IN DEFENSE OF OUR SCHOOLS

Transcription

1 IN DEFENSE OF OUR SCHOOLS TACTICAL CONTROL OF PERIMETER WITH USE OF ALARMS =============================================================== NARRATIVE: Straight Access and Security Place an alarm on exterior doors in the building that are trouble spots. The alarm would sound when someone props the door open or exits the door depending on the needs of the school. These could be placed on any exterior door and would notify school security when someone exits. There are many options available and included in the narrative attached. See the attached narrative from Mr. Pat Straight of Straight Access Security. Ted Systems, LLC 3 Types of Locking Mechanisms Magnetic Cheapest but not the most secure. Unlocks door when someone or something triggers the sensor from the inside Power failure the doors are unlocked Electrified Locking Hardware with Request to Exit Power failure door stays locked but can be opened by using a key Electrified Strike Power failure door stays locked but can be opened by using a key The proper selection of locking hardware to secure a lobby is the first crucial decision to be made. It is strongly encouraged administrators avoid the magnetic lock. Although this lock hardware serves a purpose and can work well, they are often the least expensive and offer the least amount of security. There are numerous issues with the magnetic lock which should be understood. In the event of a power failure and the backup batteries are depleted, the doors with magnetic locks will not secure. If there is a malfunction of the reader or lock and someone is trying to gain access to the building, another door may have to be used until a repair is made. The motion detector (request to exit device) on the interior of the door releases the lock anytime anyone near it walks by. The use of a magnetic lock should be a last resort in most applications. The ideal lock configuration is the electrified hardware with a built-in request to exit. These types of devices are generally a bit more expensive, but offer far superior security than the magnetic lock. Should electrical power in the building fail, these doors will remain locked (fail secure) and can be accessed by using the proper key. The other locking alternative is the electrified strike. This configuration will also remain secure in the event of power failure and will permit the use of a key if the system fails. See attached information from Michael Betten in reference to the above locks and other locking information

2 IN DEFENSE OF OUR SCHOOLS TACTICAL CONTROL OF PERIMETER WITH USE OF ALARMS =============================================================== RESOURCES AND POTENTIAL COST NECESSARY FOR IMPLEMENTATION: You would need a company that could install door alarms to give you a quote. There are to many variables based on what the school is trying to accomplish to give potential cost. The cost would need to be quoted by an access control company. Pat Straight would be glad to give you a quote on cost. REFERENCES: Patrick Straight-Straight Access and Security Michael Betten Ted Systems, LLC (913) SUBMITTED BY: Working Group #9 Mike Sullivan Office Additions and modifications made by: Officer Heidi Johnston OPPD

3

4

5 SCHOOL SECURITY June 4, 2013 The Pinch Point: 3 Design considerations for a secure lobby design By Michael Betten, MS, CPP The following segment was retrieved from CNN.com, briefly describing the security initiatives implemented by Sandy Hook Elementary and how Adam Lanza gained access to the school to perpetrate his horrific crime: Earlier this year, the school principal, Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, ordered a new security system installed that required visitors to be visibly identified and buzzed in. As part of the security system, the school locked its doors each day at 9:30 a.m. The door was locked when the gunman arrived. Authorities now know the gunman used "an assault weapon" to "literally (shoot) an entrance into the building," Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy said. Lanza likely shot his way in by compromising the tempered glass entryway of the school. Unfortunately, 99% of all schools have the same type of glass in their buildings offering little to no resistance to a disturbed gunman. Lanza didn t need an assault rifle to easily compromise the school s new security initiative. Before schools move forward to better secure their lobbies or develop pinch points, three main design objectives must be considered: natural surveillance, implementation of a sound locking configuration, and effective glazing barriers. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) has been accepted by security professionals as a fundamental security practice for decades. There are two key concepts of CPTED which apply to the lobby or pinch point design: natural surveillance and access control. The primary focus here is on natural surveillance. ASIS International (2009) describes it as: Increasing visibility by occupants and casual observers increases the detection of trespassers or misconduct at a facility the use of chain-link fencing that allows an unobstructed view of the area by workers or passers-by may discourage thieves. Windows, door viewers, mirrors, and other design feature that improve visibility fall under natural surveillance. (pg. 1-IV-3) Since 1999: Celebrating over a Decade of Exceptional Customer Service

6 Lobbies or pinch points that maximize the use of windows create an environment where individuals are constantly under surveillance or the perception there of! When behaviors are under observation by the general population, earlier detection of suspicious or dangerous intent is quickly recognized. This is superior to any form of mechanical surveillance such as cameras. Cameras are NOT a substitute for witnesses in the immediate area. Cameras often have limited fields of view, cannot generate a response and often are not monitored by anyone. The purpose of most camera systems is to aid in an investigation following an incident or confirm the condition of an alarm. The use of expansive windows creates a far superior crime deterrent and advance warning mechanism by witnesses in the area. Access control is the idea to employ both real and symbolic barriers to define and limit access to a building or other space (ASIS International. 2009). Doors within the immediate area must have locking devices that can properly secure the building. Securing the facility can be done manually or mechanically through an electronic access control system. Many educational institutions are considering electronic access control measures simply for the convenience and added measure of accountability. Electronic access control measures can be programmed to lock and unlock specified doors upon designated time periods. However, prior to selecting specific locking hardware, school officials must understand there are three basic lock configurations: electrified hardware with built-in request to exit; electrified strikes and magnetic locks. The proper selection of locking hardware to secure a lobby is the first crucial decision to be made. It is strongly encouraged administrators avoid the magnetic lock. Although this lock hardware serves a purpose and can work well, they are often the least expensive and offer the least amount of security. There are numerous issues with the magnetic lock which should be understood. In the event of a power failure and the backup batteries are depleted, the doors with magnetic locks will not secure. If there is a malfunction of the reader or lock and someone is trying to gain access to the building, another door may have to be used until a repair is made. The motion detector (request to exit device) on the interior of the door releases the lock anytime anyone near it walks by. The use of a magnetic lock should be a last resort in most applications. The ideal lock configuration is the electrified hardware with a built-in request to exit. These types of devices are generally a bit more expensive, but offer far superior security than the magnetic lock. Should electrical power in the building fail, these doors will remain locked (fail secure) and can be accessed by using the proper key. The other locking alternative is the electrified strike. This configuration will also remain secure in the event of power failure and will permit the use of a key if the system fails. Since 1999: Celebrating over a Decade of Exceptional Customer Service

7 Lastly, an effective barrier must provide a delaying mechanism to the perpetrator committing a criminal act. The intent here is to delay. ASIS International (2004) states: It is impossible to build a barrier that cannot be compromised. If enough time, money, personnel, planning and imagination are used, any structural barrier can be penetrated. (pg. 3-I-2) The vulnerability of glass used in lobby areas must be addressed by school officials. People would agree that securing a paper sack with a padlock is silly. Is securing a lobby with locks while keeping the tempered glass any different? Most building codes require the use of tempered glass which is considered a safety glazing material. But the term safety as used in building codes refers to the mitigation of risk caused by accidents or the structural integrity of the building. Security addresses the risk associated with the intentional and deliberate actions of man. Tempered glass is strong, but will shatter if enough force is applied. This was most likely the case in the Sandy Hook tragedy. Adam Lanza could have easily penetrated the lobby glass with a knife. The use of laminated glass should be considered as the third component of secure lobby designs. A few schools within the Kansas City area have already begun to make the move toward laminated glass lobbies. Laminated glass is NOT a film applied to existing windows. For more information on security films, please read my article titled Security Glazing, Buyer Beware! Laminated glass offers excellent penetration resistance. It is not bullet resistant, but the intent is to slow a perpetrator s progress, providing time for first responders to engage the threat. Laminated glass is more expensive, heavier and thicker than tempered glass. However, it is readily available and is indistinguishable from any other glass used in most buildings. The advantage here is when a perpetrator attacks the glass they most likely will not expect the glass to remain intact causing that much needed delay so individuals can properly respond. As schools move forward to better secure their lobbies, the three main design concepts must be reviewed. Consider the words of Mary Lynn Garcia (2001) when she writes about the proper design of a physical protection system: For a system (security) to be effective there must be awareness that there is an attack (detection) and slowing of adversary progress to the targets (delay), thus allowing the response force enough time to interrupt or stop the adversary (response). (pg. 7) Does your security strategy incorporate the three basic concepts? Since 1999: Celebrating over a Decade of Exceptional Customer Service

8 Michael Betten, MS, CPP retired from the Overland Park Police Department after 25 years of service. He assisted two American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) sub-committees in the development of test methods for security glazing materials. For the past decade Betten has served as the Kansas City ASIS International certification representative helping other security professionals study and prepare for the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) examination. Betten has a Masters in Security Management through Bellevue University (NE). Mr. Betten may be contacted at (913) or mbetten@ References: American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS). (2004). Protection of Assets Manual: Structural Barriers. (3-I). Alexandria, VA: Author American Society for Industrial Security International (ASIS). (2009). Protection of assets manual: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. (Vol. 1-4). Alexandria, VA: Author. Garcia, M. L. (2001). The design and evaluation of physical protection systems. Burlington, MA: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann. Since 1999: Celebrating over a Decade of Exceptional Customer Service

9 January 15, 2013 SECURITY GLAZING, BUYER BEWARE! In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting, security glazing options will likely move forward quickly. CAUTION! Buyer beware! By Michael Betten, MS, CPP The following segment was retrieved from CNN.com briefly describing the security initiatives implemented by Sandy Hook Elementary and how Adam Lanza gained access to the school to perpetrate his horrific crime: Earlier this year, the school principal, Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, ordered a new security system installed that required visitors to be visibly identified and buzzed in. As part of the security system, the school locked its doors each day at 9:30 a.m. The door was locked when the gunman arrived. Authorities now know the gunman used "an assault weapon" to "literally (shoot) an entrance into the building," Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy said. Lanza likely shot his way in by compromising the tempered glass entryway of the school. Unfortunately, 99% of all schools and many commercial buildings have the same type of glass in their buildings offering little to no resistance to a determined gunman. The national debate may turn to addressing this vulnerability and it is likely to examine a cost effective retro-fit application; security films. My advice to those examining a cheaper alternative is BUYER BEWARE! There are primarily three reasons glazing vulnerability persists throughout all schools (and public buildings); lack of awareness, budget restraints, and building codes. Most school administrators and planners are unaware of the various types of glazing materials that are available to aid in the security of their educational institutions. However, their ability to pursue such alternatives is often tied to budgetary restraints. Therefore, initiatives move forward to meet minimum standards which are dictated by the local building codes. The nation s principle building code model is the International Building Code (IBC), which mandates that any glass or glazing material in or around a hazardous area (usually near entryways) meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission Standard 16 CFR The most commonly used and cost effective material to meet this standard is tempered glass. Tempered glass is a safety glazing material. It is designed to withstand some amount of blunt force. But, if broken, it will do so in a manner which will minimize the risk of injury to individuals within the immediate area. Tempered glass breaks into small pieces similar in size to rock salt, not in big sharp shards that might seriously injure someone. When it breaks, the entire pane shatters into small Since 1999: Celebrating over a decade of Exceptional Customer Service

10 pieces, not just a portion of the glass attacked. So, if a bullet passes through the pane, the entire window shatters, allowing easy access as in the case at Sandy Hook. When referring to glazing material, the definitions of safety and security mean entirely different things. Safety pertains to minimizing the risk of injury due to the structural integrity of the building, accidents, or possibly an event caused by nature. Security refers to the intentional and deliberate actions of man! Many times people will use the two terms in the same context when they literally are something completely different. Safety is the primary purpose of most building codes. Ideally, laminated glass is the preferred choice in most security applications. It is durable and readily available. However, in most retro-fit applications laminated glass might appear to be too expensive for organizations. One alternative which has become popular that some might want to begin to examine are security films that offer a retro-fit solution. Security films are a cemented on plastic which originated in Europe to help mitigate security risks associated with terroristic bombing attacks. The advertisements and demonstrations available to the public are quite impressive. Films are applied in what is commonly referred to as a day-light application. In this application the glass is not removed and the film is cut to the same size as the glass surface area in the window. Once applied to the window, the glass is more resistant to attack and penetration. However, there are some issues buyers should be aware of prior to purchasing films. Temporary solution Buyers need to understand that a cemented on plastic is only a temporary solution. Over time the adhesive to the film will break down and the security characteristics begin to diminish. Inquire about the guarantee or manufacturer s warranty. Depending on the amount of sun exposure, the adhesive may break down sooner. Also, remember this is a plastic! In high traffic areas the film will be susceptible to scratches and its clarity may fade. Over time, the appearance may be more than an organization can tolerate and it may be removed sooner than originally intended! CEO s and security directors need to understand this is not a permanent solution to a long term problem. Anchoring system The day light application is often promoted and shown by security film manufacturers. It is the attractive aspect of the product. However, most applications where the film will be applied may be in an entryway where tempered glass is installed, as in Sandy Hook Elementary. In this application it is imperative the film is anchored to the frame of the window. The reason for this is once tempered glass has broken into its many small pieces, there is very little holding the film in place. There are three primary anchoring systems film companies incorporate: wet glaze, mechanical rigid, and mechanical flexible. These systems are used to help hold the film in place and often incur an additional expense to the consumer. Without it, most films applied to tempered glass would not withstand an attack as advertised. The mechanical anchoring systems can be labor intensive and significantly add cost to the overall project. When getting a quote, buyers need to know two things; what type of glazing is the film being applied to, and does the proposal include an anchoring system? Some anchoring systems may decrease the overall surface space opening or detract from the window s aesthetics. Since 1999: Celebrating over a decade of Exceptional Customer Service

11 Security system considerations If an existing security system is in use incorporating a glass break detector, caution! Films may diminish the detector s ability to activate on broken glass. Careful analysis of the devices integrated into the security system must be considered. When the film is applied, it changes the overall physical characteristics. Some glass break detectors operate from the acoustical frequency of breaking glass or a combination of other changes in the environment. Regardless, any film application must take into account the existing devices integrated into the security system to ensure functionality. It is strongly recommended you contact your system integrator for advice and determine if modifications to the security system may be required. Ask questions When watching film advertisements, ask yourself the following questions: When was the film applied to the test sample? Was the film applied to the sample in a daylight application as often advertised or was the film applied while the glass sample was removed from the frame? What type of glass was the film applied to? Annealed or tempered? What type of frame was the test sample anchored in? Was the frame rigid or was it in a moveable stand? Was the anchoring system one of the three mentioned? Many film advertisements show the films applied to annealed glass. There are two reasons for this: when broken, annealed breaks in sharp shards. Annealed glass permits the films to adhere to a greater surface area after being broken. Annealed glass is relatively inexpensive. Also, most of the test samples shown probably had the film applied prior to being set in the frame. Application prior to the installation in the frame significantly enhances its performance. This demonstrates why the anchoring systems are so important. In a day light application the film is applied without removing the glass sample. So what is anchoring the film to the frame? ASK QUESTIONS! When considering security glazing solutions my advice is to move slowly and be sure to ask plenty of questions. Films appear attractive but they are limited in their capabilities in some applications! The cost may not be worth the expense. Some retro-fit laminated glass options are available and can offer a more permanent solution. Regardless what strategy is selected, be sure to thoroughly investigate them all. Michael Betten, MS, CPP retired from the Overland Park Police Department after 25 years of service. He assisted two American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) sub-committees in the development of test methods for security glazing materials. For the past decade Betten has served as the Kansas City ASIS International certification representative helping other security professionals study and prepare for the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) examination. Betten has a Masters in Security Management through Bellevue University (NE). Since 1999: Celebrating over a decade of Exceptional Customer Service