Access Control
& Security Systems

The state of Tennessee has received more than $6 million to enhance its ability to respond to acts of terrorism involving biological and chemical threats, and nuclear, radiological and explosive materials.

The funding, which is earmarked for the purchase of specialized equipment for first responders, was awarded by the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP).

Other states are also eligible for additional funding. The grants are being awarded under the 2002 State Domestic Preparedness Program, administered by OJP's Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP). Under this program, the Justice Department will provide more than $315 million for states to purchase emergency first responder equipment and conduct weapons of mass destruction exercises.

Using ODP funding, all 50 states, the territories, and the District of Columbia can purchase a wide array of equipment. That includes personal protective equipment; chemical, biological or radiological detection and decontamination equipment; communications equipment; physical security enhancement equipment; WMD technical rescue equipment; general support equipment; and medical supplies and limited types of pharmaceuticals.

This month in Access Control

• Opening Up About Door Closers
• An Enterprise Approach
• The Framework For Open Systems
• On A Higher Plane
• More from April's issue