Schools should be places where students learn, grow, and build their futures. However, with safety concerns on the rise, creating safer learning environments requires a proactive approach. Implementing school security services helps prevent issues like unauthorized access, violence, and emergencies before they happen. A strong security plan ensures that students and staff feel protected, allowing education to thrive without fear or disruption.

A solid security plan does more than just respond to threats—it helps create an environment where students and teachers can focus on learning without fear. With trained security teams, smart technology, and clear emergency plans, schools can feel like safe spaces every day.


Why Schools Need Dedicated Security Services

School safety has become a bigger concern over the years, making structured security plans a necessity. Some of the biggest risks schools face include:

Hiring trained security staff and using modern safety technology can help reduce these risks. Schools that take a proactive approach tend to have fewer incidents and a more positive learning environment.


What a Strong School Security Plan Looks Like

A solid security plan should cover multiple layers of protection. Here are the key elements every school should focus on:

1. Trained Security Staff

Security officers play a big role in keeping schools safe. Their responsibilities include:

Having trained security professionals on campus makes students, parents, and teachers feel more at ease.

2. Entry Control and Visitor Management

Managing who can enter the school significantly lowers security risks. Some of the best ways to do this include:

With these steps in place, schools can keep out unauthorized visitors while maintaining an open environment for students and staff.

3. Security Cameras and Monitoring

Technology helps schools keep a close watch on what’s happening at all times. Some of the best tools include:

These systems help schools catch suspicious activity early and respond quickly when needed.

4. Emergency Plans That Actually Work

Every school needs a plan for handling serious situations. The best emergency response plans cover:

Regular drills and staff training make sure everyone knows what to do when an emergency happens.

5. Preventing Conflicts and Supporting Students

A strong security plan isn’t just about preventing outside threats—it’s also about creating a positive environment inside the school. Some ways to do this include:

Security staff trained in conflict resolution can make a big difference in creating a healthier school culture.


The Role of School Resource Officers (SROs)

School Resource Officers (SROs) bring a mix of security and mentorship to schools. These professionals:

When done right, SRO programs help students feel safe while strengthening the school community.


How Technology is Changing School Security

Security technology keeps getting smarter, helping schools prevent issues before they happen. Some of the latest advancements include:

These tools work best when combined with traditional security methods, giving schools a well-rounded approach to safety.


Keeping Schools Safe Without Feeling Like a Fortress

Security is important, but schools also need to feel welcoming. Over-the-top safety measures can:

A better approach is to:

When done right, security helps schools feel safe without making students feel trapped.


Why Investing in School Security Matters

Schools that take safety seriously see major benefits, including:

Making security a priority doesn’t just protect students—it helps the whole school community thrive.


How Defender Security Can Help

At Defender Security, we provide schools with customized security solutions, including:

Partnering with Defender Security means working with a team that understands the unique challenges of keeping schools safe.


Final Thoughts: Building a Safer Future for Schools

School security isn’t just about preventing crime—it’s about making sure students can focus on learning in a space that feels safe and supportive. With safety concerns growing, schools need to take action now to protect students, staff, and the learning experience.

Chad Emrick

Scheduling Administrator

As Scheduling Administrator, Chad leverages twenty years of administrative and management experience to enhance Defender One’s operational excellence. For Chad, the scheduling process is like putting together a puzzle—finding just the right pieces to fill every slot. His strategic mindset and knack for process optimization have consistently elevated his organizational efficiency. The security industry is 24/7. Thus, Chad’s methodical preparation and adaptable management style keeps our operations running smoothly.

When not orchestrating schedules at Defender One, Chad dedicates himself to his treasured role— a devoted family man. He and his wife Wanda have raised four remarkable children. Most recently, adding a new dimension to his life’s joy is his grandson, Leo.

Phil Kline

Regional Manager – Baltimore Metro Region

Phil’s career began in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a Military Police Officer. His training as an Internal Response Unit member equipped him with essential skills in safety, security, and crisis management. One of his most fulfilling experiences was responding to Hurricane Sandy, where he played a vital role in assisting those affected by the disaster.

Following his military service, Phil transitioned to the building supply industry, where he spent a decade as an Operations and Sales Manager. During this time, he honed his leadership, process improvement, and industry analysis skills. His passion for identifying opportunities and driving positive change has been a constant throughout his career.

With a strong foundation in problem-solving and a resilient mindset, Phil is dedicated to applying his expertise to create impactful solutions. Whether leading teams, optimizing processes, or tackling complex challenges, he approaches every task with integrity and a focus on results.

Outside of work, Phil is an avid motorcyclist and enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and camping. One of his most memorable adventures was conquering the challenging hike to the top of Angels Landing in Zion National Park, Utah.

Cynthia Cox

Human Resources Manager

With 21 years of management experience across various industries, including staffing, transportation, small business ownership, accounting, and operations, Cynthia brings a wealth of knowledge and a robust skill set to Defender One. Her diversified background has equipped her with a keen understanding of multiple business domains, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

Matthew Goodman

Director of Operations

Matt serves as the Director of Operations at Defender One, overseeing daily operations and collaborating closely with the Chief Operating Officer to implement the company’s strategic goals and objectives.

As a nationally certified School Resource Officer and Force Science Analyst, Matt brings a well-rounded, interpersonal approach to the security industry. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from York College, further strengthening his expertise in the field.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Matt is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for landscaping. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Ashley, and their two cats, Ollie and Leo. A dedicated Baltimore Orioles and Ravens fan, he can often be found at the stadiums cheering on his teams.

Jennifer Krieger

Chief Administrative Officer

Jen currently serves as Defender One’s Chief Administrative Officer, managing the HR and back-end finance teams.
 

Jen has 30 years of experience in healthcare benefits administration, retirement benefits, financial planning and human resources. Jen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master’s Degree in Finance from Loyola University. Jen prioritizes an employee focused and driven company, with an emphasis on client and employee satisfaction. Outside of work, Jen enjoys running, watching her daughter play Division 1 Lacrosse, and playing with her grand-dogs.

Jared Krieger

Chief Operating Officer

Jared serves as the Chief Operating Officer, overseeing company compliance, state and federal licensing, and the development of strategic vision. He also leads business development and sales initiatives, ensuring alignment with the company’s long-term growth objectives.

He holds a Master of Science in Homeland Security & Disaster Management and a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security & Counter-terrorism. Jared is a Certified Security Project Manager and is board-certified in security management. He is also board-certified as a Physical Security Professional by the American Society of Industrial Security. As an accredited law enforcement instructor, Jared specializes in multiple disciplines, including Firearms, OC Spray, Expandable Baton, Handcuff Techniques, Taser, Defensive Tactics, and Force Science Analytics.

Outside of work, Jared enjoys traveling and spending time with his girlfriend and their four dogs.

Jon Krieger

Owner

Jon is the President and Founder of Defender One. Jon started Defender One in 2009, with the goal of bridging the gap between conventional security guards and law enforcement. Jon had a long and distinguished career in a large metropolitan police department for over 30 years, holding supervisory positions in several units, including patrol, internal affairs, traffic and community outreach. Jon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, College Park. Outside of work, Jon spends his time spoiling his dog Abe and grand-dogs Fred and Barney, supporting the Ravens and Orioles, and watching his daughter play Division 1 Lacrosse.