Facility Solutions: Designing for Lobby Security 

Interest in security planning often rises when a news event connects with us and then wanes again when that incident moves to the back of our minds over time. 

On the morning of Sept. 6, a man with a pistol walked from Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati into the lobby of Fifth Third Bank and shot five people, killing three. A few days later, hundreds of people showed up for a police presentation about how to protect yourself in a similar situation. While it is human nature to be more interested in security after an incident, the best way to secure our lobbies and branches are with a systematic, longer view of the risks.

Great design incorporates the best- and worst-case scenarios. In the case of headquarters lobby design, how do we balance the need to deliver a unique and engaging brand experience with an acceptable level of protection for our staff and visitors? Before we try to answer this question, let’s look at what we can learn from videos of the Fifth Third incident.

Learning from the Fifth Third Incident
The windows to the plaza appear to be covered with a sun screen, obscuring visibility from the inside out and outside in. This means that someone approaching the building feels confident they are not being observed as they enter, and they can take advantage of the element of surprise. As the shooter moves through the lobby in the video of the event, it appears he passes an unstaffed greeter station. This would be one of the first point of engagement and opportunity to sound an alarm unless there were a guard at the entry doors, as is common in large buildings in urban environments. This could also be the point where security doors could be closed. While the video shows what look like security stanchions, these do little to intimidate or stop a shooter.

The incident happened over a very short time, similar to most single active shooter situations. The Cincinnati police responded within five minutes of notification and killed the shooter. It appears police training was excellent based on the response time and engagement. 

The Importance of Planning
So how important is planning for workplace violence, including both internal and external threats? While the shooting incident at Fifth Third Bank makes headlines, it is fortunately uncommon. Workplace violence in a variety of forms impacts many businesses to some degree. This is certainly the case for financial institution branches where robberies average about 4,000 a year across the nation (see SafeCatch training and architecture). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that over 2 million cases of workplace violence are reported each year, costing $121 billion in losses. About a quarter of the mass shootings since 1966 have been in the workplace. 

Preparing for and reducing workplace violence is a huge topic that’s beyond the scope of this article. Let’s return to the impetus for this article, lobby security. Headquarters lobby design should clearly express your credit union’s brand through the member, staff and visitor experience while incorporating security elements. Here are a few lobby design elements that will help provide both a positive experience and protection against external threats.

• Ensure clear visibility into the lobby from the parking lot, street or plaza so the community is visually “let into” the branch, and staff can observe people approaching. Planning includes no tree limbs under six feet nor bushes over 30 inches high along the vision corridor. There should be no blind spots where someone can hide.
• Substantial bollards (short, sturdy posts), low concrete walls or large rocks should be placed between the entry and traffic areas.
• Electric door locks should be in place that can be controlled by the greeter or guard and, in large facilities, from the security room as well.
• Have a constantly staffed greeter position. The greeter’s duties depend on the situation. In large facilities or those located in urban environments, you may need these greeters to not only greet members but also serve a security purpose. Depending on the level of threat, you may want to harden the greeter or guard position with bullet-resistant material. This could be built into a security guard’s podium at little cost.
• Include electric locks on internal doors between the lobby and office areas controlled by the greeter or guard.
• Provide a sanctuary where staff know they will be safe. This could be a lobby conference room with a locking door and blinds that can be dropped to obscure visibility. The glass should be covered with a material that prevents glass from being shattered.
• Active video observation should be provided from the street into the lobby and throughout the facility.
• Internal mechanisms that allow employees to quickly notify security of an incident by other staff or external visitors are important.
• Regular on-going training is a must.
• Take a walkthrough with the police responders before any incident occurs.

Small credit unions have limited resources. They must find ways to mitigate risk at a low cost. In a new facility, the path from outside in can be designed as mentioned above at no additional cost. In an existing facility or leased space, risk must be limited by ensuring a high level of training and constant preparedness testing. Who is there to respond to a suspicious person? How do you ensure constant staff for key security positions? Where are safe retreats for staff and members? Do you have entry control and monitoring on all entry doors? Do police responders have a good knowledge of your building? Do you have a plan for before, during and after an incident?

Integrating security features in your building and site planning can help reduce the risk of external violence in the work place. Your biggest deterrent is your staff. If they are properly positioned and well trained, you have the best chance of a safe work environment.

Here are three resources from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:

1. Active Shooter: How To Respond Educational Booklet
2. Active Shooter Event Quick Reference Guide, and
3. Planning and Response to an Active Shooter: An Interagency Security Committee Policy and Best Practices Guide.

From the Federal Emergency Management Administration, see also “How to Prepare for an Active Shooter Incident.” 

Paul Seibert, CMC, is an independent facilities and real estate consultant under Paul Seibert Consulting, Seattle.