National Preparedness:
Technologies to Secure Federal Buildings
GAO-02-687T: Published: Apr 25, 2002. Publicly Released: Apr 25, 2002.
Additional Materials:
- Full Report:
- Accessible Text:
Contact:
(202) 512-3317
contact@gao.gov
Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
youngc1@gao.gov
The terrorist attacks of September 11 have heightened concerns about the physical security of federal buildings and the need to protect those who work in and visit these facilities. These concerns have been underscored by reports of long-standing vulnerabilities, including weak controls over building access. There are several commercially available security technologies that can be deployed, ranging from turnstiles, to smart cards, to biometric systems. Although many of these technologies can provide highly effective technical controls, the overall security of a federal building will depend on robust risk management processes and implementing the three integral concepts of a holistic security process: protection, detection, and reaction.
Feb 26, 2021
-
Immigration Enforcement:
ICE Can Further Enhance Its Planning and Oversight of State and Local AgreementsGAO-21-186: Published: Jan 27, 2021. Publicly Released: Feb 26, 2021.
Feb 25, 2021
-
Airport Worker Screening:
TSA Could Further Strengthen Its Approach to Estimating Costs and Feasibility of Security MeasuresGAO-21-273: Published: Feb 25, 2021. Publicly Released: Feb 25, 2021.
Feb 23, 2021
-
Southwest Border Security:
Actions Are Needed to Address the Cost and Readiness Implications of Continued DOD Support to U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionGAO-21-356: Published: Feb 23, 2021. Publicly Released: Feb 23, 2021.
Feb 19, 2021
-
Countering Violent Extremism:
DHS Needs to Improve Grants Management and Data CollectionGAO-21-216: Published: Feb 1, 2021. Publicly Released: Feb 19, 2021.
Feb 12, 2021
-
Immigration Detention:
Actions Needed to Improve Planning, Documentation, and Oversight of Detention Facility ContractsGAO-21-149: Published: Jan 13, 2021. Publicly Released: Feb 12, 2021.
Feb 3, 2021
-
2018 Pacific Island Disasters:
Federal Actions Helped Facilitate the Response, but FEMA Needs to Address Long-Term Recovery ChallengesGAO-21-91: Published: Feb 3, 2021. Publicly Released: Feb 3, 2021.
Feb 2, 2021
-
Disaster Resilience:
FEMA Should Take Additional Steps to Streamline Hazard Mitigation Grants and Assess Program EffectsGAO-21-140: Published: Feb 2, 2021. Publicly Released: Feb 2, 2021.
Jan 28, 2021
-
U.S. Ports of Entry:
Update on CBP Public-Private Partnership ProgramsGAO-21-234R: Published: Jan 28, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 28, 2021.
Jan 25, 2021
-
Southwest Border:
DHS and DOJ Have Implemented Expedited Credible Fear Screening Pilot Programs, but Should Ensure Timely Data EntryGAO-21-144: Published: Jan 25, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 25, 2021.
Jan 21, 2021
-
Chemical Security:
Overlapping Programs Could Better Collaborate to Share Information and Identify Potential Security GapsGAO-21-12: Published: Jan 21, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 21, 2021.
Looking for more? Browse all our products here