Site Map - Physical Security

12/04/2007 - The rise in urban gang activity has in the past been correlated with economic downturns. But according to a study summarized in the NIJ Journal, gang activity increases in rural areas when times are good. The study's authors postulate that "this may be because economic growth brings inner-city families to outlying areas," according to the study. @ The article is on SM Online.

11/29/2007 - Find out how the Newark, New Jersey, School District protects students, staff, and visitors at its 82 schools.

11/28/2007 - (Maheshwari v. City of New York, New York Court of Appeals, No. 54, 2004)

11/28/2007 - Find out how security in parking areas can be enhanced through good design of traffic patterns, barriers, access controls, and lighting.

11/27/2007 - Several bills introduced in the 108th Congress would have given companies tax breaks or incentives to purchase security equipment. Such equipment included physical security devices and fire-safety technology. 

11/27/2007 - Two bills (S. 957 and H.R. 1889), introduced by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) respectively, would have required that aircraft cabin-crew members be certified and trained on security and safety procedures. Despite bipartisan support, neither bill garnered committee approval.

11/27/2007 - The form of corporate assets is less important than their function and value, and the only way to protect assets in any form is to coordinate IT and physical security.

11/16/2007 - Another new Louisiana law (formerly S.B. 140) will require that background checks be completed for anyone seeking employment with agencies that care for the infirm, such as nursing facilities, healthcare centers for the mentally retarded, adult residential-care facilities, and adult day-care centers.

11/16/2007 - (Mae Belle Lane v. St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, Indiana Court of Appeals, No. 71A05-0310-CV-525, 2004)

11/16/2007 - Some types of cylindrical locks, including those used to safeguard laptop computers, can be compromised with nothing more than a ballpoint pen.

11/16/2007 - Passenger and freight railroads face an uphill battle in their efforts to secure the line.

11/14/2007 - A new Florida law (formerly S.B. 124) requires that the state's chief of domestic security initiatives work with state agencies, universities, and community colleges to conduct security assessments for all of the buildings, facilities, and structures operated by these groups. With the assistance of employees within these groups, the chief will compile the assessments and present them to the governor and to lawmakers. The governor and lawmakers must also be informed if any state agency, university, or community college fails to cooperate with the assessment process. The law allows the chief to conduct follow-up assessments to ensure that the security assessments remain current.@ Under the law, the chief is also mandated to work with local governments and private industry to develop security assessments. The assessments are mandatory for state-funded agencies and organizations; however, private industry and local municipalities have the option of conducting assessments with the chief's help. The costs must be borne by the local government or the private company involved.

11/13/2007 - The New York high court has ruled that an employer who has provided adequate safety devices cannot be sued by an employee who failed to make use of these devices. (Cahill v. The Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, New York Court of Appeals, No. 174, 2004)