In the latest episode of Secured, hosts Mike Matranga and Mike Monsive discuss the importance of eliminating "targets of opportunity" in school safety. Attackers often exploit gaps in basic security protocols, such as unlocked doors and unmonitored entry points, which leave students and staff vulnerable. Matranga emphasized that failing to reduce these vulnerabilities opens schools up to significant risk.
The hosts stressed the need for secure perimeters and controlled entryways. In many schools, doors are left open, allowing easy access during class time. Schools with proper protocols, like requiring late students to check in through the front office, minimize these risks. Monsive highlighted the role of door alarms in changing behavior, noting that while alarms may be inconvenient at first, they quickly become an effective deterrent.
The episode also questioned the reliance on School Resource Officers (SROs) as the sole solution to school shootings. While SROs can be valuable for building relationships and responding to incidents, they are reactive by nature and may not prevent attacks before they occur. Matranga and Monsive emphasized that foundational measures—such as emergency operations plans, threat assessments, and first aid training for staff—are critical for real safety.
Additionally, the hosts criticized political promises of safety measures, such as placing officers in every school, when funding for these initiatives is often lacking. This leaves schools filing exemption forms, creating a false sense of security for the public.
Ultimately, the episode calls for prioritizing practical security solutions and consistent enforcement of protocols. By focusing on foundational measures and reducing targets of opportunity, schools can significantly improve safety for students and staff.
