Physical Security: Key Components for Protecting Facilities

Overview of Physical Security

The relevance of physical security cannot be overstated when it comes to the prevention or minimization of unauthorized access, loss, or theft. In the assessment of security vulnerabilities, physical security is generally regarded as a critical issue. This is particularly true given that physical security presents the most serious obstacle to an attacker seeking to execute a break-in. The various components of physical security should therefore seek to secure people and organizational assets from intruders. For this reason, physical security may include the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, protective lighting, access control systems, and physical barriers (Dempsey, 2010).

It is important to note that in some instances, a malicious individual may only be interested in disrupting an organization's ability to operate effectively. Such an attacker may not necessarily attempt to compromise an organization's perimeter. A physical security assessment initiative must therefore address all possibilities, including but not limited to destruction of organizational property and disruption of organizational activities and operations. The components addressed in this paper are building security, grounds security, access control systems, and perimeter security.

Building Security

In most cases, the level of building security implemented is largely based on the importance and value of assets housed within a given facility. Building perimeter security strategies "provide a second line of defense for protecting site occupants and property by preventing unauthorized entries of buildings" (Fennelly, 2012, p. 6). Of great importance on this front is the erection of surveillance systems and the installation of physical barriers (Fennelly, 2012). To ensure complete protection of buildings, there is also a need to put measures in place designed to limit access to a building's interior spaces.

As Fennelly (2012) observes, interior security strategies are valuable not only for safeguarding property but also for preventing unauthorized access. In most cases, the primary access points of a building — including windows and doors — are given great emphasis in the development of a building security plan. It is important to note that although doors and windows remain the primary access points, other access points that could be exploited by an intruder must also be considered. These include communication and electricity entry points, air and ventilation vents, and similar vulnerabilities.

There is also a need to ensure a sufficient buffer zone between a building and the public, particularly if that building houses sensitive or critical assets. Other considerations in building security include the installation of locks, security surveillance cameras, deployment of building guards, and the use of identification badges (Dempsey, 2010).

Grounds Security

Effective physical security must also incorporate grounds security. Security experts are increasingly recognizing the relevance of a well-designed environmental and architectural plan. More than ever before, the need to ensure security has seen security managers and consultants assume a prominent role in landscape architecture. Depending on the level of threat, organizations should have a comprehensive security plan that addresses the landscaping of their exteriors. "Building grounds security strategies provide the first line of defense against unauthorized entry of sites and offer social control mechanisms to prevent dangerous and destructive behavior of visitors" (Fennelly, 2012, p. 6).

The emphasis in this area is on not only access control but also on architectural design and its surveillance aspects. Dark alleys or uncleared vegetation could allow for the commission of various crimes against an organization, its visitors, or its employees. It is worth noting that in recent years, several lawsuits have been brought against organizations for their failure to foresee and forestall crime against those who visit their premises. The relevance of an effective grounds security plan therefore cannot be overstated. As Fennelly (2012, p. 6) notes, "the target environment might be a residential street, the side of a housing complex, or alleyways behind or between business establishments."

Conclusion

To be regarded as effective, the various components of physical security should not be used in isolation. They should instead be used together for maximum efficiency. This is particularly important given that no physical barrier is entirely without flaw or vulnerability. With an integrated physical security system in place — combining building security, grounds security, access control, and perimeter defense — an organization is far better positioned to prevent potential breaches to its security.

References

Dempsey, J. S. (2010). Introduction to Private Security (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.

Fennelly, L. J. (2012). Effective Physical Security (4th ed.). Waltham, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Purpura, P. P. (2007). Security and Loss Prevention: An Introduction (5th ed.). Burlington, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Smith, C., & Brooks, D. J. (2012). Security Science: The Theory and Practice of Security. Waltham, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.