NCJ Number
129036
Journal
Security Management Volume: 35 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1991) Pages: 71-73
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Cooperation between a company's security manager and the architect designing a new building for the company can ensure that building access control is effective without being menacing.
Abstract
Access control ensures that everyone entering the facility is identified and has a legitimate purpose for being there. People are processed most easily if employees with readily identifiable credentials can be physically separated from nonemployees. A post with an automated credential-reading system or a separate employee entrance with a security officer who recognizes faces or checks badges is the most effective solution. Three major components that ensure harmony among security, architecture, and actual use are architectural design criteria, systems considerations, and procedural elements. Architectural design criteria pertain to the positioning of the receptionist's desk, employee and visitor entry, visitor amenities, general traffic, barriers, the messenger center, and the placement of the conference room. Systems considerations pertain to the use of control and monitoring systems for the main entry lobby and the remainder of the facility. Procedural elements pertain to the management of visitors to ensure that they are identified and that their purpose and movement in the building is monitored. The degree of access control should be tailored to the security level required for company operations and employee protection.