scope:

This Guideline assists in the identification of physical security measures that can be applied at facilities to safeguard or protect an organization's assets-people, property, and information. It is not aimed at a specific occupancy, but facilities and buildings in general.

Summary

The Guideline outlines eight main categories of physical security measures used to protect facilities. These categories are:

1. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED),

2. Physical Barriers and Site Hardening,

3. Physical Entry and Access Control,

4. Security Lighting,

5. Intrusion Detection Systems,

6. Video Surveillance,

7. Security Personnel, and

8. Security Policies and Procedures.

In addition, the emerging field of security convergence is addressed.

Purpose

The purpose of this Guideline is to introduce readers, who may or may not have a security background, to the main types of physical security measures that can be applied to minimize the security risks at a facility.

To choose the right physical security measures and apply them appropriately, it is important to first conduct a risk assessment, such as described in the ASIS General Security Risk Assessment Guideline. The risk assessment, accompanied by an understanding of physical security measures provided by this guideline, makes it possible-either alone or with the help of security consultants or vendors-to select and implement appropriate physical security measures to reduce the assessed risks to a level acceptable by the organization.