Security Breaches at Federal Buildings in Atlanta, Georgia

In February and March of 2002, GAO agents breached the security at four federal office buildings in Atlanta Georgia. They entered these buildings without proper authority while carrying a briefcase or package and bypassed the magnetometers and X-ray machines. They were able to move freely and extensively throughout these facilities during both day and evening hours without being challenged. Undercover agents could have carried in weapons, listening devices, explosives, chemical/biological agents, or other such items. All buildings required screening of visitors and valises and the wearing of identification of employees working in these buildings. Some identification badges also have an additional feature added that would denote the bearer as being authorized to carry firearms. All passes included photo identification and had holograms on them, but were worn inside plastic pockets that can partially obscure the hologram as well as the bearer's photograph.