Which authority is responsible for retaining the approval or disapproval of a physical security plan?

The Security Authorization Official (SAO) is the authority responsible for retaining the approval or disapproval of a physical security plan. The SAO plays a crucial role in evaluating security measures and ensuring that they meet established standards and requirements. This oversight includes assessing risks, verifying that plans are compliant with regulatory frameworks, and confirming that all security measures are appropriately integrated into an organization's overall security strategy.

The other roles, such as the construction team, local police department, and requester, do have important functions in the security process, but they do not hold the final decision-making authority regarding approval of physical security plans. The construction team might be involved in implementing physical security measures but lacks the authority to approve the plan. The local police department may provide guidance or assistance, yet they do not have the jurisdiction to authorize security measures on private property. The requester may initiate the development of a security plan but ultimately does not hold the approving authority, which resides with the SAO. This structured tier of authority ensures that security plans are not only operationally effective but also aligned with organizational objectives and compliance mandates.