Vulnerability assessment

Inland Regional Centre Vulnerability Assessment
Student’s Name
Institution Affiliation
Inland Regional Centre Vulnerability Assessment
December 2, 2015, was a bad day for the employees and residents of Inland Regional Centre (IRC) in San Bernardino, California. The facility was attacked by terrorists leaving 14 people dead and more than 22 injured (Saunders & Horseman, 2016). IRC is a government funded and non-profit corporation that provides essential and support services for people with developmental disabilities. During the attack, more than 650 employees and 3000 patients were present (Nelson, 2016). It operates during weekdays between 8:00 in the morning and 5:00 in the evening (Inland Regional Centre, 2018). Somehow, the facilities location, resources, and other aspects increase its vulnerability to not only terrorism but also incidences. In this study, a vulnerability analysis is conducted to identify areas of improvement against possible threats.
IRC center is located in Waterman Avenue in San Bernardino County, USA (Hurt, 2016). When developing a vulnerability analysis, it is important to describe the built environment such as the building structure and neighboring buildings. Also, looking at the proximity of essential security and recovery resources such as police and fire units is important. The law enforcement agencies near this facility are the San Bernardino police department and the SWAT near Arrowhead Springs. These two are at least 9 miles from IRC (Nelson, 2016).

During the attack, it took these agencies about 3.5 minutes to reach the facility after the first call (Saunders & Horseman, 2016). The contact for the police department is +1 909 384 5742 while that of the SWAT is +1 909-387-3545 (Weston, 2013), both of which remains reachable all the time.
IRC is also in proximity to three county fire departments. These are station 224, 226, and 231 with their contact lines being +1 909-384-5402, +1 909-384-5406, and +1 909-384-5299 respectively (Weston, 2013). Both the fire departments and police agencies have a history of responsiveness to incoming calls and reported incidences. Finally, IRC is surrounded by health centers including San Bernardino Health Centre, Loma Linda University Medical Centre and Arrowhead regional medical centers, all which are within a radius of 10 miles (Saunders & Horseman, 2016). Several buildings surround IRC facility including Loma Linda University building, Riverside University Health System facility, and Comfort Inn Hotel. These three buildings together are guided by well-equipped and dedicated security. Loma Linda University building is visible from almost every corner of IRC facility and has a security department. The telephone line is +1 909 558 4320 with the internal extension being 44320 and 911 (Medical-center.lomalindahealth.org., 2015).
Inside IRC facility, there are security guards, gates, and protocols to ensure that visitors and employees remain safe. Vehicles entering are checked by the guards. This is important to ensure that cars entering the facility do not bring in new threats such as firearms and explosives. Such measures are important in every facility accommodating a large number of people. More important, barriers, guards and the fences help keep passersby physically away from the building. The facility is equipped with safety equipment that comprises of strategically located fire extinguishers, fire escape routes in every level of the building, and an assembly point. Although the building has wide glass windows for ventilation and lighting, it is not possible to see the activities inside the rooms. People outside cannot read marker boards, projectors, and computer monitors. It is, therefore, safe for employees when handling their tasks involving sensitive data. While the public telephones are accessible to people wishing to use them when inside the facility, internet connectivity is guarded by security protocol that requires a password to connect.
Finally, environmental health and safety within the facility are well guarded by natural lighting within the entrance and open parking lots. These areas are equipped with adequate lighting systems for use during the night and misty seasons. A solid waste management system also exists within the facility for safe handling of wastes. Waste is separated from the sources depending on their state and stored in different dumpsters that remain locked. Finally, the facility receives relatively clean air as supported by its landscaping and vegetation. The facility is near Box Springs Mountains, Big Bear Lake, Grand Terrace, and Moreno Valley (Hurt, 2016). Aesthetically, these geographic features provide clean air to IRC surroundings. However, they increase the risks of attack since terrorists can both plan and attack from these forests and even escape into them thereby making it hard for police to arrest them.
In brief, IRC is currently well guided for improved security, health and safety of employees, patients, and visitors. The facility has security guards, gates and access contacts with local police and fire services departments. The building is well lit, has escape routes and open exteriors that can reduce attacks. Moreover, it has solid waste disposal protocols that reduce environmental and health hazards. However, it is located in a highly vegetated area that makes it vulnerable to terrorist attack. Also, its internet system is subject to violation by external intruders. Nonetheless, the facility has been improved since the attack in 2015 that lead to death and injury of many.
References
Hurt, S. (2016). Riverside: Vision Unfolding for Box Springs Mountain Reserve’s Future – Press-Enterprise. [Online] Pe.Com. Available At: Https://Www.Pe.Com/2016/06/19/Riverside-Vision-Unfolding-For-Box-Springs-Mountain-Reserves-Future/ [Accessed 3 Feb. 2018].
Inland Regional Centre. (2018). About IRC. [Online] Available At: Https://Www.Inlandrc.Org/About-Irc/ [Accessed 3 Feb. 2018].
Medical-Center.Lomalindahealth.Org. (2015). Security Services. [Online] Available At: Https://Medical-Center.Lomalindahealth.Org/Patients-Visitors/Security-Services [Accessed 3 Feb. 2018].
Nelson, J. (2016). Inland Regional Center Holds Remembrance Ceremony For Victims Of San Bernardino Terrorist Attack – San Bernardino Sun. [Online] Sbsun.Com. Available At: Https://Www.Sbsun.Com/2016/12/02/Inland-Regional-Center-Holds-Remembrance-Ceremony-For-Victims-Of-San-Bernardino-Terrorist-Attack/ [Accessed 3 Feb. 2018].
Saunders, D., & Horseman, J. (2016). Police Response To San Bernardino Terror Attack Detailed, Praised In Doj Report. Retrieved February 03, 2018, From Https://Www.Sbsun.Com/2016/09/09/Police-Response-To-San-Bernardino-Terror-Attack-Detailed-Praised-In-Doj-Report/
Weston, M. (2013). San Bernardino County Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid Operational Plan. [EBook] Available At: Http://Www.Sbcounty.Gov/Uploads/Sbcfire/Content/Pdf/2013-Mutual-Aid-Manual.Pdf [Accessed 3 Feb. 2018].