Physical Security Incident Response Plan Template

Standard Operating Procedure: Physical Security Incident Response (PSIR)

1. Document Control Block

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2. Executive Summary & Purpose

This document establishes the standardized framework for detecting, containing, and remediating physical security breaches at Template Registry facilities. The objective is to mitigate risk to human life, hardware integrity, and sensitive data assets through a unified, repeatable response protocol.

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3. Scope & Prerequisites

• Scope: Applies to all facilities, data centers, and corporate offices managed by Template Registry. Covers unauthorized entry, vandalism, physical theft, and life-safety threats.
• Required Tools:
  • Incident Command Kit (Hard copy logs, secure radio, master key-cards).
  • Video Management System (VMS) access.
  • Encrypted internal communication channel (e.g., Signal/Mattermost).
• PPE: High-visibility vests, Level II trauma kits (for security leads).

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4. Roles & Responsibilities (RACI)

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5. Step-by-Step Procedure

Phase I: Detection & Verification

• Verify alarm trigger via VMS/Sensor logs.
• Determine if the threat is "Active/Hostile" or "Passive/Unauthorized."
• Notify local emergency services if immediate life-safety risk exists.

Phase II: Containment

• Initiate site lockdown sequence (automated or manual).
• Divert personnel to designated "Safe Zones."
• Secure physical perimeter; do not engage unauthorized actors unless necessary for self-defense.

Phase III: Eradication & Investigation

• Conduct forensic sweep of the area (Do not move evidence).
• Pull and export VMS footage corresponding to T-minus 10 minutes from incident trigger.
• Log all witness accounts into the Incident Master Log.

Phase IV: Recovery & Post-Mortem

• Verify integrity of hardware/locks.
• Perform "Root Cause Analysis" (RCA) within 48 hours.
• Restore normal operations once clearance is granted by the Chief Architect.

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6. Quality Assurance & Pro-Tips

Best Practices

• The 5-Minute Rule: If an incident isn't contained or escalated within 5 minutes, assume a breach of the inner perimeter.
• Chain of Custody: Treat every physical security incident as a potential legal proceeding. Photograph everything before clearing.

Common Pitfalls

• "Alarm Fatigue": Ignoring low-level sensor triggers leads to delayed response to major breaches.
• Fragmented Logging: Centralize all incident data. If it’s not in the log, it didn’t happen.

Metric Thresholds

• Mean Time to Respond (MTTR): < 3 minutes for high-priority zone alerts.
• False Positive Rate: < 2% target (adjust sensor sensitivity accordingly).

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7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should security staff attempt to detain unauthorized individuals? A: No. Personnel are instructed to observe, report, and maintain a safe standoff distance. Physical detention increases liability and risk to staff; leave apprehension to law enforcement.

Q: How do we handle system outages during an incident? A: In the event of network failure, switch to the "Offline Protocol": utilize paper-based visitor logs and manual radio communication until secure infrastructure is restored.

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Approved by: Julian Vance, Chief Architect