PSP Perimeter Security and Physical Barriers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The US Department of State's K-rating system for anti-ram barriers tests a vehicle at 50 mph. What does a K12 rating indicate?
- The barrier stops a 15,000 lb vehicle traveling at 50 mph (Correct answer)
- The barrier withstands 12,000 foot-pounds of impact force
- The barrier stops a 65,000 lb vehicle traveling at 50 mph
- The barrier is 12 inches thick at the base
Correct answer: The barrier stops a 15,000 lb vehicle traveling at 50 mph
A K12 rating means the barrier successfully stopped a 15,000 lb vehicle (medium-duty truck) traveling at 50 mph with no more than 3.3 feet of penetration beyond the face.
Question 2: What is the recommended minimum distance between parallel rows of concertina wire on a high-security perimeter fence to slow intruder movement?
- 6 inches apart
- 2 feet apart
- The rows should not be parallel but staggered (Correct answer)
- One strand is sufficient for most applications
Correct answer: The rows should not be parallel but staggered
Staggering concertina wire rows in a pyramid or box configuration is more effective than parallel rows, as it entangles intruders more effectively and is harder to defeat.
Question 3: Which fence type is recommended by ASIS for high-security applications due to its rigidity and resistance to cut-through attacks?
- Chain-link fence (11-gauge)
- Welded wire mesh panel fence (Correct answer)
- Woven wire fence
- Wooden privacy fence
Correct answer: Welded wire mesh panel fence
Welded wire mesh panel fences (such as 358 anti-cut mesh) offer superior resistance to cutting and climbing compared to chain-link due to their rigid construction and small aperture size.
Question 4: A security assessment reveals that an 8-foot chain-link fence has a gate that takes 90 seconds to close and lock. What vulnerability does this represent?
- Perimeter delay vulnerability — insufficient closure speed allows vehicle intrusion (Correct answer)
- Administrative vulnerability — inadequate access control policy
- Structural vulnerability — the gate is too heavy for the hinge capacity
- Technological vulnerability — the gate lacks electronic monitoring
Correct answer: Perimeter delay vulnerability — insufficient closure speed allows vehicle intrusion
A slow-closing gate creates a perimeter delay vulnerability where a determined adversary can drive or run through before the gate secures, defeating the purpose of the barrier.
Question 5: According to FEMA and DoD perimeter security standards, what is the recommended minimum clear zone width on BOTH sides of an outer perimeter fence?
- 10 feet (3m) inside, 10 feet (3m) outside
- 20 feet (6m) inside, 20 feet (6m) outside (Correct answer)
- 50 feet (15m) inside, 20 feet (6m) outside
- No specific requirement — determined by risk assessment
Correct answer: 20 feet (6m) inside, 20 feet (6m) outside
A 20-foot clear zone on both sides of the perimeter fence provides unobstructed surveillance and eliminates concealment cover for approaching intruders.
Question 6: What is a 'hostile vehicle mitigation' (HVM) strategy and when is it required in US federal facility security planning?
- Background checks for all vehicle operators entering federal property
- Physical measures to prevent vehicle-borne attacks; required when standoff distances cannot be met (Correct answer)
- GPS tracking of all vehicles on federal property
- Vehicle barriers required at all federal facilities regardless of threat level
Correct answer: Physical measures to prevent vehicle-borne attacks; required when standoff distances cannot be met
HVM encompasses physical countermeasures (bollards, walls, ditches) to stop or deflect hostile vehicles, required by ISC standards when minimum standoff distances cannot be achieved.
PSP Perimeter Security and Physical Barriers 2
The US Department of State's K-rating system for anti-ram barriers tests a vehicle at 50 mph.
What does a K12 rating indicate?