Physical Security and Force Protection Program

Vocabulary flashcards for reviewing key terms and concepts from the U.S. Coast Guard's Physical Security and Force Protection Program manual.

Antiterrorism/Counterterrorism

Action and measures to deter, detect, and respond vigorously to all terrorist attacks against Coast Guard facilities, ships, aircraft, resources or personnel.

Physical Barriers

A clearly defined perimeter shall be established around all units and posted to establish a legal boundary. This provides a buffer zone, facilitates control, makes accidental intrusion unlikely and identifies government property boundaries for prosecution purposes. Examples are building exteriors, fences, ropes, chains, etc.

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

A security alarm system to detect unauthorized entry. It is best described as an aid to security forces, which allows them to be more efficient. It is important to remember that an IDS is ineffective unless it is supported by prompt and appropriate security force response.

Exclusion Area

The most secure type of restricted area. It may be within less secure types of restricted areas. Access to the exclusion area constitutes, or is considered, actual access to the security interest or asset.

Restricted area

A clearly defined perimeter shall be established around all units and posted to establish a legal boundary.

Grand Master Key

A single key which opens a series or system of master keyed lock groups or all lock groups of an entire facility; is protected as high value government property; shall be placed in a SF-700; stored in a GSA approved security container and only be accessible to personnel in emergency situations

Master Key

A single key which opens a series or system of locks; the use of these keys is discouraged.

Duplicate Keys

Those keys which duplicate operating keys and are usually stored for emergency use; shall be stored in a key repository separate from operating keys.

Ultrasonic Systems

These systems consist of transceivers, an electronic unit (amplifier) and a control unit. The transmitter generates a pattern of acoustic energy which fills the enclosed area. Any motion within the protected area will send back a reflected wave differing in frequency from the original transmission.

Intrusion Detection Systems

They will not prevent intrusions nor apprehend intruders. BEST described as an aid to security forces, which allows them to be more efficient.

Computer and Network Physical Security

Physical protection of hardware, media, and other Information Systems (IS) resources and the impact of the loss of those resources, through Denial-of-Service (DS) attacks or alteration/theft of protected information.

Non-Restricted Areas

The temporary which may be open to the uncontrolled movement of the general public at various times. An example of a non-restricted area is a visitor or employee parking lot open and unattended by security during business hours.

Terrorism

The calculated use or threatened use of unlawful force or violence against individuals or property to instill fear, with the intention of coercing or intimidating governments or societies, in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological.

Glare Projection

Lights slightly inside a security perimeter that are directed outward. This method is useful where the glare of lights directed across surrounding territory will not annoy or interfere with adjacent operations.

Operating Key

This key actuates the locking mechanism. Each key shall operate only the individual lock or locks for which the key is designed.

Continuous Lighting

This is the most common protective lighting system. It consists of a series of fixed lights arranged to flood a given area continuously during the hours of darkness with overlapping cones of light.

Movable lighting

A stationary or portable system which consists of manually operated movable searchlights, which may be lighted during hours of darkness, or lighted only as needed. This system is normally used to supplement continuous or standby lighting.