Physical security measures are essential for protecting federal buildings and national assets.
Keeping federal facilities safe and secure has long been a focus and priority for our country and its citizens. Highly publicized attacks such as the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, the shootings in 2013 at the Washington Navy Yard, and the 2014 Fort Hood shootings highlighted the omnipresent threat of both foreign and homegrown terrorism and the vulnerabilities of homeland security.
These—and other attacks—serve as a stark reminder that no structure or facility is completely immune from danger. However, securing federal facilities can be a monumental undertaking. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the federal government owns over 500 million square feet of office space which costs about $2 billion to maintain and operate.
With so much real estate to secure, protecting federal facilities and all those who frequent them requires a vigilant, multi-layered approach.
Protecting the over 446,000 federal buildings is primarily the responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security and its Federal Protection Service (FPS) agency. However, approximately twenty federal law enforcement entities help ensure the security of federal facilities, including some private security contractors.
As you can imagine, the security needs of federal buildings can vary greatly depending on the size of the facility, the number of people that have access to it, and the role it plays in national security.
Federal facility security levels categorize buildings based on size, occupancy, and public access, helping to determine the appropriate security measures for each. The levels are as follows:
With each federal building facing its own unique set of challenges, there is no blanket security standard that can be implemented across the board. Rather, a variety of location-specific security methods are implemented.
Safeguarding federal buildings doesn’t start at the front doors; federal law enforcement experts emphasize the importance of securing the perimeter of facilities as a first line of defense. Often, perimeter security measures include physical barriers such as concrete blocks or fortified gates that are set up a distance away from the building they are safeguarding. This provides protection and mitigates damage from any potential attacks involving moving vehicles or detonated blasts.
In addition to creating a physical buffer, perimeter security also provides an initial checkpoint for security teams to identify and filter visitors. By screening those who have access to the facilities, you help eliminate unnecessary—and potentially dangerous—guests. With fewer people on site, security efforts become more manageable.
In addition to perimeter security measures, it is common for other facility security clearance checkpoints to be set up as a preliminary step for building access. This can take the form of x-ray machines, metal detectors, swiping a badge or key fob, or even something as simple as signing in with a receptionist. Video cameras are also useful here, ensuring visual identification and verification for access to the most secure locations. This adds another layer of security by documenting and screening visitors while creating a deterrent for those with ill intentions.
Screenings don’t necessarily have to take place in the physical space. In some high-level government buildings, visitors can be pre-screened by allowing security teams to run background checks prior to arrival. Even if pre-screened, visitors must still verify their identity and go through physical checkpoints before being granted access.
Surveillance systems that provide real-time monitoring and recording capabilities are integral to any comprehensive security plan. When it comes to security measures, mobile surveillance cameras are one of the most cost-effective ways to ensure you have an extensive view of the facilities 24/7. The ability to place cameras practically anywhere expands coverage, eliminates blind spots, and improves response times and situational awareness.
High-resolution cameras with low-light visibility and thermal imaging can sense heat signatures and improve visibility in even the most challenging environments. This ensures that surveillance isn’t compromised by demanding conditions such as excessive darkness, smoke, fog, or other cases of challenging weather where visibility may be limited.
While cameras are often thought of as passive ‘eyes’ monitoring areas, the right surveillance unit can also serve as a proactive 'voice,' blaring alarms, playing recorded instructions, and activating floodlights to alert, warn, and deter unwanted activity.
Remote monitoring systems provide continuous surveillance from a secure, off-site location—whether you’re at home, at an appointment, or across the globe. From this remote vantage point, they can still communicate with on-site teams, quickly identify threats, and coordinate an effective response by mobilizing the appropriate support and federal agencies.
Two effective strategies for preventing criminal acts are reviewing past attempts and conducting risk assessments. Video recordings offer invaluable insights, highlighting high-traffic areas that may require additional resources, as well as identifying potential vulnerabilities. They also provide a basis for analyzing traffic flow, spotting problematic patterns, and serving as video evidence. By conducting regular risk assessments, you can deploy the most effective safety measures and adjust resources and tactics to meet new challenges and potential threats.
As technology continues to evolve, artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly significant role in securing federal facilities. Advances in intelligent analytics features such as facial recognition, biometrics, and license plate readers can help identify unauthorized individuals, monitor suspicious activities, and prevent security breaches.
Federal facilities play a vital role in providing services to the public, so there’s a delicate balance to maintain between security and accessibility. While maintaining a safe and protected environment is essential, these agencies exist to interact with citizens and deliver the services and information they need.
While there’s no blanket solution, for most facilities, the answer lies in a combination of human elements, security touchpoints, and powerful behind-the-scenes technology. Guards, receptionists, and employees not only act as essential security barriers but also serve as ambassadors, communicating procedures and creating a smooth experience while setting clear expectations. Combining human effort with technologically sophisticated surveillance systems creates a comprehensive approach to safeguarding federal buildings and their occupants.
LVT's surveillance camera systems provide advanced monitoring capabilities and intelligent security analytics and offer seamless integration with other security technologies. By leveraging these innovative systems, government facilities can mitigate security risks and protect critical assets. Reach out to LVT to see how we can be a partner in your security needs.
