City of San Jose Threat and Vulnerability Assessments

Challenge

The work was conducted at the start of and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scheduling field work around various public health concerns required constant communications and logistical coordination. Additionally, this is an area with high crime rates and a large, unhoused population.

Solution

TRC conducted a threat and vulnerability assessment for each of the 19 facilities deemed most critical or iconic to the city and the community, including an NHL hockey arena, the 18-story City Hall, main library, a zoo, convention center, museums, public works/central services and other high profile public facilities.

Our assessment team included physical and operational security experts, a former special forces (SEAL) attack planner, engineer and emergency planners. Our team assessed the 19 buildings using a methodology developed by the Interagency Security Committee (ISC) specifically developed for government facilities.

TRC worked closely with San Jose Police, City representatives and key staff and stakeholders at each facility to understand the security issues, particularly around threats and vulnerabilities. Using this data, TRC delivered detailed site-specific assessment reports and a summary report to help the City identify efficiencies for improvements and incorporate these into capital plans. Following this work, the City requested TRC also evaluate security and deliver recommendations for 24 of its public libraries, several of which had experienced recent security-related incidents.

Results

TRC presented our findings and reports in person to City leadership and various stakeholders. Our recommendations were used to augment capital budgets and implement several changes in these facilities.