Public Access and Restricted Areas

The Department of Homeland Security recognises the importance of maintaining accessible public facilities while ensuring the security of restricted operational areas. Members of the public are permitted access only to areas designated as public and unrestricted within the Department of Homeland Security Building.

The first floor public lobby and any other officially designated public areas shall remain accessible to all citizens unless otherwise restricted under lawful circumstances. The existence of security personnel, access lists, or other restrictions shall not prevent access to areas that are designated as publicly available.

All areas outside of designated public spaces remain restricted and are not accessible to members of the public without proper authorisation. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Basement Areas

• Second Floor

• Third Floor

• Rooftop Areas

• PEOC (Accessible only by Secret Service and the Special Response Team - no other agencies are permitted entry unless given explicit authorisation by the Secret Service Director, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Homeland Security or the President of the United States)

Unauthorised entry into restricted areas of the Department of Homeland Security Building will be considered trespassing. Individuals found accessing restricted areas without permission may be removed from the premises or subject to arrest under applicable trespassing statutes.

Personnel are responsible for ensuring that public areas remain accessible while maintaining the security and integrity of restricted Department facilities.