Enhanced Security Measures

A necessary ingredient of any viable security program is for security representatives and employees alike to be ready to increase security measures at a moment's notice to counter any given threat scenario. To that end, GSFC-Greenbelt implemented some enhanced security measures starting this week as a means of ensuring that the Center is adequately prepared for rapid change when and if world tensions demand it. The Security Force will also be able to test the feasibility of establishing the new measures as permanent procedures.

The new security measures will not require an increase in the current Force Protection Condition level unless specific threats are identified. Some of the measures will be transparent and not directly impact employees; however, vehicle inspections has been resumed and Security Officers will be required to closely examine badges by actually touching them. Delays and other inconveniences have accompanied the implementation of the increased measures, but every attempt is being made to minimize them.

Due to the increased measures employees will not be able to turn left onto Aerobee Road (first left inside the Main Gate). In addition, employees will not be able to turn onto Aerobee Road to obtain services (e.g., badges, keys, keycards) from the GSFC Security Office (GSO) in Building 9. The Building 9 parking lot is accessible by taking Minitrack Road from Explorer Road and driving behind the Building 3/13/14 Complex. The processing of visitors (including individuals picking up temporary badges) has moved from the Main Gate to the Visitor Center during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on weekdays. Before 7:00 a.m. and after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays and all the time on weekends and holidays, visitor processing is being conducted in Building 9. Depending on arrival time, employees having to escort visitors need to meet them at the respective location. To minimize inconvenience, employees are encouraged to notify their visitors of these new procedures. Questions can be referred to the GSO at x6-7233.

The objective of the measures is maintaining the protection of employees and visitors. Please be vigilant, wear your badge at all times, and report any suspicious packages or activities to the Security Force at x6-8661 (Greenbelt) or x-2222 (Wallops). If deemed necessary, additional information regarding security will be posted on the GSFC Internal Web Page at http://internal.gsfc.nasa.gov.