The Security Management Standard: Physical Asset Protection and ASIS International Facilities Physical Security Measures Guideline give security directors thorough instructions. It illustrates on how to plan and put in place the proper physical and procedural controls to safeguard assets in the most effective, efficient, and cost-saving way possible (Espinosa et al., 2021). Both the standard and the guideline offer a structure for the performance of a vulnerability assessment that takes into account the physical security measures that are necessary to protect assets from being injured, damaged, or stolen. This framework can be used to protect assets from injury, damage, or theft (National Capital Planning Commission, 2016). Security professionals may better comprehend the significance of physical and procedural controls to safeguard assets with the help of the standard and guideline. The documents explain the concept of “layered security,” which refers to the practice of employing a variety of precautions, both physical and procedural, in order to decrease the danger of fraud (National Capital Planning Commission, n.d.). This method acknowledges the need for a multi-layered strategy since no one security solution can provide total safety.
The paper discusses the five most important physical safeguards for company assets:
- Access control systems control access to restricted areas and are a fundamental physical control to protect assets. They use a variety of mechanisms to restrict access, such as keypads, biometric devices, and card readers (Espinosa et al., 2021). The advantage of these systems is that they are reliable and effective in controlling access, but the drawback is that they can be expensive to install and maintain.
- Perimeter barriers: These physical controls are designed to prevent or delay unauthorized access to the facility or asset. The most common perimeter barriers are fences and walls. The advantage of these barriers is that they can provide a visible deterrent, but the drawback is that they can be costly to install and maintain.
- Surveillance systems use cameras, sensors, and other monitoring devices to detect and deter unauthorized access. The advantage of these systems is that they can provide continuous monitoring and real-time alerts, but the drawback is that they can be expensive to install and maintain.
- Intrusion detection systems use sensors and alarms to detect unauthorized access to restricted areas. The advantage of these systems is that they can provide immediate alerts and be integrated with other security systems, but the drawback is that false alarms can occur.
- Lighting systems improve visibility and deter unauthorized access to facilities and assets. The advantage of these systems is that they can provide a visible deterrent and be cost-effective, but the drawback is that they can be affected by weather conditions and may require maintenance.
Security Scenario Application
The height, style, and form of the new, improved fence encircling the White House has to take into account a number of practical factors, according to the United States Secret Service (USSS). The primary purpose of the new barrier was to fortify White House security by preventing fence-jumpers and intruders from gaining access to the grounds and it will cost $50 million (The Washington Times., n.d.). The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) and other historical oversight organizations’ mandate and power have to be taken into account by the USSS while determining if any recommended security alternatives could really be implemented.
The USSS had to take into account a number of practical factors, including the cost, viability, longevity, and public opinion of the new fence design. The USSS had to strike a compromise between the public’s demand for an aesthetically pleasing and historically accurate design and increased security. The USSS also had to think about whether it would be possible to put security measures in place quickly and affordably. From a security standpoint, I do not believe an 11-foot-tall fence composed of concrete, chain link, razor, or concertina wire would be a better option. These solutions may be successful in preventing fence jumpers, but the public may not like them since they are unsightly.
References
National Capital Planning Commission (n.d.). About NCPC. Web.
Espinosa García, J., Hernández Encinas, L., & Peinado Domínguez, A. (2021). A Comprehensive Security Framework Proposal to Contribute to Sustainability. Sustainability, 13(12), 6901. Web.
National Capital Planning Commission. (2016). White House Fence. Web.
The Washington Times. (n.d.). Donald Trump: New White House security fence to cost a ‘crazy’ $50 million. The Washington Times. Web.