City halls, courthouses, public works facilities, and other municipal buildings are more than just government offices—they're vital community assets. But many of these buildings still rely on outdated security infrastructure that exposes them to rising threats. If your facility’s systems haven’t been evaluated in the last five years, it may be time for a serious review.

Here are five clear signs that your government facility security system is outdated, and what you can do to bring it up to modern standards.

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1. Your Access Control System Still Uses Physical Keys

Why it’s a problem:
Lost keys, unauthorized duplication, and zero tracking make physical keys one of the biggest vulnerabilities in public sector security.

Modern solution:
Upgrade to badge-based or mobile credential access control systems that:

  • Log every entry attempt

  • Allow for remote access revocation

  • Enable role-based permissions

These systems offer enhanced visibility and flexibility—essential for managing multi-user public buildings.

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2. Surveillance Footage Is Stored on Aging DVRs or Not at All

Why it’s a problem:
Analog systems or DVRs with limited storage often mean poor video quality, limited coverage, and no remote access. Worse, if your footage is overwritten every 7 days, you might miss critical review windows after an incident.

Modern solution:
Move to IP-based surveillance systems with cloud or hybrid video storage, which offer:

  • HD/4K clarity

  • Longer retention periods

  • Centralized viewing from any secure device

  • NDAA- and CJIS-compliant storage options

This is especially important for facilities like police departments and courthouses where audit trails matter.

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3. You Have No Centralized Monitoring or Incident Alerts

Why it’s a problem:
When each building or department uses standalone systems, response times suffer. A breach in one facility may go unnoticed if there’s no central monitoring or real-time alerting.

Modern solution:
Implement a unified security platform across all municipal sites. With SSP’s centralized dashboards, agencies can:

  • Monitor multiple buildings from a single interface

  • Set instant alerts for door props, forced entries, or surveillance anomalies

  • Coordinate faster responses with dispatch or law enforcement

This level of integration turns security from passive to proactive.

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4. You Haven’t Updated Your System to Meet Compliance Standards

Why it’s a problem:
Many municipalities unknowingly run systems that violate federal compliance standards such as NDAA Section 889, CJIS, or FIPS. Using non-compliant hardware or unencrypted data transmission can jeopardize funding and trust.

Modern solution:
Conduct a compliance audit to assess risks and replace unapproved components. SSP ensures all surveillance, access control, and storage solutions:

  • Use NDAA-compliant hardware

  • Meet CJIS data handling requirements

  • Are aligned with your state’s procurement guidelines

Failing to modernize can result in liability issues—or lost grant opportunities.

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5. Staff and Community Members Feel Unsafe or Inconvenienced

Why it’s a problem:
Perception is reality. If employees don’t feel safe at work, or citizens avoid community spaces due to safety concerns, outdated security may be to blame. Long check-in lines, poor lighting, or “band-aid” camera setups can erode public trust.

Modern solution:
Design systems that are both secure and user-friendly:

  • Use discreet, modern hardware that blends into building design

  • Deploy visitor management systems to streamline public access

  • Add features like panic buttons and video intercoms at staff desks

A modern security system not only protects—it reassures.

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Future-Proof Your Public Facility with SSP

An outdated security system doesn’t just increase risk—it limits your ability to respond, comply, and serve. SSP works with local governments to evaluate existing systems, upgrade critical infrastructure, and ensure every building is protected, accessible, and compliant.

🔍 Not Sure Where You Stand?

See how SSP helps government agencies protect their people and infrastructure.