According to a study completed by the FBI, from 2000 to 2018, there were 2,430 casualties as a result of mass shootings in the United States. Let’s examine 4 enhancements you can make to security revolving doors or mantrap portals to thwart an active shooter’s attempt at gaining access to your building, or worse, doing physical harm to people.
(1) Anti-Piggybacking Technology
An active shooter with an agenda will be determined to infiltrate your building. He sees an innocent employee approaching the security revolving door or portal. His first thought? Hold them at gunpoint and force them, and himself, through the entrance.
This scenario describes a “piggybacking” event. When it comes to security revolving doors, the term "piggybacking" refers to an attempt to gain access to a secured area by jumping into the same compartment as an authorized user. For portals, piggybacking involves two users attempting to enter the door at the same time.
StereoVision is a sophisticated technology from Boon Edam that puts a stop to piggybacking attempts. Using a combination of an optical camera and active, near-infrared sensors, StereoVision 2 technology can recognize shapes, sizes and volume in three dimensions. Simply put, the system is looking into the door’s compartment and searching for a set of head and shoulders, as well as body shape. Based on a sampling algorithm, unusual shapes are rejected and the culprit(s) are required to exit the door.(2) Biometric Devices
But what if the active shooter doesn’t stop there? If the shooter were to steal an employee’s access card and attempt to proceed through the door - alone - he could gain access UNLESS you utilize one or more biometric devices.
Biometric devices identify unique physiological characteristics, such as fingerprints, hand geometry, facial features, and iris patterns. They also comply with two-factor authentication (2FA) regulations. These devices alone will not stop an active shooter from gaining access to a building, though (think about a swinging door opened by a registered user, and then held open for numerous people to pass through). But, when coupled with an anti-piggybacking technology, biometric devices provide a solid defense against unauthorized entry.
Security revolving doors can be equipped with an external biometric post placed immediately outside of the door, or as one of many leading up to the door. Security mantrap portals are available with an interior post, ideal for mounting the latest biometric technology directly inside the door. Both options provide a layered method of access and meet 2FA compliance. Keep in mind, though, that your throughput will be impacted by the type of biometric device you choose to incorporate.
(3) Bullet-Resistant Glass
The common denominator between all mass shootings is a weapon. And it comes as no surprise that most active shooters choose the light, inexpensive and easy to conceal 9mm semiautomatic handgun to carry out their schemes, according to data compiled by The Washington Post. Bullet-resistant glass can safeguard the integrity of your door up to a certain point, and possibly save lives.
Bullet-resistant (BR) glass is the layer of armor your security door needs for protection against an active shooter attack. BR glass is made from layers of polycarbonate (tough plastic) sandwiched between pieces of toughened glass. And not all BR glass is created equal; there are different BR-rated protection levels.
Security revolving doors and mantrap portals can be outfitted in BR glass with protection Level 3. As mentioned, the weapon most commonly used by an active shooter is a 9mm handgun. According to Total Security Solutions, BR glass with a Level 3 rating is capable of stopping three .44 magnum bullets, or a bullet that is twice as heavy and moves significantly faster than the bullet of a 9mm handgun.
Level 3 BR glass is 1.04” thick, over 4 times the thickness of standard security door glass. The glass can be used on the outer drum glass and also, the moving door wings or panels. It's important to note that using thicker glass on moving door wings or panels will slow the movement significantly due to the extra weight and impact throughput levels.
(4) Bullet-Resistant Curtain Wall or Storefront
Active shooter safety extends beyond your security door to include the adjacent walls or storefront area. To be prepared for a direct attack, and especially if people are constantly present on the inside of the storefront, you should consider replacing your curtain wall or storefront with BR glass.
Because they are flat and stationary, curtain walls and storefronts can accommodate a much higher level of BR glass than a security door (which has curved glass or moving glass in the door wings). BR glass for the curtain wall or storefront is available in up to a Level 8 rating which, according to Total Security Solutions, is capable of stopping 5 shots from a .308 caliber 7.62mm rifle.
Unfortunately, active shooter incidents are occurring at company locations across the nation, and the globe. The impact of such an event can be catastrophic to an organization if lives are lost. If you believe your organization could be at risk, these 4 enhancements for your security revolving door or mantrap portal can thwart an active shooter’s attempt at infiltrating your building and wreaking havoc.
