JSC to review security policies and procedures

William Phillips, 60, is the accused perpetrator of the murder-suicide at Johnson Space Center last Friday. Phillips, a JSC employee who feared being fired after a poor performance review, smuggled a revolver into the building and barricaded himself with his hostage.

The security team at the space center had reassessed their security procedures in the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings prior to this incident. The reassessment found that no major changes were needed, but in the wake of last Friday's events, they are going to take another look. Mike Coats, the space center's director, commented on the new security concerns:

It's very important for people to have the opportunity to talk about their concerns. If they have concerns about security in the workplace, it's important to answer their questions and reassure them

Currently, employees must show an ID badge as they drive past armed security guards. Of course, firearms are prohibited and cars are searched at random. Officials do not plan to implement a policy of searching the vehicle of each of their 10,000 employees. NASA administrator Michael Griffin said that it is "essentially impossible" to stop a person bent on violence, such as Phillips.