Scalable Security: Deter, Detect or Prevent Tailgating with Turnstiles and Security Doors

When it comes to physical security entrances, there are many options available to choose from – high security mantrap portals, security revolving doors, optical turnstiles, and full height and tripod turnstiles. These options vary greatly in their capabilities and it can be difficult for security managers looking to secure their facilities to select the proper security entrance for their security goals. To assist professionals in selecting the right entrance solution, we have categorized security entrances by their level of security, as it relates to tailgating mitigation. Is the goal tailgating… 

• Deterrence (low security level),
• Detection (medium security level), or  
• Complete Prevention (high security level)

We also recognize that a company may have more than one tailgating mitigation goal within the same building, as security is best when done in layers. Different entrance solutions apply to different layers within a building.

Low Security: Tripod and Full Height Turnstiles Deter Tailgating

While all security entrances are a physical deterrent against intrusion, full height and waist high turnstiles do not have presence sensors or alarms to alert guard staff of infiltration. Therefore, their presence serves as a deterrent against casual attempts at defeat by climbing or crawling over. These solutions are appropriate for building perimeters, supervised locations, or any location that is looking to control large crowds. They may also be used for “exit only” traffic, allowing people to leave but deterring them from entering.  

Medium Security: Optical Turnstiles Detect Tailgating

When it is critical to balance security and visitor management, entrance solutions that detect tailgating are key. Optical turnstiles provide a strong visual obstacle against intrusion, and, when coupled with biometric and access control devices, can raise alarms to alert guard staff of unauthorized entry in real time for quick action. Ideal for building reception areas, the optical turnstiles also work to support regulatory compliance and risk reduction at companies across the globe.

High Security: Security Revolving Doors and Mantrap Portals Prevent Tailgating

When security is critical, high security revolving doors and mantrap portals reliably prevent intrusion through their working principle. Virtually impenetrable, these high security solutions allow for the elimination or reallocation of guard supervision, providing owners with a quick return on investment.

Also, by examining metrics gathered by the sophisticated overhead sensor systems in the doors, owners can predict and quantify their actual risk of infiltration. Used often at employee-only entrances and to secure areas containing sensitive data or personnel, these solutions are a breed of security entrances unlike any other.

High security doors and portals are designed to be unmanned security solutions. Due to their ability to prevent tailgating and piggybacking through sophisticated technologies, these doors do not require guard supervision for monitoring. While the initial cost of these solutions is higher, the savings achieved by eliminating or reallocating security staff allows businesses to achieve a return on investment in as little as one to two years - depending on the cost for 24/7 guard service.