Conceptual Framework for Security

he $60 million security system at the World Trade Center incorporates Karpiloff’s "Fighting for Feet" strategy. It is a military-based philosophy that focuses on securing the space around the building, by dividing that space in concentric circles that extend as far out from the building’s perimeter as possible.

To secure large office buildings, security engineers around the city divide their buildings into outer permiter, inner permiter, tenant service areas and the command and control room, where the efforts are supervised.

• Ways to secure the Outer Perimeter
  

10,000 Pound Flower Pots. They strategically circle the World Trade Center, preventing any vehicle from "crashing into your building," Karpiloff says.

Truck dock security. Registers and photographs drivers every time they arrive with deliveries. If a delivery truck attempts to speed through without being inspected, the barrier will fly up within a few seconds.

Slicing Entry Blockade.Authorized cars must stop and present identification at the parking garage. A metal plate will slice any car that attempts to overun the barrier. For the driver it would be certain death.

High resolution CCTV (video). Recording cameras surround the building. In many locations there are two or three cameras watching out for "bad guys," Karpiloff says.

• The Inner Perimeter

Lobby access control systems. Includes turnstiles and individually issued plastic photo I.D. cards for everyone who enters the building.

• The Tenant Premise

Multimillion dollar key-coding system. Tracks the complex's 75,000 keys with bar codes. The system weighs all keys before they are released and again when they are returned so keys cannot be added or taken away from a key ring without notice.

• Command and Control
  
  

  Command and control security rooms. Supervise the daily surveilliance of the building. In the event of an emergency, a special room is set aside where security heads meet to lead defense efforts.