Security Assessment

Facility Assessment Checklist

As you begin the process of assessing the potential threat of a violent incident at your institution, here are some questions to consider:

Is there signage posted at driveway entrances stating that video surveillance is in use (only if video surveillance is actually in use)?
Is there signage posted about a “no weapons” policy (if applicable)?
Are the parking areas well lit, with good visibility from the facility?
Have you identified security volunteers, professional security, or contracted law enforcement officers (LEO) to perform visible patrol of facility and grounds when needed?
Is signage present directing visitors to a main entrance or reception area?
Have you requested that local law enforcement officers conduct a routine patrol of the grounds during business hours and/or worship services or other assembly times?

Is access to the building limited to controlled entry points?
Is it possible and practical to limit access during services?
Is access limited to designated entrances during business hours?
Are staff access points monitored to prevent “tailgating” and other unauthorized access (offices, private meeting spaces, etc.)?
Is there a visible security presence?
Are staff members trained to recognize potential signs of impending violence or aggression?
Are security or LEO patrols conducted regularly to ensure that no entry points are compromised (doors propped open, etc.)?
Do you regularly conduct key audits to ensure that all access to facility and sensitive areas (mechanical, HVAC, etc.) is accounted for?

Are staff members trained in recognizing signs of potential violence and notifying security/law enforcement?
Are staff members trained and have drilled in Active Shooter Response protocol, including RUN/HIDE/FIGHT?
Are notification systems, such as public-address system, phone page, or walkies-talkies, in place to alert visitors/staff of potential issues at the facility?
Have you contacted local law enforcement to do pre-incident training and familiarization with the campus and invited law enforcement to conduct a walk-through of the facility?
Is signage posted about “no weapons” policy for the campus (if applicable)?
Is security personnel stationed or patrolling public areas regularly?
Is a “see something-say something” policy posted — reminding people to notify leadership, security, or law enforcement if they see something unusual?

Is access to administrative areas strictly controlled, except in public-facing roles (reception, greeters, etc.)?
Do you regularly inform leadership and security of potentially disruptive counseling/termination issues?
Do you regularly inform leadership and security of potential law enforcement related student issues (custody disputes, restraining orders, etc.)?
If possible, do you discuss potentially sensitive issues in private areas with video monitoring or panic alarms and security available?
Is access to senior leadership strictly controlled?
Are administrative/management personnel trained and drilled in Active Shooter Response protocol, including RUN/HIDE/FIGHT?
Are personnel trained and drilled in hasty exit/exterior assembly procedures?
Are aggressive complaints, calls, and communications reported to leadership, security, and law enforcement as appropriate?
Does the facility have an emergency management plan in place?
Do you regularly conduct security reviews and assessments?