6. Uncontrolled Openings
Access control for primary entrances is a common and important component of security systems. However, uncontrolled openings — often doors that open only from the inside or are meant to remain locked — regularly go overlooked. In one high-profile recent active shooter event, the shooter propped open an exit door and used that to bring in a number of weapons, which he then used to murder two dozen people and wound scores more.
And in the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, it was an open door alert that led to discovering the shooter’s position. Any uncontrolled opening can be easily monitored with a door/window security sensor added to any security system or control panel. This would provide immediate notification if the door is opened, alerting staff. As with both panic buttons and gunshot detection systems, cameras could even be triggered to provide video of whoever has opened the door.
