NCJ Number
121475
Journal
Security Management Volume: 33 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1989) Pages: 101-103
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Polk Center, located in Nashville, Tenn., houses State offices, a State museum, and theaters for the performing arts; the building requires a distinctive security system, particularly as regards access control.
Abstract
The building provides its own unarmed security officers, who are licensed by the State. Security programs include fire and life safety monitoring and inspection, building patrol and surveillance, emergency planning, and access control. Access control into and within the center is what distinguishes it from other high-rise office buildings. Public access must be allowed while restricting access to three separate entities within the building holding valuable proprietary information, priceless exhibits, and expensive stage equipment. This is accomplished by limiting access throughout the facility in layers. These layers of control consist of limiting public and employee entranceways into the building; using employee ID cards; controlling elevator usage; and using various electronic locking devices, closed-circuit television, and alarms. Access control on the perimeter of the facility is achieved by the elimination of keyways on all the building's exterior doors. Exit is possible through these doors, but entrance is only possible through the lobby door. Authorized employees may enter through the stage door. Numerous fire exit doors are all equipped with trip alarms. Security officers posted at elevators ensure that unauthorized persons do not use them.