How to Stay Tacticool #7: Security Hardening When Budgets Are Tight

Anthony Karpanos

Helping mining, construction & venue organisations build safety that works in the field | Founding Director, Soteria 360 | 25+ yrs law enforcement & WHS | Author | Speaker

April 21, 2025

Whether you’re running a stadium or a community hall, the reality is this: you will never have all the money you want for security.

We all want the upgraded CCTV, the smart barriers, the facial recognition software — but most of us are working with stretched budgets, skeleton crews, and competing priorities.

That doesn’t mean you’re exposed. It just means you have to get creative.

After 20+ years across law enforcement, major event safety, and public venue safety, I’ve seen the same truth play out over and over: You don’t need a massive budget to make your venue harder to target.

What you do need is a team that’s tuned in, a plan that’s realistic, and a mindset that focuses on consistency over complexity.

So, this one’s for the teams out there making it work with what they’ve got — the ones walking the fence line instead of waiting for the upgrade.

The MYTH:

“If you can’t afford the gear, you’re exposed.”

The TRUTH:

Money helps. But mindset matters more.

Tight budgets can be frustrating — but they also force us to focus on what actually works. You don’t need facial recognition or drones to stop a threat. What you do need is clear planning, layered protection, and a switched-on team.

Here’s some tips I have used previously on how to harden your space without draining the wallet:

Access Control is Everything

Start with what you can physically control.

Lock every gate, side door, and plant room.
Use bike racks, water-filled barriers (and actually fill them up), or garden beds as vehicle mitigation.
Limit entry points. Every open access = one more problem to watch.

The goal is friction. Make it harder for someone to move freely if they’re not supposed to be there.

Your Team is Your Best Resource

In my opinion and experience, no camera, scanner, or AI software will ever beat a well-trained human who knows what to look for.

In almost every major incident I’ve seen or reviewed — it was a person who spotted the red flag first. Not the tech. Not the tools. The staff member who paid attention.

Here’s how to get the most out of your team — without spending a cent:

Keep scenarios short and realistic. You don’t need full-scale exercises. Start with 15-minute “what-if” drills during team briefings. Example: “A patron reports a suspicious bag in the foyer — what do you do?”
Make sure everyone knows their role in an emergency. This includes casuals, vendors, even volunteers. Everyone should know:
Rotate staff through different positions. Your ushers, bar staff, and entry control team should all have a basic grasp of crowd monitoring, bag-check behavior, and radio use. This makes your workforce more flexible and your response tighter.
Use near-misses and small incidents as teachable moments. Debrief after every shift. Ask: What worked? What didn’t? What can we tighten?
Reward awareness. Catch someone doing the right thing? Call it out in front of the team. Recognition builds culture.

A switched-on team isn’t just a line of defense — it’s a moving, thinking, communicating shield. And the best part? It costs nothing but time.

Maximise the Tech You Already Have

A $30 camera in the right spot is more valuable than a $3,000 one pointing at a blank wall.

Clean your lenses. Check lighting. Fix camera angles.
Add dummy cams to low-risk zones for deterrence.
Use signage: “CCTV in use” makes people think twice.

Even older tech can do the job — if it’s maintained and placed smartly.

Partner Up

You’re not doing this alone.

Build real relationships with your local police and fire. Know names, not just numbers.
Invite first responders for venue walk-throughs, debriefs and let them train in your spaces.
Link up with neighbouring venues or businesses. Shared awareness = shared safety.

Goodwill is free. And it makes your whole network stronger.

Make Safety Everyone’s Job

Safety doesn’t sit in one department. It’s culture wide.

Train all staff on what “suspicious but not illegal” looks like.
Encourage cleaners, vendors, and volunteers to report anything unusual.
Use announcements or posters to remind patrons: See something, say something.

Awareness is free. And it multiplies when everyone’s involved.

Professional Spotlight

Andy Shay – Security, Safety, Investigations, Risk & Emergency Management Professional

This week, we’re featuring… — Andy Shay Not only is Andy a great friend, but I also have the privilege of working with him daily. His expertise and practical approach have transformed the way we approach public safety in venues. He is also a strong advocate for empowering others, investing in their development, and giving them the tools they need to perform their jobs effectively.

Andy is a highly motivated, passionate and experienced security professional with over 35 years of operational experience in security, emergency management, safety, risk management and training. He has led teams across Australia, and internationally for commercial organisations, government departments, police and military. Developing and implementing operational policies, procedures and strategies to ensure the safety and security of staff, patrons’ equipment and facilities.

Andy’s strong work ethic and team-building skills has driven successful outcomes in challenging environments. He emphasises continuous training, mentoring and staff awareness to adapt to the evolving security landscape. He uses incidents and near misses as learning opportunities to enhance skills, improve procedures and build further relationships.

All staff can assist in safety and security by:

“Seeing something” – Be aware of your environment and any changes, questions what you see.

“Say something” – When you observe something out of place, different or doesn’t belong let someone know, report it.

“Do something” – When identifying a hazard or suspicious item what can you do to ensure your safety first then the safety of others.

Tacticool Tip of the Week

“Don’t wish for more gear — train like you’ll never get it.”

Because the best camera can’t stop someone if no one’s watching. The best plan won’t work if no one knows it. And the best barrier is useless if it’s left unlocked.

Gear is nice. Skill is better. Repetition, awareness, and teamwork — that’s what actually keeps people safe.

Call-to-Action & Next Steps

What’s your go-to move when you don’t have the funding for all the shiny gear? Got a tactic, habit, or team routine that’s made your venue tougher to breach — or maybe a hard lesson from a gap you didn’t see coming?

Drop your wins or war stories in the comments. Let’s swap ideas on how to stay sharp, stay safe, and do more with less.

And if this one hit home — hit subscribe so you’re first in line for the next How to Stay Tacticool drop.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-karpanos-088692246

Feel free to share this newsletter with friends, colleagues, or fellow event enthusiasts—together, let’s stay prepared, proactive, and of course… Tacticool!