Social Security Administration Field Offices
The Social Security Administration (SSA) conducts consultations with patrons in field offices across the United States. Many of these buildings feature open waiting areas placed only about 15 feet from consultation windows, where patrons discuss their Social Security and other personal financial information.
With the close proximity to the private offices and consultation windows, people sitting in the waiting area could clearly overhear private conversations. The information discussed is highly sensitive and these SSA facilities have a legal obligation to enhance privacy levels under the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act and the Privacy Act of 1974.
Solution
Biamp was selected to retrofit over 60 Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices in 18 states to enhance speech privacy and confidentiality. Cambridge QtPro® sound masking systems from Biamp were installed in the various waiting areas and surrounding hallways to improve the administration’s acoustic environment and create a more secure setting for private conversations.
Conclusion
With the implementation of the QtPro sound masking sytems throughout the SSA field offices, patrons are now more comfortable discussing sensitive information and the field offices meet their obligations to maintain the privacy of patron data.