Armored 1 audit urges Tempe School District to harden entrances, improve visitor management and expand cameras

A safety and security audit by consultant Travis Forrester of Armored 1 recommended a multi‑year program of planning, training and technology upgrades to move the Tempe School District from a reactive to a proactive security posture.

Forrester told the governing board the audit’s top priorities are an updated emergency response plan, secure vestibules at school front lobbies, a stronger visitor management system, and expanded cameras and access control. “We have to move from a reactive posture to a proactive posture,” he said, adding that “we must invest in people, and make sure that our people know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.”

Nut graf: District leaders said the audit provides a road map; the district has already hired Steven Carbajal as director of safety and security and plans to bring costed options back to the board for prioritized implementation using bond funds approved by voters.

Forrester described specific hardware and operational recommendations: secure vestibules that prevent unrestricted entry from the street, visitor‑management systems that can validate IDs against registries, camera analytics that can timestamp and track movement across campus, and access control to reduce reliance on master keys and prevent propping doors. He noted modern camera analytics can reduce the time for video review from hours to minutes and can support reunification during large‑scale incidents.

Board members asked about cost, timeline and coordination with first responders. Forrester said his consulting fee was a one‑time charge that includes 12 months of free consultation to help the district plan implementation and demo technologies; he said equipment costs vary widely depending on analytics and scope. Assistant Superintendent and COO Mike McGaney and Superintendent Dr. Driscoll said the district intends to prioritize recommendations and return to the board with costs and a multiyear plan. Carbajal said the safety committee will guide priorities and that training and repeated practice will be essential.

The board discussed cultural and operational challenges: several members noted doors are sometimes propped for climate or convenience and that changing behavior will require facilities solutions and retraining. Board members and staff emphasized that upgrades should be coordinated with Tempe Police Department and other first responders so responders have access to live camera feeds and controlled building access when necessary.

Ending: Forrester said Armored 1 will remain available as a long‑term partner. District staff said they expect to return to the board this summer with prioritized options and cost estimates so the board can direct use of bond funds and schedule phased implementation.