Perimeters
There are many types of perimeters. As security professionals we concern ourselves with perimeters and recognize them as the first line of defense in our physical security program.
The perimeter is perceived differently by those on the outside from what we know of it on the inside. When you buy a steak at the supermarket, we look at a nice cut and hope it looks as good on the side we cant see. Although it probably looks about the same, there is always that chance that some imperfect spot may exist. Only the butcher knows for sure. It's not a secret, just something he knows that we don't.
We need to be aware of the importance of both sides, it's strong and weak points and how to react and respond at those points when a situation arises or better still...before a situation arises, all the while keeping that information on a need to know basis, that's our mission. We invest in it what we perceive as the minimum required to protect what is beyond the gate and spend much time, budget and effort to ensure it is as hard a shell as necessary to our needs.
Our border is not just the end of our area of concern. It is a sign post, a message that gives a warning, sets ground rules and lets visitors know their not in Kansas anymore. You are now on protected property and new rules apply and along with those rules, new expectations.
Perimeter fence comes in all shapes and sizes. From the standard six foot border fence to the twenty five foot exclusion zone fence in high threat areas. Silver wire, painted chain link or obscured privacy, the perimeter fence is the separation between what we can control and what we cannot. Lets face it, it is all about control.
Perception, accountability, denial and restriction are the rule of the day. If you establish a border and construct a "hard" perimeter, then it goes hand in glove that a gate must exist. These check points and choke points are your weakest link in the armor around your facility. Although they can be well lit, covered by closed circuit cameras and have elaborate access control systems such as keys and biometric I D readers, the strongest or weakest item at the gate will always be the human factor. Without a human to challenge and scrutinize those seeking entrance, much can slip through that hole in the perimeter.
A hardened gate, door or barricade should be in place to serve as both a visual and physical barrier as well as indication of an expectation of compliance. identification, appointment confirmation and inspection are done in this highly controlled and monitored area. It should include a suitable and safe place to stop and challenge arrivals, record all information about the visitor and when necessary, deny them access and turn them away. An area to turn vehicles around or have them wait should be established so as not to impede traffic. In areas of high security concern, barricades or choke points redirect traffic around the area so as not to give gate crashers a direct run at the compound from the approach route. Car bombers and armed individuals should not be able to rush the gate without sending an alarm to the next ring of internal security. Advanced warning is a powerful defense.
Security personnel should be able to observe vehicles from a distance before they reach the guard house.
Lighting is paramount. A ring of security lighting must exist to illuminate some areas while blinding approaches in key spots. Lighting should be a mix of both low pressure sodium for work areas such as guard booths and harsh mercury vapor for long fence runs or distant views along grassy malls and fields. Spot lights on the corners of structures will indicate where approaching individuals should stop, this will be a blinding spot, and flood lights will create safe working areas. Lights in guard houses should be as dim as possible so as not to disrupt night vision more then necessary. All appropriate signage should be reflective.
Protection for security staff should be with the combined use of that signage, lighting and barricade such as bollards to protect the guard house and officers working outside with traffic. Mirrors and warning signals should be used to detect traffic moving in both the entrance and exit side of the gate. A safe approach should be established for those gates that allow pedestrian traffic. Side and cross walks, painted curbs, A. D. A. compliant curbing as well as appropriate lighting must be available. There should be a dedicated officers for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The booth, box or guard house should be well marked, well lit from the outside and be heated and air conditioned. Glass should provide 360 degrees of unobstructed view and be unapproachable without detection.
Fleet or staff vehicles should be close by but also protected. Both hard line telephone, cell and or radio communication should be available and ware appropriate, a panic alarm. Protective equipment should be issued to each guard posted and this equipment should move with the officer. Each guard will leave and report with the appropriate uniform, I D, rain and or winter jacket and hat. Flash light, note book, scribing instrument. Special equipment such as under vehicle viewing mirrors, metal detectors, Geiger counters and K 9 units should have proper support and be ready for each shift.
Hazardous spill and fire suppression equipment must be on hand as should first aid.
Mechanical gates must have safety stops and manual back up systems for when power fails. Systems to ensure arrivals cannot enter via exit gates such as ground spikes or barricades should be in place and video surveillance systems should be used to record all vehicles arriving and departing. Tag readers and motion detectors should be used. All detector or camera systems at head to ground level must be protected from vandalism or sabotage.
Circles within circles. At times micro perimeters will be established to protect areas or systems within the main compound. These smaller perimeters will have their own fences and safety systems in place. They may or may not be under your direct control but you must be aware of them and any special requirements they have. Officers move from an insider's concern to an outsider's when regarding these islands in the compound. Alarms, lighting and access control should be limited to those on a need to know basis. Any compound within another compound sends a signal of importance and should be high on your patrol concern list. Ensure any special procedure with these micro compounds are quickly addressed and reported.
RJ Mosca
