This session presents descriptive findings from a first-of-its-kind analysis of school-based active shooter events conducted by Texas State University and the Security Industry Association, 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, and breach attempts, as well as events that were averted due to secured access points. Brief case examples are included to illustrate how access control functioned in practice, including both effective use and failure through bypassed measures. The findings provide an evidence-based perspective on how secured access performs during real incidents and highlight implications for school safety planning, training, and security design. 

To help attendees turn these findings into executable actions, the discussion will also pair the report’s recommendations with supporting best practices from the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), and the ASIS School Security Standard.