Why does the NIH have enhanced security including a perimeter fence?
In response to the federal mandates and regulations in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing and the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the NIH was required by the HHS Office of the Inspector General to enhance physical security protection for the Bethesda campus. In response, the perimeter security at the NIH, to include the fence, gates, central commercial vehicle inspection facility, and Gateway Visitor center were approved as part of the NIH Security Program by the NIH Director in early 2003. One of the challenges was to provide a secure environment within the campus while maintaining the ability of staff to move freely across the campus and between buildings. A perimeter fence with multiple access points for employees, a restricted access point for visitors and patients, and a second restricted access point for construction and delivery vehicles was the most feasible and effective approach to manage campus access.
