Areas of Expertise The planning session for the keying structure will be similar to other ones you encoun- ter but with one exception: There will be a prevalent emphasis on the ability of stop- ping an intruder or limiting an outsider’s accessibility. It is important to remember to present yourself as an expert on locks, keys and hardware. Unless you have extensive training in other areas of security, ensure that you do not state or qualify things that go outside of your area of expertise. Locks are one layer of security, but there are many other factors that also add to the overall protection of a facility. Lighting is one of greatest deterrents against vandalism, but how many of us can say we are experts on lighting? Not only do light fixtures provide visual transparency, but they can also act as a staging point for surveillance cameras. Arbitrarily stating where a light should and should not be placed is an area of expertise for those trained in it. A well-intentioned locksmith may open himself up to liability if he gives advice on such matters that he is not trained in. Focusing on cameras for a moment, we must realize that this technology is will- ingly embraced by many clients, includ- ing schools. It is wise to stress to the client that these are devices of detection and — if properly equipped — event recording. They do not hinder or even slow down an attack on property or persons. However, they still have a valuable place in the overall security picture. Video evidence can be critical in the prosecution of a crime and can even assist in the de-escalation of a potential threat. Signage stating the use of cameras on a property provide an underlying pre- tense that someone may be watching, so the chances of being caught increase — and thus the potential crime may be averted. Technology is definitely a layer of security that is a specialty of its own. I have heard too many locksmiths diminish the value of such systems because they do not actually 32 KEYNOTES DECEMBER 2014 provide a tangible deterrent to prevented unauthorized entry. Again, I stress that we should refrain from such attitudes and instead support our customer’s choice in using technology such as cameras or card access in their security plan. Locksmiths are a valuable part of the plan, but we are not the definitive role in the protection of facilities. “Too many clients think only of what they need to access and how many keys they carry. It must be imparted to them to abandon that method of thinking and classify the room by its need.” Unfortunately, much of the demand for our expertise in planning key systems originates from fear. Administrators seek to do all that they can with their limited budgets, and they should be applauded for their efforts. We can provide them with a key system that ensures operability and yet maintains a secure environment, but we must be honest with them and encourage them to seek other sources of expertise. Local law enforcement is a good place to start. Every police force will have someone willing to work with the schools to develop a strategy in developing a security plan. There are plenty of consulting firms that will also provide this service. I think it is best to work with the local police, as they will be the ones attending to a threat, not a consulting firm. Not to diminish their roles or expertise, but starting with the local forces may also help control costs. Again, if you do not have training or cre- dentials in this area, it is best practice to avoid opinions or advice. Protecting Schools We all desire the same outcome, which is the prevention of another school tragedy. Debating about gun control and mental health issues will not change the facility itself; schools will always be a target for aggression. One expert recently remarked that he categorized intruder response in two dif- ferent approaches. Upon first notification of an incident, evacuate, scatter and run just like a fire drill. The second is to hunker down and hide, and wait for the cavalry. Both points have merit, and it cannot be stated which is the best response to an incident. Regardless of the reaction plan a school may choose, we must realize that a locked door can only deter an armed intruder for so long. Bullets do not know what type of lock it is blowing apart or care which key is used to operate it. The intruder does not care if the camera is watching, and he ul- timately will oſten take his own life aſter he causes damage. Survivors will likely not be asking for details of the security plan but will be grateful there was one in place. The role of a properly planned and managed key system is integral to a school’s role in a safety plan. That means you are a part of that plan. To summarize the locksmith’s role in planning out key systems for educational facilities, let me state this: Keep it simple. Stick to your role. Educate the client to look at the big picture. Work as a part of team. And let us all hope that we never have to see the headlines again. Dale Rutherford, CPL, CPS, has been a locksmith for more than 20 years and probably will be for 20 more. He currently serves as a locksmith for the govern- ment in his home province. All comments and opinions expressed in this article are attributed to Dale only and do not reflect any official government perspective. WWW.ALOA.ORG
