Immediately after the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, Secretary Martinez established a Security Committee to review the safety and security of all HUD employees while in the Headquarters building. Some of the changes we made to improve your security included a new visitors' pass system and the requirement for all employees to display their IDs. Today you may have noticed other steps we are taking at the Robert C. Weaver Federal Building to enhance security and provide a safer workplace for everyone who works or visits here.

The additional changes will significantly improve building security and will include new state-of-the-art X-ray scanners. When they become operational, employees will pass through the scanners as well as present their identification card for inspection. (Employees with medical conditions - for example, those with pacemakers and those who use wheelchairs - will be exempt from this requirement, but will be asked to submit to a brief magnetic wand scan. Security supervisors will be available to meet the special needs of any who require it.)

When we begin to use the equipment, employees who park in the underground garage will enter the building through the lobby and will be required to pass through the scanners. This new measure will add a marginal amount of time to access the building, but it will significantly improve overall security.

New Building Perimeter Barriers

At both the north and south entrances to the outdoor parking areas, we expect new hydraulic barriers to be fully operational within the week. Employees who park in these lots will be contacted about the process for gaining access both during the workday and after hours. In addition, concrete "bollards" have been placed around the periphery of HUD headquarters. The bollards are a temporary solution to secure the perimeter of the Weaver building and we are working closely with the Fine Arts Commission to permanently replace the concrete barriers.

Roof Access

Finally, as soon as the new X-ray scanners are fully operational HUD's rooftop will be reopened.

Both Secretary Martinez and I believe that the safety and security of our HUD family is of the highest importance. I want to assure you that we will consider all input from employees and the bargaining union in the course of making these new measures operational. While there will be some inconvenience associated with improved security, we will make every effort to minimize the impact. Your safety is our highest priority.