Written By: Brad Campbell | October 17, 2025
Universities and other higher education institutions are increasingly becoming the sites of violent attacks across the U.S., which has put the need for better university security solutions in the spotlight.
In order to improve campus safety, it’s crucial for university administrations to move beyond policies and planning and proactively implement security solutions — especially physical ones — that actually work to mitigate a range of threats, including worst-case active threats.
Modern video surveillance systems are one of the most essential security technologies for universities. They not only help deter potential criminal activity but also provide crucial evidence and situational awareness when incidents occur.
High-definition IP cameras equipped with AI analytics can automatically detect unusual behavior, such as loitering or unauthorized access, and alert security personnel in real time.
Additionally, centralized video management systems allow campus security teams to monitor multiple facilities, from lecture halls and research labs to dorms and athletic centers, all from a single command center.
However, as with any surveillance tool, balance is key. Over-monitoring can raise privacy concerns among students and staff, so universities should ensure camera placement prioritizes public areas and clearly communicates the intent: safety, not invasive surveillance.
Access control is another cornerstone of campus safety. These systems determine who can enter or exit buildings and specific rooms, helping prevent unauthorized access to sensitive areas like labs, administrative offices, or residence halls.
Key card and mobile credential systems allow universities to manage access dynamically — permissions can be changed instantly if a card is lost or if someone leaves the institution. Some universities are also adopting biometric access control, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanners, for high-security zones.
Integrating access control with other technologies, like video surveillance and alarm systems, provides a layered defense that can significantly reduce the likelihood of security breaches. It also allows for quick university lockdown capabilities, a crucial feature during active threat scenarios.
Even in the most high-tech environments, there’s no substitute for trained personnel. Security guards and campus police officers play a vital role in both deterrence and response. Their visibility helps reassure students, and their presence allows for immediate on-site reaction to developing situations.
Well-trained guards who are familiar with campus operations can also handle non-emergency situations, such as wellness checks or escorting students late at night. When paired with good communication systems, guards serve as the human backbone of a comprehensive university security plan.
Still, staffing limitations and large, open campus layouts can make it difficult for guards to be everywhere at once, which is why supporting them with strong physical university security solutions is essential.
While technology and personnel are critical, one of the most overlooked yet effective ways to improve campus safety is through physical protection, especially glass protection. Glass type plays a huge role in a building’s overall security, and all it takes is one vulnerable window or door for a university’s facilities to be compromised. This is where Riot Glass security glazing systems come into play.
Riot Glass is a line of retrofit security glazing designed to fortify vulnerable windows and doors against forced entry, burglary, and active threat scenarios. For universities, this can mean the difference between a minor incident and a major tragedy.
Here’s how Riot Glass can improve campus security:
For everything from university classrooms to high-risk areas like administrative offices, lab facilities, or student service centers, Riot Glass is a practical, permanent solution that enhances safety without compromising design or daily operations.
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Blue emergency phones are a long-standing feature of many college campuses. These tall, blue-lit stations are strategically placed across campus and provide a direct, instant line to campus security or local emergency responders.
While some universities have debated removing these stations due to the ubiquity of cell phones, they still serve several important functions. For one, they provide a visible reminder of security presence — a deterrent effect that helps make open campus areas feel safer.
Additionally, not all emergencies occur when someone has a phone on hand or cellular signal, making these hardwired systems a reliable backup.
That said, blue phones work best as part of a layered approach. On their own, they are reactive rather than preventive, but when paired with physical access control and intrusion-resistant infrastructure, they become a valuable component of a larger campus safety system.
No single university security solution can fully protect a campus, which is why the most effective approach is a layered security strategy that combines proactive technology, trained personnel, and reinforced physical infrastructure.
A comprehensive plan might include:
This multi-layered defense helps mitigate a wide range of risks, from civil unrest to active threat incidents, while ensuring the campus remains a welcoming environment for learning and collaboration.
The unfortunate rise in violence and property damage on university campuses has driven many universities to rethink their safety priorities. While digital and procedural measures, such as alert systems and crisis communication plans, remain important, physical security investments like Riot Glass provide the most immediate and tangible protection against real-world threats.
Universities that take a proactive approach towards security not only reduce risks but also demonstrate a visible commitment to the safety and well-being of their students, faculty, and staff — a key factor in maintaining trust and reputation.
Every campus is unique, but the goal is always the same: to create a safe, secure place for students to learn and grow.
Combining advanced university security technologies with durable physical defenses like Riot Glass helps higher ed institutions protect their people and property without compromising the open, inclusive atmosphere that defines higher education.
To learn more about university security solutions available from Riot Glass, contact our team today.
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