Which of the following best lists the three zones of protection used in security planning?

• A. Outer, middle, and inner
• B. Outer, inner, and center
• C. Outer, middle, and center
• D. Inner, middle, and outer

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is layered security zoning, arranged from outside to inside to create successive barriers. The outer zone covers public or less-secure areas where initial deterrence and screening occur. The middle zone acts as a buffer with controlled access and monitoring, preventing easy entry to the most sensitive areas. The inner zone holds the core, restricted spaces with the highest level of security. Therefore, the best sequence is outer, middle, inner, because it reflects the typical defense-in-depth approach used in hospital security. Other options mix up the order or replace a term with an uncommon one, which doesn’t align with the standard three-zone structure.