Access Control F.A.Q.'s

Access control is a critical step in the protection of a client's assets and personnel. Depending on the nature of the client's business this may be a primary or a secondary concern. Most of the questions relate to situations where controlling who or what is to be admitted onto a property, as well as when, is a primary concern. In most cases, even if "public right of entry" exists there will still be 'private' or 'restricted' areas.

Of course, even areas that are "public by right of access" can still have entry denied to specific individuals, due to trespass notices or court orders.

F.A.Q.'s
Frequently Asked Questions

Explain the meaning of "access control".

This means granting admittance to authorized persons when proper identification is shown to security personnel and denying it to all unauthorized persons.

What must be present at the gate in order to prevent the entry of unauthorized persons?

There should be a physical barrier which is opened only when proper identification is shown to security personnel.

What are acceptable forms of identification?

Passports, Law enforcement I.D. cards, Government issued photo identification such as Driver’s license, Age of Majority card and Health Card.

Watch out with Health Cards. They have conditions and restrictions about being accepted as identification and about not being taken out of sight of their lawful holder. This can mean an officer turning away, for better light, or lowering the card below a desktop etc.

You also are not legally entitled to ask for a Health Card unless you are a medical professional, so if they offer it, you can look at it...but don't suggest it unless they do.

Employers/clients may also issue their own form of identification.

What information do these forms of identification contain?

The above identification will contain a photo, date of birth and a signature of the card holder which can be easily checked by having the person sign his/her name.

What is the disadvantage of relying on personal recognition/identification?

An officer turning his/her back momentarily may allow time for unauthorized persons to pass through the gate. Heavy traffic through the gate can interfere with the officer’s ability to quickly recall faces and names, and again allow unauthorized personnel to pass through.

What is meant by personal recognition?

This is seeing a person and knowing who he or she is.

These are the questions we are repeatedly asked regarding access control. We will, of course, add to this page as needed.

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