NCJ Number
113270
Journal
Security Management Volume: 32 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1988) Pages: 131-135
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The risk assessment matrix (RAM) developed by the Federal Protective Service and the General Services Administration is contributing to improved security of the Federal workplace.
Abstract
RAM identifies threats and potential threats, anticipates their probability and severity, and recommends countermeasures in a readable, easily understood, and concise form. The first part of the RAM consists of sections detailing the historical crime rate, building and tenant characteristics, potential risk for a variety of crimes (including terrorism) and overall potential risk, and recommended security measures. The second part of the RAM is a variety of cost and scheduling data. Each security or countermeasure recommendation is then evaluated by physical security specialists who decide on the types of services, systems, or devices to be used; estimate costs; and schedule installation and implementation dates. The RAM can be used to establish a uniform level of security for each building, track compliance with internal requirements (e.g., funding sources, resurveying), and identifying areas of highest vulnerability. It can also be used as part of the historical building security record, as a base for future security surveys, as a security profile, and as a mechanism for presenting security information to tenants.