Physical Protection System Using Activated Barriers

Abstract

Abstract.The Argonne National Laboratory has recently installed an activated barrier, the Access Denial System, to upgrade its security. The technology of this system was developed in the late 70's by Sandia National Laboratory-Albuquerque. The Argonne National Laboratory is the first Department of Energy facility to use this device. Recent advancements in electronic components provide the total system support that makes the use of an activated barrier viable and desirable.Typically, well-designed fixed barriers provide delays on the order of minutes to multiple, sophisticated adversaries. An equally well-designed activated barrier will improve the delay by an order of magnitude for the same threat. Further, it is desirable that the effects of an activated barrier be benign for equipment and personnel in the vital area.The premise of an activated barrier is that it is deployed after a positive detection of ar> adversary is made and before the adversary can penetrate a vital area.To accomplish this detection, sophisticated alarms, assessment, and communications must be integrated into a system that permits a security inspector to make a positive evaluation and to activate the barrier. The alarm sensor locations are selected to provide protection in depth. Closed circuit television is used with components that permit multiple video frames to tx stored for automated, priority-based playback to the security inspector.Further, algorithms permit "look-ahead" surveillance of vital areas so that the security inspector can activate the access denial system in a timely manner and not be restricted to following the adversaries' penetration path(s).A physical protection system utilizing activated barriers can provide the delay necessary so that initial response can be accomplished by a smaller force. Hardening of vital areas can also be accomplished in a more cost-effective manner through the complementary use of ar access denial system. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS DOCUMENT IS UNLIMITED DISCLAIMERThis report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Governme.it. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.