A key component of physical security is natural access control. Natural access control is one principle of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), a subtle and generally unnoticed, method of designing space that anticipates criminal thought processes and creates an environment that discourages criminal activity. Natural access control begins with the outer perimeter, the property line. In the case of a school or commercial building, walkways, signage, and landscaping can be designed to channel visitors to designated areas and thus reduce the opportunity for unauthorized wanderers on the property. In an industrial setting, chain link or other commercial fencing, reinforced walls, and adequate signage can accomplish the same thing, deterring criminal activity by removing opportunity for loitering. When walkways, decorative fencing, and signage are used to direct pedestrian traffic, persons not following these naturally-guiding pathways stand out and can be asked their business. Because design measures to control visitor access can be subtle and unobtrusive, they offer a non-threatening (and cost-effective) approach to security. If visitors must follow obvious pathways that naturally funnel them to a visitor check-in entry area, where they are then vetted and logged in, business operators, school administrators, etc. are never not aware of who is on their property and what their purpose is. Again, the purpose is to avoid the opportunity for unauthorized pedestrians to walk into a building and simply blend in. Unfortunately, schools are some of the biggest offenders of this opportunity for increased security. Many schools have poor, or no, signage. This promotes wandering simply because people truly do not know where to go. And when this occurs, it creates an opportunity, and ready-made excuse, for predators. After all, if there is no clear pathway to direct visitors and/or a non-existent or easy-to-ignore check-in area, the pretext, “I was just looking for . . .” is plausible. Sadly, parents often complicate a proper sign-in area and process because they demand unimpeded access to their children. They fail to recognize the implications of violating security measures designed to protect all children. Typically, the first consideration in natural access control is the approach to the area. For example, can vehicles drive onto the property without being noticed? Gates, barriers, and curbing can be used to direct vehicle traffic to a single controlled area. If this controlled entrance leads to a guard station, or other observed area, all the better. Once a vehicle has entered the area, just like with pedestrian traffic, drivers should be directed to well-defined and clearly-marked public parking areas located at as much distance from the building as possible. This prevents persons from leaving vehicles unattended near the building (think car bomb, getaway vehicles, etc.). A tenant of CPTED is that criminals want to feel in control of the area. The more control that can be unobtrusively removed the more secure the location will be. Frequently individuals fail to recognize already available resources that can be used to increase their physical security before they invest in recommendations made by a security service. For a home, something as uncomplicated as a flower box or hedge may serve the purpose of discouraging or denying access to an area. Decorative fencing can afford a homeowner with some level of protection without the feeling of a security barrier. Decorative fencing or other hedging send a do not cross message without actually saying it. The message is implied while, paradoxically, also loud and clear. Individuals without ill-intent will respect it, and those who do not give themselves away. Other considerations when generating plans for outer perimeter space are accessibility to/from buildings and roof access. Multi-building facilities may have some buildings that are strictly prohibited from visitors, or should be, and visitors must be channeling away from those areas and to designated areas. Exterior lighting can assist in guiding individuals into the correct areas. Roof access is an often- ignored security concern. Too close or overgrown trees and brushes may provide a criminal with access, and unsupervised ladders or other climbing equipment may present temptations and can be a serious liability. Regardless of what natural access control measures are in place, enforcement is crucial. Every employee can be trained to what “normal” activity looks like and therefore trained to notice “abnormal” activity. Natural access controls help employees recognize the abnormal because they channel normal activity. Employees can then be trained how to observe and report suspicious activity to those authorized to interview suspected persons. In this manner, good design and trained employees can greatly increase the security of a business or area.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 17:45:33 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015