Education --> Nuclear Facts

SECURITY

NRC Security Program

Physical
The physical requirements focus on actions that terrorists or criminals might take to damage power reactors. 

Detection systems
Electronic detection systems provide an alarm to alert security forces that the plant is being approached or an intrusion attempt is under way.

Delaying tactics
Obstacles around the plant perimeter are designed in layers to create a physical and psychological deterrent.

Mutual assistance
Standing agreements with federal, state and local governments.

Assessment systems
Closed-circuit television systems monitor the perimeter and allow security forces to assess any alarms received.

Access control
Employees must undergo background checks to verify their reliability and trustworthiness before being granted unescorted access to a nuclear plant. 

Reliability of personnel
Fitness-for-duty and access authorization programs aim to establish the trustworthiness and reliability of workers—as well as physical and mental fitness for work. Employees of nuclear power plants are also subject to psychological assessments, behavioral observation, and testing for alcohol and other drugs.