Design of Service Counters for Good Security
Description of Security Grade 1
Service counters designed at Security Grade 1 consist of a completely open counter-top design with a typical counter-top height of between 38” and 42”. A lowered section of the counter-top is typically provided for users in wheelchairs. The height of this section is typically 36”. When people must walk behind the service counter from the lobby, one or more half-height pedestrian doors are provided. The height of these doors typically matches the height of the counter-top. A work surface is typically provided along the inside of the service counter. The height of this work surface is typically 30”.
Options
None.
Advantages
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Lowest cost.
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Completely open environment is maintained – friendly and welcoming.
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Plenty of space on counter-top for users to spread out and work with documents.
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Easy to pass items across counter-top.
Disadvantages
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Provides minimal protection for employees working at counter.
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Easy for an intruder to climb over counter or physically attack employee.
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Easy for an intruder to reach over half-height door and open it from inside.
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Not bullet-resistant.
Description of Security Grade 3
Service counters designed at Security Grade 3 are identical to counters designed at Security Grade 2 except that tempered glass or Lexan panels would be installed at each service window. These panels would provide employees with increased protection against physical attack and make it more difficult for intruders to climb over the counter.
Options
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Same as for Security Grade 2.
Advantages
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Same as for Security Grade 2.
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Provides increased protection against physical attack.
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More difficult for intruders to climb over counter.
Disadvantages
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More expensive than Security Grade 1 or Security Grade 2.
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Less open and welcoming in appearance than Security Grade 1 or Security Grade 2.
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Not bullet-resistant.
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Can still be compromised by a motivated intruder.
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Slightly more difficult to pass items over counter.
Description of Security Grade 4
Service counters designed at Security Grade 4 are constructed using bullet-resistant materials and provide the highest grade of protection. A traditional counter design similar that described for Security Grade 1 is used, but bullet-resistant glazing is installed above the counter-top, and bullet-resistant wall panels are installed below the counter-top. In most cases, the bullet-resistant glazing extends all the way to the ceiling, creating a solid barrier wall at the lobby. Full-height doors constructed of bullet-resistant materials are used to provide access behind the counter.
Pass-through transaction trays (often called deal trays) are provided at each service counter to permit the passage of documents, currency, and other small items. These trays are specifically designed to be used with bullet-resistant glazing and are available in a variety of different widths.
The bullet-resistant glazing, wall panels, and doors should all be rated to provide the same level of ballistic protection. Suggested minimum level of protection is UL Level 2. (See Introduction to Bullet-Resistant Materials.)
Options
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Pass-through compartments to allow passage of larger items through counter.
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Intercom system to improve communications though service windows.
Advantages
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Provides best protection against intrusion and physical attack.
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Bullet-resistant.
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May serve as deterrent against robbery and other types of crimes.
Disadvantages
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High cost option.
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May present image to the public that is unwelcoming.
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Limited ability to pass larger items across the counter. (Unless special pass-through compartments are provided.)
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New barrier wall may require that changes be made to heating, cooling and fire protection systems.
If you have questions about the information in this article or need help in designing an effective service counter for your facility, please contact us.
Also see related article: Designing Lobbies for Good Security
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Published May, 2016