This interactive session presents key findings from a first-of-its-kind analysis of school-based active shooter events conducted by Texas State University and the Security Industry Association (SIA), focusing on the role of secured access at the attack location. Using FBI-identified incidents, the study examines patterns related to door status, access points, breach attempts, and events in which secured openings helped prevent or limit attacker movement.

Brief case examples will illustrate how access control and secured openings functioned in practice, including both effective implementation and failures involving bypassed or unsecured access points. To help attendees translate these findings into actionable strategies, the session will pair lessons learned from the research with practical considerations and best practices from the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) Guidelines and the ASIS School Security Standard.

Through interactive discussion, real-world examples, and hands-on demonstrations of doors and hardware commonly found in K–12 schools, attendees will explore how openings influence entry, lockdown, compartmentalization, egress, sheltering, and emergency response while balancing life safety, security, and everyday school operations.