CPL Physical Security Surveys & Risk Assessment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a security survey context, what does 'dwell time' refer to?
- The time required to rekey a lock cylinder on-site
- The estimated time an intruder would need to defeat a security measure (Correct answer)
- The delay before an alarm system activates after a breach
- The time a door remains propped open after being unlocked
Correct answer: The estimated time an intruder would need to defeat a security measure
Dwell time is the estimated time an attacker would need to overcome a security barrier; higher dwell time indicates better resistance.
Question 2: Which organization publishes the Grade 1, 2, and 3 ratings used for door hardware security performance in the US?
- ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America)
- UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
- ANSI/BHMA (American National Standards Institute / Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) (Correct answer)
- NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)
Correct answer: ANSI/BHMA (American National Standards Institute / Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association)
ANSI/BHMA establishes and publishes the performance grading standards (Grade 1, 2, 3) for door hardware security and durability.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'threat assessment' in the physical security planning process?
- To determine the budget required for new security equipment
- To identify and evaluate potential threats and their likelihood of occurrence (Correct answer)
- To test employee response during a simulated security incident
- To schedule routine maintenance for existing lock hardware
Correct answer: To identify and evaluate potential threats and their likelihood of occurrence
A threat assessment identifies potential adversaries, their capabilities, and the likelihood they would target the facility, helping prioritize protective measures.
Question 4: What minimum fence height is typically recommended for commercial property perimeter security?
- 4 feet
- 6 feet
- 8 feet (Correct answer)
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 8 feet
An 8-foot fence is commonly recommended as the minimum for commercial perimeter security because it is difficult to climb without specialized equipment.
Question 5: What is 'tailgating' or 'piggybacking' as a physical security threat?
- A technique used to pick a pin tumbler lock without a key
- Following an authorized person through a secured entry without presenting credentials (Correct answer)
- Monitoring employee access patterns to identify insider threats
- Installing a secondary lock on a door that already has one
Correct answer: Following an authorized person through a secured entry without presenting credentials
Tailgating occurs when an unauthorized person follows an authorized user through a secured door, bypassing access control without detection.
Question 6: What type of perimeter lighting is generally considered most effective for deterring crime while minimizing energy costs?
- Continuous incandescent floodlights on timer switches
- Motion-activated LED lighting (Correct answer)
- Continuous high-pressure sodium vapor lighting
- Infrared lighting paired with night-vision cameras
Correct answer: Motion-activated LED lighting
Motion-activated LED lighting deters criminals by unexpectedly illuminating their activity while consuming significantly less energy than continuous lighting systems.
Question 7: What does 'forced entry resistance' testing primarily measure in physical security evaluation?
- How quickly an authorized key can open a lock under stress
- The time and tools required to defeat a barrier or locking device by force (Correct answer)
- The psychological deterrence value of visible security hardware
- A lock cylinder's resistance to picking and manipulation attacks
Correct answer: The time and tools required to defeat a barrier or locking device by force
Forced entry resistance testing quantifies how long and what tools are needed to breach a barrier, establishing its protective rating against physical attacks.
CPL Physical Security Surveys & Risk Assessment 2
In a security survey context, what does 'dwell time' refer to?