Active Access Delay Systems

As part of a layered system of physical security for a facility, the use of active access delay systems might be considered. Active access delay systems seek to disorient and delay attackers. The increased delay to attackers will help:

• protect the site(s) asset(s);
• give people more time to seek safety; and
• provide greater opportunity for a response force to interdict an attacker.

Active access delay systems are typically deployed at chokepoints in conjunction with other physical measures, e.g. a security door. They rely on a human verifying the need to deploy and for activation.

NPSA has recently published Marauding Terrorist Attacks Active Delay Systems guidance detailing measures that can further delay the rate of progress of an attack.

The technologies being assessed for use as active access delay systems all have strengths and weaknesses. For instance, some reduce the attacker's vision, but will also adversely affect people seeking safety or responding to the incident.

NPSA is currently evaluating technologies and guidance will be produced as the work progresses.