Which of the following types of technologies would be the MOST cost-effective method to provide a reactive control for protecting personnel in public areas?

Question

Options

• AInstall mantraps at the building entrances
• BEnclose the personnel entry area with polycarbonate plastic
• CSupply a duress alarm for personnel exposed to the public
• DHire a guard to protect the public area

• A
  7% (2)
• B
  17% (5)
• C
  30% (9)
• D
  47% (14)

Explanation

Hiring a guard (D) is the most cost-effective reactive control because a guard can physically respond to threats in real-time, actively protecting personnel as incidents unfold - this is true reactive protection, not just alerting or passive prevention.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A (Mantraps): Mantraps are expensive to install and are preventive controls - they stop unauthorized access, they don't respond to active threats against personnel already in public areas.
• B (Polycarbonate plastic): Also a preventive/deterrent physical barrier with high installation costs; it protects a fixed area passively but cannot react to a developing situation.
• C (Duress alarm): While reactive and low-cost, a duress alarm only signals distress - it doesn't actually protect personnel. Help must still arrive from elsewhere, leaving people exposed in the interim.

Memory tip: Think Reactive = Respond in real-time. Only a guard can physically intervene the moment a threat occurs. A duress alarm is reactive but not protective - it's more of a "call for help" than a control that shields anyone. On exams, watch for the difference between alerting and actual protection.

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