In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design and the K-12 School Environment,” presented by Carol Dodgen, Owner at Dodgen Security Consulting, and Mo Canady, Executive Director at the National Association of School Resource Officers. Read on for what they had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2025!
Q: How did you become interested in your topic?
CD: My interest in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) began years ago as a security consultant working with banks and other businesses. I became certified in several areas of CPTED and earned my Crime Prevention Designation (CPD) in 2017. CPTED has such broad application that it makes sense to apply these principles to schools to make them safer. Within the unique context of a school, CPTED can be used to promote well-being and inclusion, while discouraging isolation and negative behaviors. I appreciate the fact that the CPTED approach integrates design features and natural elements alongside traditional target-hardening strategies.
Q: Tell us about your presentation and why security professionals should have this topic on their radar.
MC: K-12 schools are one of the most dynamic and unique environments in any community. Most of the population is made up of adolescents who are going through the second and final phase of massive brain development. They respond to things very differently than primary adult populations in other professional environments. Adolescent Brain Development must be at the forefront of any CPTED strategy in the K-12 school environment, and it will be explored in depth in this presentation.
Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in this topic?
CD: I would recommend taking advantage of reputable organizations that provide training and certification in CPTED. There are many helpful resources on the subject, and quite a few CPTED organizations worldwide. The National Institute of Crime Prevention, for instance, offers the CPD designation as well as specific courses focused on CPTED for Schools.
Q: How do you see this issue evolving in the next 2-5 years?
MC: The K-12 school environment continues to provide many challenges. As an example, incidents of weapons located on campus continues to rise across the nation each year since the return to school from the Pandemic. Adolescent Mental Health cases continue to rise as well as students with special needs which both present multiple challenges in K-12 schools. CPTED strategies in this environment must continue to evolve over the next several years, and we absolutely need more CTPED professionals engaged in this effort.
Q: Why do you attend GSX?
MC: This will be my third time attending GSX. My primary reason for attending is to continue to learn more about security technologies as well as to engage with CPTED professionals.
CD: Having attended and presented at GSX in previous years, I enjoy the opportunity to participate in informative sessions, network with other professionals, and learn about the latest security advances by visiting the exhibition hall.