The increase in active assailant events and workplace violence has driven organizations of all types to reassess emergency response strategies in institutional and commercial facilities. As a result, maintenance and engineering managers are deploying panic solutions that include fixed devices, mobile units, and wearable technologies.
It is important to understand that there are many types of devices and systems that can be described as panic locks and devices, says Craig Gundry, vice president of special projects at Critical Intervention Services.
For instance, facilities with access control systems can implement a building lockdown macro that automatically locks normally open doors when activated by a panic button or initiated by some type of attack detection system, such as gunshot detection sensors. These systems can also be configured and integrated with other systems to expedite an alert to 911 call centers, broadcast audible alert messages via public address systems, and even issue emergency messages through electronic mass notification systems.
“This type of approach is most common in facilities that already have an access control system and wish to leverage the system for improved performance during active shooter events,” Gundry says.
Other types of panic alarms are simple notification systems that operate using an alarm monitoring service or controller that relays emergency information to a 911 call center or security control room. As Gundry explains, this type of system is most common in facilities that do not already have an access control system and wish to expedite police response during emergencies.
“There are also a number of commercial-off-the-shelf systems that use proprietary hardware to achieve the same result, often also integrated with public address and mass notification systems to expedite emergency alerts,” Gundry says.
Finally, there are devices designed for door reinforcement during active shooter attacks that are sometimes mislabeled by people as panic locks. These types of devices are designed for manual emplacement during emergencies and employ mechanical means to prevent doors from opening.
“These devices are most common in schools and other facilities where door locks cannot be easily and reliably secured during emergencies – for example, schools with ANSI-classified ‘classroom function’ locks, doors equipped with mechanical exit bars, or doors with access-controlled locks operated by most employee/student access badges,” Gundry says.
Panic buttons have come a long way from the era of standalone “I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up” pendants and blue-light emergency stations, according to Michael Gips, managing director, enterprise security risk management at Kroll.
“While those tools still play an important role – particularly on college campuses, healthcare environments, and large outdoor sites – they are now far more integrated, reliable and intelligent,” Gips says.
Indeed, as Gips explains, many organizations continue to use fixed panic buttons, and in some cases, systems that resemble traditional fire alarm infrastructure.
“For example, at least one provider has developed an active assailant solution for schools that combines wall-mounted pull stations with mobile alarms that can be kept in classrooms, offices, or worn by staff and security personnel,” Gips says.
James Murphy, chief operations officer and partner, Corporate Security Advisors, has seen panic hardware evolve from a compliance-focused afterthought into a core element of modern facility risk mitigation.
“Historically, these were installed to meet code; now, they’re being selected strategically as part of broader governance programs that prioritize situational awareness, emergency planning, and operational continuity,” Murphy says. “Today’s panic devices are increasingly networked, integrated into access control systems, and capable of sending real-time alerts, effectively aligning physical security measures with intelligent, enterprise-wide risk mitigation capabilities.”
One of the most significant trends surrounding panic devices is the adoption of panic buttons delivered as mobile applications. App-based and wearable solutions allow users to discreetly trigger alerts from virtually anywhere.
According to Gips, these systems communicate with security teams and/or first responders, log incidents in real time, share precise location data, and alert stakeholders. Many also integrate with mass notification, access control, video surveillance and incident management platforms, enabling coordinated response actions such as lockdowns or alerts.
“Modern panic devices also reflect a shift away from single points of failure. Facilities increasingly require redundant communication pathways, including cellular, Wi-Fi, and even satellite connectivity, to ensure reliability during power or network disruptions,” Gips says. “Overall, panic devices have evolved from passive alert tools into core components of integrated life-safety systems.”
Maura Keller is a freelance writer based in Plymouth, Minnesota.
Facility Panic Systems Evolve as Security Concerns Rise
