There’s a fundamental security concept that’s critically important in protecting our schools. It’s called the Five D’s. The Ds are Deter, Detect, Delay, Deny, and Defend. This concept can improve our understanding of layered security and provide educators with a basis for both assessment and planning.
Each of the Ds are associated with a specific type of security activity, but they can and should be considered geographically as well. Consider the Ds as five concentric circles with the classroom at the center and the rings radiating outward into the community.
Deter is the largest circle. Deterrence activities begin in the classroom and extend past the campus boundaries, well into the community. Deterrence can be difficult to quantify. Effective deterrence is reflected by a lack of incidents.
Detect is the second circle. Though not penetrating as deeply into the community, efforts here are designed to make schools aware of potential or developing threats as soon as possible. Early detection vastly increases a school’s response options.
Delay is the next circle. This one begins in the classroom and extends to the boundary of the campus. The obvious intent of activities and processes in this ring is simply slowing down the speed with which a threat can develop. This delay allows more time for a response, and more time equals more options.
Deny is still closer to the classroom. The intent here is simply to restrict the access a threat has to staff and students. This is the principle behind lockdown protocols used in many schools.
Defend is the last, innermost ring and closest to the classroom and students. This is a last resort and will likely take place at the classroom door. For school staff, both affirmative permission and active planning for this possibility should be a consideration.
The Five Ds are not independent, and improvements in school security will likely affect more than one of the rings of protection. However, this offers school districts a powerful tool for collaboration and improvement.
Source: Campus Safety Magazine
