In the evolving landscape of university security, Lukáš Kotek, the Physical Security Manager at Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the welfare of students and staff. Following a recent tragedy at Charles University in Prague, Kotek’s responsibilities have gained heightened significance, encompassing the identification of potential threats within the university community and the development of comprehensive security strategies.

With years of experience in the Czech security community, Kotek has been instrumental in contributing to certified safety methodologies endorsed by the Ministry of the Interior. His focus spans the security of individuals, property, and information, including the protection of soft targets, an increasingly discussed aspect of security planning.

Kotek underscores the global nature of security threats, emphasizing their potential emergence from any employee or student within the university. The aim is to proactively identify and de-escalate potential conflicts before they escalate. Kotek explains, “A potential attacker can be anywhere in society. Our task is to cover our sphere of influence, the university. Fortunately, we have a relatively well-functioning system for transmitting information, allowing us to learn about potential problem individuals in time.”

While Tomáš Baťa University has established security rules, Kotek envisions forthcoming changes. Adhering to strategic documents in the realm of physical security, the university aims to enhance its action plan for reducing similar dangers, contemplating more effective approaches.

Notably, Kotek challenges the effectiveness of installing detection frames in schools, advocating for a holistic security system that encompasses various elements, emphasizing resilience. He recognizes the persistent reality of threats and calls for societal learning. “I would like us as a society to learn from this. I don’t mean that we should live in constant paralyzing fear, but that we should accept that there are individuals capable of committing such an attack for various reasons.”

Kotek urges ongoing discussions on security awareness and preparedness, emphasizing the crucial role of education and training in saving lives during critical events. In an ever-changing security landscape, Kotek’s dedication to proactive measures underscores the importance of comprehensive security strategies within educational institutions.

Article by Prague Forum