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Issue link: https://ssn.epubxp.com/i/671662
4 Q 1 2 0 1 6 Q1 I n recent months we have seem an increase in legislative activity addressing the vexing question of how best to protect our nation's schools. Unfortunately, this follows numerous active shooter incidents, both in academic environments and also in the law enforcement and civilian workplace. There is currently thoughtful and bipartisan work being done by various members of the House and Senate, including strong leadership by Representatives Rick Larson (D - WA) and Susan Brooks (R – IN), who are co-chairs of the bipartisan School Safety Caucus. While policymakers on Capitol Hill discuss and debate this issue, including the merits of H.R. 2667, the School Safety Act, it is important to also consider a new paradigm when contemplating the 'integration' of security elements to a facility, whether it is a school, hospital Rethinking Physical Security By Jeffrey Isquith and Morgan P. Muchnick or any physical structure. Until recently, detection, surveillance and physical barriers have been designed to keep possible threats out of a secured facility. However, this 'fortress mentality' does little to deal with the increasing possibility that a threat will make it's way into a 'secured' area regardless of the steps taken to safeguard such an environment. In addition, there are growing threats from personnel who already have access to, or inhabit the 'secured environment' in question. Examples of this are numerous and include, but not limited to, the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Northern Arizona University, Columbine High School, Aurora theatre shooting of 2012, Washington Navy Yard in 2013, and Ft. Hood in 2009 and 2014. In order to address and mitigate such threats, the utilization of physical ballistic barriers in the immediate space is imperative. This will enable those exposed to gun violence to seek shelter behind objects nearest to them. While training to seek such protection would certainly be helpful, human behavior will also lead us to instinctively 'duck and cover' during such events. While individuals who inhabit a physical space want safeguards to protect them from harm, they do not necessarily wish to be inconvenienced or feel as though they are working in a physically confining environment. This is particularly true in public and civic spaces, such as schools and universities. Neither students nor teachers want to feel as though they are pursuing their educational pursuits in a bunker-like environment. This is why the seamless integration of well- hidden ballistic barriers, whether it is embedded within interior architectural elements such as walls, door structures or furnishings, can provide a layer of protection that is both pervasive and hidden. However policymakers decide to address school security, through legislation or other means, the integration of ballistic barriers into interior environments can be an essential part of every security plan. We owe it to the next generation, our most critical asset, to provide them the maximum feasible level of safety and protection. Mr. Jeffrey Isquith, Founder and CEO, Ballistic Furniture Systems/Amulet Ballistic Barriers. Mr. Morgan P. Muchnick, Director of Government & Public Affairs, Ballistic Furniture Systems/Amulet Ballistic Barriers.