Point of entry has different meanings based on the context of its use. Here, we discuss the security of the physical point of entry of a building or a structure. It can be residential, commercial, industrial, educational, healthcare, recreational or any other type. Point of entry is the first step to enter it. If proper security or screening is done at the point of entry, then the structure can be secured from different kinds of people and equipment entering it. Let us first understand the importance of point of entry security and then see some effective strategies for the same.
Importance of point of entry security
Point of entry security is the first layer of security for safeguarding the structure and its people. Therefore, usually people entering the complex are screened and checked at the gates itself. Let us look at the importance of point of entry security in detail.
- Modern building structures are usually complex. One might not be able to view the entrance if your house or room is at the backside or either side of the structure. Even if you are expecting a friend or relative, there is no guarantee that the same person will enter. Therefore, proper screening at the point of entry itself is necessary.
- Another feature of modern structures is their huge size. Multiple houses, shops, establishments, and offices share the same entrance. It is very difficult to keep a track of the actual number of people entering and leaving the complex. Point of entry security ensures that people enter the same house or establishment as declared by them at the point of entry. If the person does not do so, his/her intentions could be doubtful.
- If the point of entry screening is effective and robust, any suspicious element like thieves, terrorists, kidnappers or people with malicious intentions can be caught before entering. It needs well trained, experienced, and always alert security guards who would catch such suspicious elements through their body language. Therefore, mostly point of entry security is outsourced to professional security guard companies.
- People with wrong intentions might carry harmful equipment with them like guns, bullets, some kind of harmful gaseous substances, pointed things etc. These things are obviously not carried in an open manner. They are usually wrapped properly, hidden in some other common items people carry and are extremely difficult to catch for a common man. But professional security guards at the point of entry can immediately catch such people and these items with their experience and equipment they use to screen the public.
- Point of security is the first step to ensure safety and security of the building, its residents and their belongings. If, by chance, any such harmful criminal enters the complex, it is very difficult to search and predict what his intentions are and what might be his next move. Therefore, a strong point of entry security system ensures to nip the problem in the bud.
Methods of point of entry security
Technology has pervaded the physical aspect of security making the entire task of physical security efficient, convenient, and fast. Even the point of entry security has changed from two lazy guards sitting and observing at the gates to modernized ways of monitoring and screening every person who enters the premises. Let us look at some physical security measures that can help to improve point of entry security through effective visitor management systems.
- Registering names, contact numbers, exact house or office location where a visitor has to go, the name of the person whom the visitor wants to meet, and the check in time are the basic things to be noted at the point of entry. The security guards may further contact the person through an internal communication method (like intercom or apps like iLobby) to confirm whether the specific person is expected. This is the first and widely used method to secure a point of entry across the globe.
- Physical screening of the visitors is another important task in point of entry security. The visitors are screened with either walk through or handheld metal detectors. They are used to find whether a visitor is carrying any metallic objects. They are a common site in airports, buildings, shopping malls, and event venues.
- The belongings of visitors can also be scanned through X-ray screening systems to detect prohibited items like weapons or explosives. X-ray screening machines are also a common site especially at the airports and government buildings.
- The same task can be repeated when a visitor leaves the premises. His/her check out time can be unfailingly noted to ensure that the person has left the premises.
These are common measures which can be used to physically screen all the visitors entering the premises or the building at point of entry. But as human greed gets subtle and subtle, so do the means of screening the visitors. Technology can be used effectively to enhance the point of entry security in multiple ways. One such way is the Access Control System.
Access Control System is a comprehensive system that manages who is allowed to enter or access specific areas, resources, or information. Here, we specifically look at the systems used for managing access to the specific areas for effective point of entry security. These are also known as Physical Access Control Systems or (PACS). Some important methods of PACS are as follows:
Turnstiles
Turnstiles are a type of gate. They allow entry to only one person at a time. It has some important advantages:
- It ensures one way traffic and lessens the chaotic situations of entry and exits from the same gates.
- They can be effectively used to control the number of people entering stations, parks, office buildings, stadiums, or public places.
- Sometimes the Turnstile gates open only on showing passes, tickets, I-cards or some other security credentials. This instantly restricts the number of people entering the structure or premises.
Key cards/ Swipe cards
Key cards or Swipe cards look like credit cards which carry encoded data. Key card is simply shown to the reader whereas a swipe card is slided through the electronic device. This data is read through an electronic device called a card reader. After this successful reading and encryption the key card holder is granted access to a specific premises. Some common types of keycards used are: Magnetic Stripe Cards, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Cards, Smart Cards, and Near Field Communication (NFC) Cards. They are a popular method used because of ease of use.
PINs
Personal Identification Number (PINs) are codes to authenticate the user trying to access a system or gain an entry. They are effectively used for home security. The person gets entry to the house only by entering a specific PIN. They are also used to authenticate delivery of goods or important parcels before they enter the house.
Biometric scanners
Biometrics refers to specific biological or behavioral traits unique to individuals. These are used to identify them. When these traits are captured by a device or a scanner to verify the presence or entry of a specific person for security reasons, they are called biometric scanners. These can be of different types like: Fingerprint Scanners, Facial Recognition Scanners, Iris Scanners, and Voice Recognition Scanners. They are widely used especially in giving technological access to data or softwares. But they are also effectively used at workplaces to track attendance.
Video cameras
Usually, all the structures and premises nowadays have the installation of a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). The point of entry location is effectively captured in these cameras round the clock. These cameras can also be monitored from time to time to secure the point of entry. If any suspicious activity or person is seen in these cameras, effective steps can be taken immediately according to the situation. These cameras can also be installed at the doors of a home to ensure capturing every visitor or any suspicious activity at the point of entry of a home.
Thus we can see that the entire security scenario has been changed and digitized over the years. The modern point of entry security is much beyond the traditional “guards and gates” concept. For designing a proper point of entry security system, effective point of entry security strategies need to be implemented. These strategies are nothing but a judicious mix of one or more above stated methods and hiring of professionals and trustworthy security guards further strengthening the security system. Choosing an appropriate method would depend on the size of your structure/ premises, whether it is residential or commercial, the number of resident house or office goers and multiple other factors. But choosing the right security guards depends on the company you choose to hire. If you are looking for one of the best security guard companies in St. Louis Missouri, contact Citizen Guard Security.
We provide different types of security personnel offering different types of security coverages. We are rooted in the strong values and morals of a former law enforcement and a military veteran.
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Conclusion
Physical security is perfected by implementing strategies to deter, delay, detect, and respond. Point of entry security is one of the most crucial aspects of this physical security. We first saw its importance and then read about its methods in this post. Effective point of entry security is a suitable combination of an effective visitor management system and suitable Physical Access Control System (PACS) methods. But whatever methods or strategies you use, what remains the most important part of a robust point of entry security system are disciplined, trustworthy and vigilant security guards. Therefore, it is always suggested to choose wisely, because that is winning half the security game!
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of point of entry?
A place where people and goods can enter or leave a structure or premises is called point of entry.
What is the importance of an access control system in security?
Access Control System is a comprehensive system that manages who is allowed to enter or access specific areas, resources, or information.
What are the benefits of Physical Access Control Systems (PACS)?
Some benefits of Physical Access Control Systems include:
- Ease of access to the visitors and convenience for the security guards
- Getting rid of traditional and physical noting of details of the visitors
- Quickly keeps a track of people who come and go
- Protects against unwanted visitors
- Helps to keep the premises safe and secure
Why is security control important?
It is important to prevent, detect, and respond to security incidents and breaches, thereby managing potential damages and threats.
What are the five important qualities of a security guard?
Five important qualities of a security guard are: honesty, reliability, clear communication, quick thinking, and leadership.
What is the basic skill of a security guard?
Showing an attention to detail, being proactive, and vigilant are the basic skills of a security guard.