Chameleon holds School Security Summit in Los Angeles
Last month, Chameleon Associates hosted a School Security Summit in Los Angeles, bringing together educators, administrators, and security professionals to address the pressing challenges facing school safety.
The Summit covered a variety of topics at the top of educators’ list. In addition to discussion about cyber threats, emergency response and using K9s, the Summit gave an overview of proactive strategies designed to prevent incidents before they occur, using the core components of deterrence, adversarial thinking, threat behavior analysis, and effective response. This approach is at the heart of Chameleon’s security methodologies.
The case for proactive security
A central theme of the Summit was the importance of shifting away from reactive incident response to proactive security. Traditionally, reactive approaches typically commence only after an incident is already under way, giving responders only one option: to lose well.
In contrast, proactive security focuses on identifying and mitigating threats before they materialize, giving schools the chance to “win” by preventing incidents altogether. Effective security isn’t just about responding to attacks. It’s about preventing them from happening in the first place.
How deterrence can help
The summit also encouraged participants to change their understanding of security as a singular function to one with multiple purposes, namely as both as means of providing customer service to the good guys while also serving as a deterrent to potential adversaries.
Also, a customer-centric mindset is instrumental in identifying suspicious behavior. Approaching a person who exhibits concerning signs with genuine engagement can dissuade them from carrying out malicious plans, putting them on the back foot after realizing they’ve been noticed. This strategy not only enhances security but also complements the welcoming environments education systems strive to maintain.
What stepping inside the adversary’s shoes can reveal
Another takeaway from the Summit was how potential attackers often seek the path of least resistance. By implementing visible and effective security measures, schools can discourage threat actors who prefer easier targets.
As an example, the profile of a school shooter is different from that of an impulse killer. The former tends not to snap but rather to boil over. Their lethal actions are the result of mounting frustrations that eventually lead them to violence. As such, early intervention can help deter would-be school shooters before their grievances finally spill over into aggression.
How behavioral indicators can aid in early intervention
One of the Summit’s chief lessons was the value of understanding behavioral indicators. Knowing how to spot the warning signs associated with a threat actor can enable staff and faculty to intervene before anything consequential takes place. Understanding behavioral indicators empowers schools to act decisively and appropriately when they suspect potential threats.
What it means to mount an effective response
In the event of an active shooter scenario, Summit attendees were reminded how creating time and distance are vital to success. Tactics for buying time and distancing oneself from the threat include evacuation, entry point barricades, and staying out of the attacker's line of sight. In addition to creating time and distance know that if you can see the gun, the gun can see you - so don't let the gun see you no matter where you are - even in a locked room.
Each of these response actions can significantly increase the odds of survival and should be incorporated as integral components of any district-wide or campus-specific emergency response plan. Furthermore, these tactics should also be drilled and practiced routinely throughout the academic year.
Care culture and vigilance go hand-in-hand
Compassion for others is the driving force behind security. A community that prioritizes the well-being of its members naturally cultivates a protective environment. When individuals feel responsible for one another's safety, they are more likely to report suspicious activities and support security initiatives. This collective vigilance forms the bedrock of a resilient and secure school community.
Conclusion
Effective school security isn’t only about the latest technology, stringent protocols, or even public policy. It’s about fostering a proactive, engaged, and caring coalition. By emphasizing early detection, prioritizing deterrence, understanding threats from an adversarial point of view, and building a culture of care, schools can create environments where safety and learning mutually thrive.
In addition to hosting learning experiences such as the recent Summit, Chameleon Associates offers a School Security Online Course that provides training on addressing threats in educational environments. This resource serves as an excellent starting point for schools aiming to enhance their security posture and protect their communities.
