We're Being Held Captive

The powers that be (Big Brother) around the office have significantly beefed up security in the past couple of months. I suppose every industry is subject to espionage, but it seems that this is a knee-jerk reaction to some body's wet dream. Or maybe...they're supporting their wife's, uncle's, nephew's new security company.

We've always been required to carry a badge to allow access to the garage and individual buildings on the campus. No biggie. And if you forgot it, you buzzed security and identified yourself then they would buzz you in.

A couple of months ago, access to the stairwells was changed. You can enter without a badge, but you cannot exit. That seems backwards to me. If they're concerned about spies going from one floor to the other via the stairs, why not keep these dastardly villains out all together? The poor schlock who forgets his badge is stuck there until someone comes along to release them from espionage purgatory.

Now, we have what looks like metal detectors at all the major entrances. That is, on the inside after you've already used your badge to breech the outer door. If you follow close on the heels of the person in front of you without waiting for the gate to close, bells, whistles and flashing lights announce your heinous transgression. What's next? Will your picture be posted around the office as an incorrigible?

I suppose this is acceptable in our high profile, politically charged, retail environment. But what I don't understand is that you can't leave the building unless you flash your badge over that glowing red cyclops sensor. What the f---? If you're already inside you obviously belong.

The real kicker is that they claim this escalation to a red alert was at the request of the employees. I must have missed the survey, because instead of spending all this moola in a depressed economy, I'd have said, "Put it in our paychecks."