Controlling Access

Entrance/exit doors with hinges and hinge pins on the inside to prevent removal should be installed. Solid wood or sheet metal-faced doors provide extra integrity that a hollow-core wooden door cannot provide. A steel door frame that properly fits the door is as important as the construction of the door.

Although the ideal security situation is a building with no windows, bars, grates, heavy mesh screens, or steel shutters over windows offer good protection from illegal entry.

Openings in the protective coverings should be minimal to prevent an explosive device from being introduced into the building from outside. Floor vents, transoms, and skylights should also be covered. Note that fire safety considerations limit the use of certain window coverings. Municipal ordinances should be researched and safety considered before any of these renovations are undertaken.

Building entrances and exits should be designed or modified so that all visitors are screened at the reception desk and required to sign a register indicating the name and room number of the person they're visiting. The receptionist then contacts the person to be visited and advises him that a visitor, by name, is in the lobby. The person to be visited may decide to come to the lobby to ascertain that the purpose of the visit is valid. A system for signing out when the individual departs should be integrated into this procedure. Although such procedures may be seen by the public as an unnecessary inconvenience, they are in fact essential to both employees' and visitors' safety. Placing a sign to this effect at the building entrance serves the purpose of informing the public of the reasons why these measures have been taken.

IMPORTANT! Searching of hand baggage and luggage has enormous deterrent value, and is well worth considering when the police have informed you that there is a particular risk.