PSP Perimeter Security and Physical Barriers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to US Department of Defense standards, what is the minimum standoff distance from an unscreened vehicle to a critical building to mitigate blast effects from a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED)?
- 25 feet (7.6m)
- 50 feet (15m)
- 100 feet (30m) (Correct answer)
- 164 feet (50m)
Correct answer: 100 feet (30m)
UFC 4-010-01 (DoD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings) establishes 100 feet (30m) as the minimum standoff distance for unscreened vehicle parking near inhabited buildings.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a 'clear zone' (also called a buffer zone) at a facility's perimeter?
- To provide parking for security personnel
- To eliminate concealment and provide unobstructed surveillance of the perimeter (Correct answer)
- To store emergency equipment near the fence line
- To create a fire break around the facility
Correct answer: To eliminate concealment and provide unobstructed surveillance of the perimeter
A clear zone eliminates vegetation and objects that could provide concealment for intruders, improving detection capability for security personnel and electronic sensors.
Question 3: Which type of fence topping provides the greatest deterrent against climbing while complying with most US local ordinances?
- Barbed wire (three-strand outrigger)
- Electric fence topping
- Razor ribbon (concertina) wire (Correct answer)
- Anti-climb paint
Correct answer: Razor ribbon (concertina) wire
Razor ribbon wire (concertina) provides superior anti-climb deterrence compared to barbed wire, though it must be installed in compliance with local ordinances and liability considerations.
Question 4: In CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design), what principle is applied when using low-height landscaping near building windows and entrances?
- Territorial reinforcement
- Natural surveillance (Correct answer)
- Natural access control
- Target hardening
Correct answer: Natural surveillance
Using low-height landscaping near windows and entrances applies the natural surveillance principle by maintaining sightlines for occupants and passersby to observe criminal activity.
Question 5: What is the minimum recommended fence height according to ASIS guidelines for a standard industrial security perimeter?
- 4 feet (1.2m)
- 6 feet (1.8m)
- 7 feet (2.1m) (Correct answer)
- 8 feet (2.4m)
Correct answer: 7 feet (2.1m)
ASIS guidelines recommend a minimum 7-foot (2.1m) fence height for industrial security perimeters, with additional topping for higher-security applications.
Question 6: Which vehicle barrier is classified as a 'passive' anti-ram barrier?
- Hydraulic rising bollard
- Swing arm gate with vehicle stop
- Concrete jersey barriers (Correct answer)
- Electric gate with vehicle sensors
Correct answer: Concrete jersey barriers
Concrete jersey barriers (K-rails) are passive barriers because they are fixed in place and do not require power, activation, or operator intervention to function.
PSP Perimeter Security and Physical Barriers 1
According to US Department of Defense standards, what is the minimum standoff distance from an unscreened vehicle to a critical building to mitigate blast effects from a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED)?