VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
VA REGIONAL OFFICE TECHNICAL CRITERIA
SECURITY SYSTEMS
Input required from VA.
1.1
An Executive Directive, issued June 1995, requires all federal facilities to conform to minimum-
security standards as recommended by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Refer to DOJ website
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/Pre_96/June95/365.txt.html and their June 1995 Publication
"Vulnerability Assessment of Federal Facilities" for specific requirements. See VBA building
security details at website http://vbaw.vba.va.gov/bl/20/201/fac/index.htm.
Duress Alarms
Duress alarms should be installed wherever the local VA management feels they are necessary,
including the offices of Counseling Psychologists. The duress alarm should be tied back to the guard
station or local emergency response agency.
Parking Security
Parking security systems have two features:
♦
Passive security features, such as lighting, are a physical part of the design of the facility. Fencing
around the parking area may also be considered.
♦
Active security measures, including security patrols, emergency telephones and monitored closed
circuit television (CCTV) systems, invoke a response by VA Police, contract security guards or local
emergency response agency.
Closed Circuit Television
In special circumstances, CCTV may be used if the purpose is to record security events on videotape
for subsequent review. The CCTV systems should be primarily for alarm assessment and access
control. All CCTV cameras should be on real-time and time-lapsed video recorders. For deterrence
as well as to aid post-incident investigations, key exterior areas or most exterior areas, especially
vehicle routes close to the facility, should be video recorded.
Vehicular Control
The preferred minimal distance from a building to unscreened vehicles or parking is 15 yards.
Consider the following options:
♦ Use buffers and barriers such as walls, fences, trenches, ponds and water basins, static barriers,
sculpture, and street furniture.
♦ Designing site circulation to prevent high speed approaches by vehicles.
♦ Offsetting vehicle entrances as necessary from the direction of approach to force a reduction in speed.
SECURITY SYSTEMS
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