Masaryk University implemented several measures to increase security in 2024. It has handed over emergency contacts to the Police of the Czech Republic as well as updated emergency cards for all MU facilities, and communication between the Police and the University during various situations was formalised. At the same time, MU is building security structures inside the University – in addition to warning text messages (SMS) and ongoing training of students and employees, it is eliminating risks by other preventive steps, for example, by creating a system of classrooms lockable from the inside, marking them internally and starting preparatory work on completing suitable external marking of selected buildings and building an internal public announcement (PA) system as a means of mass communication in a crisis.
What about the possibility of securing the door from the inside in case of danger?
Basic security analyses have been completed for all MU buildings, i.e. faculties, dormitories and other university buildings. Depending on the needs of individual departments, the analysis considered future security enhancements in specific classrooms and rooms, all depending on the outcome of the security assessment, analysis and requirements, and of course the specifics and operational needs of the buildings in question. We will continue this work. Securing premises from the inside is one of the cornerstones of protecting soft targets. This applies in particular to selected classrooms, meeting and conference rooms and other areas where various ceremonies take place. This measure has already been implemented in two faculties, where local teachers and students are familiar with the possibility of securing doors. We will complete the other facilities over the next year. We are also looking at how to secure areas with glass partitions and open spaces.
How has the SMS alert system worked?
We have had the opportunity to test the SMS alert system in an emergency situation during the floods and during fire drills in the faculties. There is some delay in sending a large number of text messages at once, but there are no better options. We are actively taking steps to reduce this delay in the future. Of course, we are not alone in this, other universities are having the same experience, perhaps using a different mass alert system, as I confirmed at a recent meeting of security managers at the Ministry of the Interior. The SMS alert system certainly makes sense, but as is the case with security, you cannot rely on just one source to warn you of a danger or threat. That is why we intend to use the fastest and most reliable means of communication in the event of a threat – an internal PA system, also suggested by the security analyses.

Regarding the PA system – where is it already working and what stage are we at?
All the dormitories at Masaryk University have a fully functional public address system. As far as the campus is concerned, everything is already in place. We talk to people in the faculties about the installation of the PA system, also as part of their training, so that they do not see its existence as a signal of increased danger, but on the contrary as a means of increasing safety. We are also considering the possibility of pre-setting several types of pre-recorded announcements, so that the operator does not have to make a live announcement at a particular moment of stress, but simply selects the appropriate pre-set. As this is a massive financial investment, we are in the process of securing funding and next year we would like to complete projects to build a PA system where there is none, or projects to link and consolidate, i.e. strengthen, the system where it already exists.
You have also started offering safety training directly at the faculties. Where have you been?
I’ve managed to give training to about a third of the faculties so far. I try to do adjust the training course depending on which faculty I am in, and offer realistic solutions according to the current situation and with regard to the measures that exist or are being developed at the given faculty. At the same time, I can respond to very specific questions from participants. I see active training of staff and students as part of completing the security architecture, because threats and risks are always there and this topic should not be ignored. In addition, the human factor during an ongoing threat or attack always plays the most important role – how someone reacts, how they make decisions, whether they have all the information, know what to do, or at least know what not to do. I don’t limit myself to the faculties, but I also offer this service in the Bohunice Campus and to all other university centres. At the same time, I try to connect security and communication together, because sometimes I come across a situation where university staff do not know how to deal with minor incidents or non-standard behaviour of some students, because they are not adequately trained, and these are new situations for them. It is no secret that the younger generations’ psychological resilience is declining; this is no reason to panic, but simply a matter of preparing for this new situation. That is why I am also building links between our internal resources that provide the necessary information or training, such as student advisory services, the Teiresias Centre and other university centres, so that these services can be used. Yes, there is certainly the worst case of an active attacker, but it is many times more likely that you will encounter someone who is just difficult to communicate with. And that is why these solutions and options for avoiding conflict arising from miscommunication are part of this training, because the psychological well-being of our staff and students is also part of the safety that MU provides. The university and the students have to work together, one cannot exist without the other. For this reason, I see the seamless communication system as a further completion of the security structure. All the information that employees and students learn during training is also fully applicable in the crisis situations of everyday life.
At some institutions, they simulated attack by a shooter as part of their prevention efforts. Would you consider such an exercise appropriate on MU grounds?
I know that some universities have already tried the AMOK tactical exercise. I think it is useful, but it is not something that can be carried out in the normal operation without prior consideration and discussion; it is a very sensitive matter. A suitable building has to be identified, and students and teachers have to be approached to participate and be fully aware of what is going on. The aim is not to frighten or traumatise anyone. However, a simulated attack exercise is not on the table at this stage. Such an exercise would be pointless without the cooperation of the police, and I understand that the police, like the fire brigade and other emergency services, always plan AMOK exercises a year or more in advance. In addition, next year we'll be busy completing the security infrastructure – I am referring to the aforementioned possibility of locking classrooms from the inside, properly marking these rooms and working on completing the PA system in all university buildings. When it comes to security, it is necessary to go step by step and only test the readiness at a certain stage of the application of internal security measures. It’s still too early. And if you ask me if 2026 will be the right year to test our security measures, I'd say maybe.
How do you communicate with the police and faculties about public events?
From my point of view, we have a very good line of communication with the police. I inform the police about events that I consider to be potentially risky. It is then up to the police to assess the situation. I am then directly involved in such events myself, so instead of doing strategic office work, I am also on the ground helping to eliminate security risks. My job is to anticipate risks, dangers and threats to the reputation of Masaryk University. I am not indifferent to issues related to institutional security, nor can I be, given the nature of my position. When it comes to cooperation with individual MU faculties, I always say that I am not there to order them, but I can have professional discussions with them about what we can do together, what we should do and what we should not do. Security is a new issue for many, and it takes many forms.
CCTV: yes or no?
The CCTV system in MU’s buildings is gradually being completed, but it is not a priority in the overall security strategy. CCTV has a preventive effect, but if an attack does occur, it cannot stop it or mitigate its consequences.