INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL

Defending Against Attack

How Paramount Studios defends against a vehicle attack

When Paramount Studios, the longest operating and only remaining studio in Hollywood, wanted a preventative solution that would protect tourists and talent from car attacks, they contacted Perimeter Security Group, an integrator that has become one of the leading providers of perimeter security systems in the country. The 100-year-old facility features 30 stages throughout their 65-acre complex.

“Paramount Studios asked us to create an aesthetically pleasing solution that would stop unauthorized vehicle entry at five places but would still let production vehicles through when needed,” senior physical security professional at Perimeter Security Group Troy Blood said. “With all the news of terrorists using vehicles as weapons against people, Paramount Studios recognized that they, too, could be a high profile target.”

While not all vehicle attacks are linked to terrorism, groups such as ISIS and al Qaeda have called on followers to use trucks as weapons. In fact, an al Qaeda magazine published an article in 2010 titled “The Ultimate Mowing Machine.” The article calls for using a pickup as a “mowing machine, not to mow grass but mow down the enemies of Allah.”

It said a four-wheel-drive pickup is needed—”the stronger the better.” The article continues, “To achieve maximum carnage, you need to pick up as much speed as you can while still retaining good control of your vehicle in order to maximize your inertia and be able to strike as many people as possible in your first run.”

To add an explanation point, John Cohen, ABC News contributor and former counter-terrorism coordinator at the Department of Homeland Security said, “They are urging the followers to go to soft targets, places that are open to the public, typically crowded and because of what they are—they are very difficult to secure.”

With all this in mind, Paramount Studios selected Perimeter Security Group, which has provided turnkey installations of custom iron fabrication, security fencing, perimeter protection devices, access controls, video surveillance and automated entry systems for projects ranging from private residences to the most secure military facilities and correctional institutions in the world. As part of this work, the integrator has implemented many systems using Delta Scientific’s vehicle access equipment to keep visitors and staff free from harm of terrorists and errant drivers.

“We reviewed Paramount Studios’ facilities and vulnerabilities and recommended a combination of Delta’s TT212 beam barricade and DSC800 high security bollards. Paramount wanted the job done quickly and at night so we wouldn’t disturb tourists or shoots.

“The high-strength wire rope beam barricade will stop a large or fast-moving vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds at 40 mph,” Blood said.

The beam is raised to allow passage of authorized vehicles through and, then, lowered to protect cars or trucks from entering. Clear opening ranges from 10.5 to 24 feet are available to allow passage of almost every type of vehicle.

“Beam barricades are very popular because this type of system covers a wider lane at a lower cost than out-of-the-ground barricades or barriers,” Blood said. “A low maintenance system, beam barricades are used worldwide at locations where wide roadways need to be secured from attacking vehicles.”

Beam barricades are seen at many nations’ embassies throughout the world. They are also selected for government facilities, restricted or reserved parking areas, impound yards, freight terminals, shipping and receiving docks, storage and warehouse entrances, arms depots and other places where standard traffic controls or gates are not capable of resisting such high crash forces or vandalism.

“Paramount Studios also selected Delta’s manually operated crash-rated bollards for those areas in which vehicle passages are infrequent,” Blood said. “The DSC800 will stop a 15,000 pound vehicle at 30 mph. Paramount Studios specified a model with classy cast aluminum decorative sleeves, which slip right over the crash tube. If ever damaged, Paramount will simply slip off the old and slip on the new sleeve.

“Versus hydraulic or pneumatic operation, manually-operated bollards were especially cost effective for this application because they were used in locations were they would seldom be lowered, as a result, this expedited installation because there were no motors or power to contend with and also eliminated the need to work with any additional trades, such as electrical. All we needed to do was to make the barriers plumb. As a result, we were able to install a location within a week.”

A Warning on Perimeter Security Systems

According to Blood, no area is more critical to the vehicle barrier selection process than testing. Without adequate testing, there is no assurance that the barrier will resist the threat. Testing is normally by an independent testing company or government agency, such as the State Department and military. Full-scale crash tests, using heavily loaded trucks, are conducted. Comprehensive reports of test results are issued and are available from the testing agency or manufacturer.

This article originally appeared in the January/February 2019 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • 5 Tips to Improve Your Password Security

    Change Your Password Day is right around the corner. Observed every year on February 1, the day aims to raise awareness about cybersecurity and underscores the importance of keeping passwords strong and up to date. Read Now

  • Enhancing Port Security

    DP World Yarimca, one of the largest container terminals of the Gulf of İzmit and Turkey, is a strong proponent of using industry-leading technology to deliver unrivaled value to its customers and partners. As the port is growing, DP World Yarimca needs to continue to provide uninterrupted operations and a high level of security.To address these challenges, DP World Yarimca has embraced innovative technological products, including FLIR's comprehensive portfolio of security monitoring solutions. Read Now

  • Hot AI Chatbot DeepSeek Comes Loaded With Privacy, Data Security Concerns

    In the artificial intelligence race powered by American companies like OpenAI and Google, a new Chinese rival is upending the market—even with the possible privacy and data security issues. Read Now

  • Survey: CISOs Increasing Budgets for Crisis Simulations in 2025

    Today, Cyber Performance Center, Hack The Box, released new data showcasing the perspectives of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) towards cyber preparedness in 2025. In the aftermath of 2024’s high-profile cybersecurity incidents, including NHS, CrowdStrike, TfL, 23andMe, and Cencora, CISOs are reassessing their organization’s readiness to manage a potential “chaos” of a full-scale cyber crisis. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 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.