Access Control
& Security Systems

“It is important to remember however that this requirement is just one small component of the overall security plan. If we allow ourselves to be convinced it is not essential, we must ask ourselves which other component(s) will be next to be deleted using similar arguments. At what point will the overall security plan become ineffective because we have “trimmed” out these supposedly minor, ineffective measures?”
— STEPHEN J. MARLOVITS JR., Chief of Safety and Security, Roanoke (Va.) Regional Airport

“Presenting a valid ID (just) before boarding commercial passenger aircraft is a minor but important last minute procedure to help against terrorist attack. If properly implemented, this requirement prevents use of another's boarding pass for wrongful purposes.”
— NICOLAUS BYRNE, Department of Homeland Security

“Visual inspection of most forms of ID, especially drivers licenses, offers limited added security due to the ease with which they can be forged. Use of real-time verification systems would greatly increase reliability of such measures. If your neighborhood watering hole can use this technology, there is no reason why airports shouldn't.”
— BILL MCCLELLAND, Shield Associates

“With all the badge printers available on the market, I can easily make a fake ID. From my home PC, I can print a fake boarding pass. So showing my valid ID and boarding pass under the current system, makes TSA and government officials ‘feel good’ that they are doing something about terror. It may also make a few airline passengers feel good, but to the seasoned traveler, it is simply one more hassle.”
— JOHN HUNEPOHL, PSP, ASSA ABLOY Americas

“All forms of conventional (non-biometric) identification can be forged, or legitimate identification can be obtained under a false identity (true even of biometric credentials). Such identification is inherently unreliable. Identification is not essential, and may even be counterproductive to the cause of security if we rely on it.”
— KEN GODDARD, Enercon Services Inc., Mt. Arlington, N.J.

“…To increase employee awareness and facilitate a culture of proactive communication with the security team. Employees know what to watch for, when/how to contact security, and communicate consistently to significantly enhance the security team's response capabilities. Communication, combined with a professional security response, is a critical component of a hospital security program.”
— KENNETH COMBS, security manager, Immanuel St. Joseph's Hospital, Mankato, Minn.

“…To control and manage access. Only designated entrance and exits should be used by health care workers, including physicians. Other designated entrances should be used only by visitors, and vendors should only be authorized to visit a specific department with an identification badge.”
— LOUIS G. DOMINGUEZ, president, Safe America Co., Gainesville, Va.

“…To hire professional security people — not to hire someone because they have a need to fill a position. Then they must train and continue training their security personnel to understand the seriousness of the position they are entrusted with.”
— PATRICK C. DECHIRICO, director of security and safety, Gill St. Bernard's School, Gladstone, N.J.

“…With manned metal detection at the building entrances. This may mean reducing the amount of entrances to a facility to make this practical and cost effective.”
— CHRIS BELL, Sr. Building Technology Specialist, OG&E Energy Corp., Oklahoma City