How to Protect Government Buildings From Outside Threats

In the United States, terrorist threats are continuously increasing. As a result, government buildings need to reassess and improve their current security measures. With the proper systems, government buildings can become more secure and protected against outside threats. Use this complete guide to discover examples of threats, the advantages of having security measures in place and what products and systems can help improve the overall safety of government buildings.

What Type of Threats Do Government Buildings Face?

Due to their status and importance, government buildings are often targets for violent acts. Some examples of threats government buildings may face include the following:

• Phone threats: As the name suggests, phone threats occur over the telephone. A phone threat can be a bomb threat, weapons threat, chemical or biological threat or simply a general threat to harm an individual or group of people.
• Bomb threats: Bomb threats may happen in person when the perpetrator announces they have a bomb, over the phone or in an anonymous note through the mail or email.
• Weapons threats: A weapons threat will most likely be in person as a perpetrator announces or visually shows they have a weapon.
• Suspicious mail: Threats can also come through the mail. Envelopes or packages may contain dangerous weapons or substances intended to hurt those in the area as the package is opened.
• Chemical or biological threats: Biological or chemical threats can also occur when a perpetrator sends a chemical or biological weapon through the mail or plants these substances within the building.

Benefits of Having Security Measures in Place

Government buildings should always be prepared for any situation. With security measures in place, government building security personnel can prevent, monitor and act on any potential or active threats. Learn more about the benefits of security measures in government buildings.

Greater Control

With proper security measures, building security teams can have greater control over who and what enters the building. This ensures that only approved individuals are allowed access into the building and prevents any illegal or dangerous items from crossing the threshold.

With checkpoints and security clearance stops, security teams can constantly monitor who enters and exits the building, keeping the safety of the people and the property intact. In addition to entrance and exit points, building-wide security systems give building security members constant information on which rooms are accessed and by whom. This is especially helpful for buildings with multi-level security clearances for employees. Lower-clearance employees will not be able to access high-clearance rooms, and if they try, security will be alerted and keep a record of the attempt.

Even when security guards cannot be on-site, security systems and other security measures allow guards to monitor the entire building, giving them greater control.

Employee Safety and Peace of Mind

Government employees hold essential and valuable jobs. Employees should come to work feeling well-protected and secure so they can focus their efforts on the job at hand. With the correct security measures, employees can have peace of mind during the work day.

Fast Communication

Security measures help prevent security threats and can help identify and handle security breaches. If a problem does occur, security systems allow security teams to learn much information quickly. Security can view camera footage to see where the threat is located, access keycard data and more. This information and these tools enable the security team to act as fast as possible.

How to Enhance Security for Government Buildings

There are several ways to protect government buildings from outside threats. Other than increased security presence or improved processes or procedures, often the best methods for enhancing security are by installing or incorporating new equipment. Learn more about how to improve government safety with these tools.

Surveillance Cameras

A basic form of building security is surveillance cameras. Security cameras allow security teams to monitor different areas of the building simultaneously. This surveillance can be extremely useful in identifying a potential or active threat so security can stop it before it begins or worsens. Security teams can also use cameras that store data and recordings to learn where certain individuals were at a given time or day if that information becomes necessary for security purposes.

Alarm Systems and Safety Plans

Another standard security measure is alarm systems. Alarm systems help deter tampering with other security devices and alert security and other employees in an emergency. Similar to a fire escape plan, every government building should have an occupant emergency plan for employees inside the building to follow. Procedures and protocols can minimize the panic from employees and staff, making it easier for security and law enforcement to handle the situation.

Entrance and Access Control Security Systems

Protect government buildings from outside threats by stopping these threats at the door with an entrance security system. Ideally, main entrances should be equipped with keycard access systems, so only those with the proper clearances can open the doors. Additionally, metal detectors can help identify any concealed weapons or other unwelcome items. Security personnel should also be present inside the front entrance to act as a line of defense against any urgent threats that may arise. It’s crucial that entry point security guards have proper training and equipment for their own safety as well as the safety of government employees and property.

The security personnel at the front door should have access to a database containing all active keycards and who they belong to. This database allows security to verify an employee’s identity if necessary and monitors any temporary keycard access for contractors or other visitors. Keeping front door security in the loop on cleared personnel is critical in maintaining a safe and secure building.

Ballistic Shields and Protection

While preventive security measures are essential, government buildings should also be prepared with the proper safety equipment if a threat becomes active. Ballistic protection should be available within the building to help protect employees, law enforcement and civilians during an active threat. 

Ballistic shields offer protection from bullets, blasts and fragmentation and are valuable additions to entry and exit points. Add these shields at other security checkpoints for increased protection. With ballistic shields in place, security can better handle access control.

Ballistic shields are available as permanent structures or heavy-duty mobile shields. Both options allow security and law enforcement to neutralize and approach threats more safely. As gun violence increases, it’s crucial to have physical protection against firearms if a threat becomes active. These shields can help protect government assets and personnel, especially those who work in high-risk areas.

Improve Government Safety With Defenshield, Inc.

As a veteran-owned and operated company, Defenshield, Inc. is dedicated to providing high-quality and effective physical security tools for the U.S. government. We aim to protect the good guys who are working to protect others. Our products are certified by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Department of State (DOS), making them trustworthy and top-of-the-line options. Get the coverage your building needs and deserves, and contact us today to learn more about our industry-leading products.