In physical security, the term “access control” can have many interpretations or examples depending on the application. Access control can refer to a security officer standing guard in a lobby or a card swipe system that allows authorized personnel to enter an area. Other forms of access control include a man-trap door or a turnstile. What they all share, whether mechanical, manual or electronic in design, is the ability to limit entry to a particular area.

The theft of copper from construction sites, along with other metals, tools and equipment, is fast becoming a nationwide epidemic. This has prompted contractors to re-evaluate their security measures and, in many cases, to implement measures that will provide more protection and security.

For anyone who has ever served in the armed forces, the base commissary is one of the great benefits of military life. Commissaries offer food and non-food items at reduced prices to military personnel. In addition to matching the high end public grocery stores in availability and quality of food and dry goods, today’s commissary stores match the technical operations side of the stores with state of the art security systems.

Embassies, consulates and other diplomatic missions are some of the best protected government facilities in terms of physical security. Layered security technology is typically integrated with management controls and manpower forces to provide the powerful overall security system needed at these high profile structures.

Oil refineries are typically massive complexes with multiple safety and security protocols to help prevent incidents and the danger of more serious threats. Complete facility control, detection and monitoring are achieved with the use of video surveillance, access control and perimeter security, as well as with highly trained security officers.