Page 43 - Security Today, July 2017

PHYSICAL BARRIERS
Fencing is often a starting point for establishing perimeter security. And in the higher education space, fencing often extends from the campus all the way through to other facilities like sororities and dorms. Arizona State University, for example, uses perimeter fencing systems around the outside of sororities to prevent unwanted trespassers from entering that space. Those gates and access points are controlled by a mix of mechanical and electromechanical locking devices. With many options to choose with varying levels of complexity, these devices sim- ply control and limit who has access to secured areas.
Even within fencing, there are a variety of options. From the low end of the spectrum, using a mechanical key to control a padlock that secures a chain to a gate, to standalone keypad locks that function independent of the access control system at the school, all the way to wired and wireless integrated electromechanical locking solutions that can be tied into an access control system. One of the more common ways we have seen pedestrian gates with rim exit devices electronically controlled is using surface mounted electric strikes from HES. This allows for free egress from the space, but ties the entrance to the access control system.
It can often be prohibitive for a school to try to control and imple- ment access control at every opening, so many schools start by identi- fying key entry points that can be used to limit and control pedestrian traffic. The next step is to mechanically lock down all other preceding points that were not identified. The objective is to maximize physical and electronic resources by reducing the number of entry points, thus limiting exposure.
Let’s take a step back and consider the fundamentals as it relates to
hardware. Every aspect of your security hardware should be routinely inspected to ensure everything is working properly—all access control openings should have a door closer, locks should be functioning and latching correctly, and there should be no loose hinges. It’s very likely that adjustments or modifications will have to be made over the life of a door opening. Note, there shouldn’t be any instances where locks or exit devices are intentionally defeated—for example, if a door stop is placed under a normally locked door to keep it open for convenience.
PREVENTION THROUGH DESIGN
Schools are often faced with trying to mitigate risk and exposure with very little budget. CPTED (pronounced sep-ted) is the acronym for the crime fighting technique known as Crime Prevention Through Envi- ronmental Design. CPTED is based on the theory that the proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to a reduc- tion in the incidence of crime.
CPTED’s emphasis is on natural and environmental design. In this way, it deviates from the traditional target-hardening approach to crime prevention, but is complementary to all security efforts. The target-hardening approach traditionally focused on denying access to a crime target through physical or artificial barriers (such as locks, alarms, fences and gates). CPTED focuses on natural barriers, is very versatile, and can be applied anywhere.
There are many initial low-cost to no-cost strategies schools can implement to add layers of security or improvements to an existing security plan. This includes improving visibility by not planting bushes and shrubs in front of windows, improving lighting, and strictly limit- ing access to rooftops and basements.
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CAMPUS SECURITY & LIFE SAFETY
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