EXERCISE #1 – PHYSICAL AND PROCEDURAL CONTROLS FOR PROTECTING ASSETS – GENERAL DISCUSSION
“Security Management Standard: Physical Asset Protection” is a 2012 ASIS International publication that assists security directors in completing their security planning.
“ASIS International Facilities Physical Security Measures Guideline,” also assists organizations in determining risk levels and the appropriate controls to secure assets in the most effective, efficient, and cost-saving manner.
After thoroughly reviewing these documents, summarize their contents and explain how the standard and the guideline will assist you in completing the vulnerability assessment required not only for this in this course, but also in your current of future security management career.
Also, identify, in your considered opinion, the five most significant physical controls used to protect corporate assets discussed in the document and explain your rationale, citing not only the advantages of the controls you selected, but also the drawbacks.
EXERCISE #2- PHYSICAL AND PROCEDURAL CONTROLS FOR PROTECTING ASSETS – SECURITY SCENARIO APPLICATION
In “Security Management Standard: Physical Asset Protection,” the authors discuss the use physical barriers as a physical control designed to protect assets by deterring individuals or delaying entry of those unauthorized to access the building or property. However, fences do not entirely “prevent” entry as we have periodically read about with the “fence jumpers” at the White House in Washington, D.C. The authors identify fences and walls as the most common perimeter barriers and proceed to describe the various types: brick and stone walls, chain-link, welded-wire, barbed wire, razor or concertina wire, wooden, electronic, planters, steel barricades, and others.
As a result of the increased frequency of “fence jumpers” at the White House, the United States Secret Service (USSS) in 2017 received approval from the National Capital Planning Commission to raise the wrought iron fence surrounding the 18 acres from about 8 feet high to 11.7 feet. Other fence “anti-climb” features were also a part of the plan. There was significant public interest expressed in this matter. As reported in the media, the USSS gave thoughtful consideration regarding the selection of a new and enhanced fence design as a part of the agency’s risk assessment process and the employment of Practice Advisories we discussed in class last week. ASIS Practice Advisories #6 and #7 relating to the “feasibility” of implementing recommended security options to mitigate risk and considering the “cost versus benefit” of a particular security strategy are particularly interesting regarding the decision about the fence and other possible security measures in and around the White House.
Identify and discuss the “practical” considerations the USSS had to consider about the height, type, and design of the new enhanced fence surrounding the White House. Note: Although the President questioned the $50 million dollar cost of the new fence, for this scenario, our discussion should focus primarily on the “feasibility” of implementing any proposed security options in light of the mission and authority of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) and other historical oversight associations. Incorporate into your response whether or not you believe an 11 foot tall fence made from concrete, chain link, razor, or concertina wire would be a better choice from a security perspective and whether or not such fences would survive public and National Capital Planning Commission scrutiny.
In preparing a response, students should review the following resources that provide specific background information regarding the scenario presented:
White House Fence (White House fence final design approved.) This video may help: White House fence to the National Capital Planning Commission can be found at: https://www.ncpc.gov/videos/504/31m47s – Actual fence presentation starts at 53 minutes and ends at 1:06:14.
NPS (White House Fence Design Receives Final Approval.)
History (History of the White House Fence).
Cost(Trump: New White House security fence to cost a ‘crazy’ $50 million.)
NCPC (About NCPC.)
