Physical security measures

Having conducted your risk assessment, you need to decide which security measures to adopt. In most cases they will range from basic good housekeeping (keeping communal areas clean and tidy) through Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), intruder alarms, lighting and computer security, to specialist solutions such as mail scanning equipment. Specialist solutions, in particular, should be based on a thorough assessment - not least because you might otherwise invest in equipment that is ineffective, unnecessary and expensive.

Contact your Counter Terrorism Security Adviser (CTSA) through your local police force at the start of the process. As well as advising you on physical security, they can direct you to professional bodies that regulate and oversee reputable suppliers.

If you are part of a multi-occupancy building, shopping centre, high street or business park, make security a joint effort. For example, common access control procedures can be agreed or CCTV cameras sited for maximum overall benefit. This can both increase effectiveness and greatly reduce costs, while ensuring that health and safety regulations, fire prevention requirements and building consents are met.

Basic housekeeping

Basic good housekeeping reduces the opportunity for planting suspect packages and helps deal with false alarms and hoaxes. It reduces the number of places where devices may be left.

Litter bins

In general it is advisable to avoid the use of litter bins as they provide places where potential explosive devices may be left.  If it is necessary to install litter bins you may find the  guidance on their selection, placement and testing useful.  This has been produced for CPNI by the Home Office Scientific Development Branch.

Security awareness

The vigilance of your staff (including cleaning and maintenance staff) is key to your protective measures. They will know their own offices or work areas and should be encouraged to look out for unusual behaviour or items out of place.  All staff who receive mail or deliveries should be aware of the possible indicators that a delivered item may be of concern, as well as how to act upon discovery of any suspicous delivered item.

Access routes

An efficient reception area is essential to controlling access, with side and rear entrances denied to all but authorised people. Keep access points to a minimum and make sure the boundary between public and private areas of your building is secure and clearly signed. Invest in good quality access controls such as magnetic swipe identification cards or 'proximity' cards which are readable from a short distance.

Security passes

If a staff pass system is in place, insist that staff wear their passes at all times and that their issuing is strictly controlled and regularly reviewed. Visitors should be escorted and should wear clearly marked temporary passes, which must be returned on leaving. Anyone not displaying security passes should either be challenged or reported immediately to security or management. Consider introducing a pass system if you do not have one already.

Screening

The random screening of hand baggage is a significant deterrent and you have the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not allow you to search their possessions. However, body searches may be carried out only with the agreement of the person being searched. Routine searching and patrolling of premises represents another level of screening covering both internal and external areas. Keep the patrols regular, but not too predictable. 

Ensure that all all sources of incoming mail (e.g. Royal Mail, couriers, hand delivery) are included in your screening process.  The first line of defence is a suitably located, equipped and operated post room.  

Traffic and parking controls

If you believe you might be at risk from a vehicle bomb, the basic principle is to keep all vehicles at a safe distance. Those requiring essential access should be identified in advance and checked before being allowed through. If possible, you should ensure that you have proper access control, careful landscaping, traffic-calming measures and robust, well-lit barriers or bollards. Ideally, keep non-essential vehicles at least 30 metres from your building.

Integrated security systems

Intruder alarms, CCTV and lighting are commonly used to deter crime, detect offenders and delay their actions. All these systems must be integrated so that they work together in an effective and co-ordinated manner. Intrusion detection technology can play an important role in an integrated security system; it is as much a deterrent as a means of protection. If police response to any alarm is required, your system must be compliant with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) security system policy. For further information, contact the Alarms Administration Office at your local police headquarters.