidst external threats, while promoting a culture of security and preparedness within schools.

Acknowledgement:
This work was supported by the Slovak Research and Development Agency under the Contract no. APVV-23-0437 Soft target protection strategy and methodology with a focus on elementary, secondary schools and universities.

Keywords:

Security, safety, resilience, soft target.