USSS Director Writes Testimony Regarding White House Perimeter Breach

USSS Director Writes Testimony Regarding White House Perimeter Breach

Director Pierson brings up some new concerns about the Secret Service

  • By Matt Holden
  • Sep 30, 2014

USSS Director Writes Testimony Regarding White House Perimeter BreachIn her written testimony for a House Committee on Oversight and Government reform, USSS Director Julia Person has admitted that the security plan in place was not executed properly and is unacceptable. She went on to take responsibility for the September 19 incident in which a man scaled the north fence of the White House and entered the building.

Initial reports of the incident stated the man made it through the front door before he was arrested; while it was later found out the man had wandered through numerous rooms and made an attempt to enter the East Wing.

Following the event Director Pierson immediately initiate a comprehensive review of the techniques used, including decisions on tactics and use of force. According to her statement, Director Pierson has committed herself to the following: a complete and thorough investigation of the facts of the incident, a complete and thorough review of all policies, and a coordinated, informed effort to make adjustments necessary to properly ensure the safety and security of the President and First Family as well as those who work in and visit the White House.

She went on to mention the 16 individuals who have jumped over the fence in the last five years, including six this year. Over the last five years the Secret Service has upgraded their perimeter cameras, officer booths, vehicle access gates, and command and control systems, along with enhancements to highly classified programs. 75% of its annual budget is dedicated to payroll.

About the Author

Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.

Featured

  • Gaining a Competitive Edge

    Ask most companies about their future technology plans and the answers will most likely include AI. Then ask how they plan to deploy it, and that is where the responses may start to vary. Every company has unique surveillance requirements that are based on market focus, scale, scope, risk tolerance, geographic area and, of course, budget. Those factors all play a role in deciding how to configure a surveillance system, and how to effectively implement technologies like AI. Read Now

  • 6 Ways Security Awareness Training Empowers Human Risk Management

    Organizations are realizing that their greatest vulnerability often comes from within – their own people. Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity breaches, making it imperative for organizations to address human risk effectively. As a result, security awareness training (SAT) has emerged as a cornerstone in this endeavor because it offers a multifaceted approach to managing human risk. Read Now

  • The Stage is Set

    The security industry spans the entire globe, with manufacturers, developers and suppliers on every continent (well, almost—sorry, Antarctica). That means when regulations pop up in one area, they often have a ripple effect that impacts the entire supply chain. Recent data privacy regulations like GDPR in Europe and CPRA in California made waves when they first went into effect, forcing businesses to change the way they approach data collection and storage to continue operating in those markets. Even highly specific regulations like the U.S.’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) can have international reverberations – and this growing volume of legislation has continued to affect global supply chains in a variety of different ways. Read Now

  • Access Control Technology

    As we move swiftly toward the end of 2024, the security industry is looking at the trends in play, what might be on the horizon, and how they will impact business opportunities and projections. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis. 3

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area. 3

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure. 3