Perimeter protectionBarrier systems, robots reduce security costs

High-security compounds have traditionally employed security guards to protect buildings and facilities, deter intrusion, and prevent theft, but as budget cuts continue to force both private and government organizations to cut staff, some agencies are deploying portable barrier systems and robots tasked with securing organizations and their assets.

This past September, the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California decided to reinforce security at a treatment center by using a vehicle barrier system to secure the center’s gates, improving its ability to counter theft and withstand ram attacks.

MWD selected Pasadena, California-based Meridian Rapid Defense Group’s Archer 1200, a portable vehicle barrier system designed for rapid deployment. Since the Archer 1200 is portable, MWD’s security team can deploy the barrier system to different security points as needs change. The barrier system is unanchored and does not require electricity or hydraulics to operate, so it can continue to perform in the event of a power outage because of natural disaster or sabotage..

John Alms, president of Meridian, says that the Archer 1200 barrier system is the preferred entry control system for the water sector since many water facilities are remote and access to electricity is limited. “The Archer 1200 is the only true ’drop-and-stop’ vehicle barrier on the market. The unique vehicle barrier requires no set-up and is reusable after impact,” says Alms.

The Port of Long Beach, as part of a 2012 initiative to enhance its physical security, selected Meridian’s Archer 1200 barrier system. “Meridian caters to a niche market within the physical security sector, focusing on Emergency Response Kits (ERKs) and temporary physical security requirements. In today’s world of rapidly changing security threats, the company has seen an increase in business due to our products’ speed of deployment and lack of reliance on electricity or hydraulics to protect buildings and human life,” says Peter D. Whitford, CEO of Meridian Rapid Defense Group. 

Earlier this week, Indian authorities removed concrete security barriers in front of the U.S. embassy in New Delhi in response to the treatment of an Indian diplomat at a New York City airport. New Delhi police used tow trucks and a backhoe loader to drag the concrete blocks from roads running past the embassy and leading up to the gates of the compound, according to Reuters. Removal of the barrier systems is a security concern for U.S. embassy officials, but a senior Indian government official insists that police officers posted in the area would ensure the embassy’s security.

“We take the security of all diplomatic missions in India very seriously. Check posts are provided. This is only an issue related to traffic flows,” the official said.

U.S. embassy officials’ concern about the removal of the concrete blocks demonstrates how crucial portable vehicle barriers are to securing high-valuable facilities.

In October 2010, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) deployed robots to patrol remote parts of its nuclear energy storage and testing operations at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). The agency expects each of the Mobile Detection Assessment and Response System robots to save $6 million in infrastructure costs and an additional $1 million in maintenance and personnel costs.

Aaron Saenz described the robots as “a camera on a mini-Hummer.” The robots are equipped with sensors and video through which operators can see what is going on as it happens. According to GCN, the agency’s three robots will perform random patrols and will be remotely managed by operators at a command center on site. The robotic system allows an operator to monitor a much larger area than one person could physically patrol. The reduction in personnel costs will be substantial over time.

The NNSA and the Energy Department’s Office of Health, Safety, and Security purchased and tested the first robot in 2009. The robotics system was funded by the Defense Department’s Physical Security Equipment Action Group. General Dynamics Robotic Systems began to develop the robots in 1993.