Change in Location of Visitor Screening at HST

Office of Origin: DS
Announcement Number: 2006_01_056
Date of Announcement: January 18, 2006

Change in Location of Visitor Screening at HST

As part of an ongoing evaluation and upgrade of security procedures at the U.S. Department of State, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security is changing the location of visitor screening at the Harry S Truman building (Main State).

Starting on January 23, 2006, all visitors must be screened in exterior security screening facilities at the C Street (diplomatic) entrance. Once screened, visitors will be directed to receptionists in the C Street lobby for clearance into the building.

The relocation of the security screening area does not change the location of the HST receptionist desks, the VIP Escort Desk or the HST card readers.

Dignitaries who are being met by employees with VIP escort pins should be met outside of the C Street lobby (top of the horseshoe driveway) in order to bypass security screening.

Employees with DOS Smart ID cards may enter via any open entrance. All employees will be required to show their Smart ID cards to uniformed officers at the door prior to entering the building.

The HST entrance at D Street will no longer be open to visitors. Only DOS employees with valid Department of State Smart ID cards will be allowed to use the D Street entrance. Employees without Smart ID cards or those employees who have forgotten them will be processed as visitors at the C Street entrance. Any Washington DC area DOS employee who does not have a Smart ID card yet will need to apply for one by bringing a completed DS-1838 Building Pass Application to the Badge Office in HST (Government employees) or Columbia Plaza (contractor employees).

The 23rd Street lobby will continue to be the primary entrance for press, tour groups, other large groups and conference attendees.

The 21st Street joggers’ entrance will continue to be the primary entrance for all hand deliveries, such as couriers, FedEx, UPS, flower deliveries, etc. This will also be the primary entrance for construction personnel. Non-pass holders and their hand-carried items will be screened prior to admission.

These actions are being taken for the safety of all employees and others working or visiting HST and are part of on-going security upgrades. Employees with questions on security may call the Office of Domestic Facilities Protection at (202) 647-0003, or the Security Control Center in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security at (202) 647-0099.

Vehicle access to HST is not affected.

Each employee is reminded to do his or her part in maintaining security in and around Department of State facilities.

Security Reminders:

·Report all unusual or suspicious activity to the DS/DO Security Control Center at (202) 647-0099 or to the nearest uniformed officer. In case of emergency, dial 7-9111.

·Do not grant unknown persons access into the Department or allow “piggybacking” when passing through access controls or entering controlled spaces.

·Display your Smart ID card at all times and request others to do so.

·Remove or conceal your Smart ID card when not on DOS property.

·Ensure your visitors remain under escort at all times.

·Immediately report lost or stolen Smart ID cards during business hours to DS/DO/SSD at (202) 647-4418, and after business hours (202) 647-0099.