Thirty years ago, security at government buildings and historic sites in Washington, D.C., was much less stringent than it is today. Ordinary citizens were free to walk into the Capitol building and gather in large groups for pictures on the front steps without surveillance by security guards. However, due to evolving security threats against the nation’s capital, this is no longer possible.
As terrorists become more emboldened and the threat of vehicle attacks increases, a crash-rated barricade becomes more necessary, especially for government buildings and other sensitive facilities. However, there are difficulties involved in transporting and installing many barricades. For one thing, if the facility is in a remote location, transporting the heavy equipment to the site can be a challenge. Conversely, if the facility is in a well-established and developed area, it is difficult to install the barricade without disturbing underground utilities and other buried elements.
Ensuring public safety should always be the driving force of security. Protecting both people and property from an attack can take more than rudimentary safeguards like fencing and traffic barriers. Mass demonstrations such as protests can put security teams at odds with these goals, but when intensive measures are taken, the response can project a tone of intimidation instead of protection. With the right tools and excellent preparation, any location can be ready to both safeguard people and property while also maintaining an air of professional authority.
As the pandemic continues to wash over the country, state and federal parks and services are drowning in closures and occupancy restrictions. Unfortunately, citizens are looking for solace away from quarantine procedures in the majesty of nature. This puts undue strain on the National Park Service that wasn’t designed for long-term regulations to minimize exposure. Fortunately, there are many ways that location managers can mitigate the disruption in service with either temporary or permanent barrier systems. Using simple methods to upgrade security procedures can help facilitate easier transitions as these places are reopened to the public.
Security teams and building designers have long had to deal with an important balancing act. Pedestrian safety is important, but oftentimes it comes at the cost of aesthetics. In addition, with the advent of social distancing, creating pathways for high foot traffic areas is an even greater challenge.
The right to state an opinion is something that many Americans hold dear. When many voices call out in unison, the results can turn into a security nightmare. Even locations where high pedestrian traffic isn’t normally a concern need to have a plan in place to handle massive protests. Local authorities may be in charge of keeping the peace, but there are many steps that professional security teams and designers can take to ensure the safety of people and property under their care. Using both fixed and portable units, any location can be prepared for demonstrations in ways that keep everyone’s safety at the forefront.