Updated October 1, 2026
A turnstile is a security gate that lets one authorized person through at a time and blocks everyone else. Most office buildings now use optical turnstiles, which read a credential and use infrared sensors to catch anyone following too closely behind. Fastlane® optical turnstiles from Smarter Security detect tailgating as close as ¼” apart.
This technology is necessary in fast-paced environments where security concerns are common, such as office buildings, class-A high rises, government institutions, and university campuses. Optical turnstiles offer a controlled and monitored way of entry and exit, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive areas.
Different Types of Turnstiles and Their Uses in Various Settings
Turnstiles come in several designs, each tailored to meet unique security requirements. Key types include:
- Full Height Turnstile: A high security gate, also known as a “people shredder,” these turnstiles extend from the floor to ceiling height. These models are ideal for locations requiring strict security, such as subways, designed to completely restrict passage from unauthorized personnel.
- Tripod Turnstile: This type of equipment, also known as a waist-high turnstile, consists of three revolving arms that rotate to restrict one person entering at a time. Tripod turnstiles are commonly found in outdoor environments such as amusement parks.
- Optical Turnstile: This sleek and modern waist-height turnstile utilizes infrared beams to detect tailgating. Cost-effective and compact, optical turnstiles are common in office buildings and educational facilities for their combination of security and speed.
- Dual Barrier Turnstile: Advanced turnstile unit effective in eliminating unauthorized entry through its double barrier gates. Otherwise known as a “mantrap,” this high enforcement turnstile is ideal for high security areas like data centers and manufacturing facilities.
Role in Crowd Control and Unauthorized Access Prevention
Access control turnstiles are essential equipment for crowd management because they ensure organized, safe entry and exit during busy hours. Turnstiles streamline the flow of traffic in a single direction and reduce congestion, which enhances the overall user experience.
Innovations in Turnstile Technology
Turnstiles are more than just physical barriers; they are integral parts of an advanced security system. There are several groundbreaking features in Smarter Security’s optical turnstiles, including pressure sensor tops and tailgate detection. Fastlane pressure sensors detect attempts to sneak in and climb over the turnstile pedestals. With ¼” tailgate detection capable of distinguishing humans from objects, prevent an unauthorized person from entering a restricted area, and reduce false alarms.
Integrated Technologies Enhancing Turnstiles
Today, turnstiles are part of a broader security strategy. Our turnstiles seamlessly integrate with various technologies like proximity card readers, security cameras, destination dispatch displays, and biometric scanners. With the possibilities expanding to 3D fingerprint scanning, iris scanning, to facial recognition credentialing, eliminate problems like passbacks and badge theft while increasing convenience for users.
Technology integration creates a multi-layered security approach, which is important in environments where security is a high priority. Using this neural network technology approach enhances the accuracy and overall security system.
Pictured: White Glassgate 155 with Idemia Morpho Wave Fingerprint Scanner
Case Study: Entrance Turnstiles Revolutionize Security at 55 Hudson Yards
55 Hudson Yards is a towering 51-story office building in New York City. Every day, hundreds to thousands of people pass through its doors. The big challenge was managing all the people moving in and out of the building quickly and safely. They needed a system that could check people’s identities fast without creating long lines.
The client wanted a system that let people get through the turnstiles smoothly without waiting too long. Smarter Security had the perfect solution, the Fastlane Plus 400 MA turnstile combined with MorphoWave technology. This technology lets people just wave their hand over a scanner to get through the turnstile. It’s touchless, so people don’t need to use a card to gain access. This made things much quicker and more secure.
The turnstiles with MorphoWave were set up in the main lobbies with extra features like screens showing which elevator to take. People who visit 55 Hudson Yards really enjoy the new system because it’s fast, aesthetically pleasing, and it helps keep the building safe.
Choosing the Right Turnstile for Your Needs
When it comes to selecting the perfect turnstile for your facility, it’s important to understand your specific security needs and assess the volume of foot traffic at the location. High-security environments like data centers often require a more detailed security program. Dual barrier turnstiles are excellent equipment for controlling visitor access to sensitive areas. In locations like lobbies and high rises where aesthetics are important, optical turnstiles might be the more suitable choice. These turnstiles blend security with a modern, unobtrusive design. The volume of foot traffic is also a key factor in turnstile selection. Optical turnstiles efficiently manage the flow of large crowds on university campuses and other busy environments.
Another important aspect to consider is how the turnstile gate integrates into your existing security system. A security turnstile should easily interact with access control systems and surveillance cameras to create a comprehensive security strategy that operates efficiently and effectively.
Pictured: Smarter Security Dual Barrier Fastlane Interlock
Smarter Security’s Optical Turnstiles
Our Fastlane optical turnstiles are intelligent systems that enhance your entrance and access control systems. The use of advanced neural network technology sets our products apart in the market. This technology allows turnstiles to automate the most advanced security protocols and ensure a seamless flow of traffic.
Consultation
Smarter Security offers expert consultation services and helps facilities identify the best turnstile solution for their specific environment. Our extensive expertise across various industries allows us to provide tailored advice and ensure that each client’s security needs are met.
Customization
We also offer customization options for our turnstiles. This approach ensures that the turnstile is not only functionally effective but also complements the aesthetic of the building. Depending on the type of turnstile, there are various custom finishes available to choose from. You can choose from stainless steel and other metals for a customized integration.
Smarter Security’s optical turnstiles represent a combination of advanced technology, customization, and effective access control. Reach out to Smarter Security today to find the perfect turnstile for your organization’s needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a turnstile?
A turnstile is a security gate that controls pedestrian access by allowing one person to pass through at a time using authenticated credentials. Turnstiles integrate with access control systems — such as card readers, biometric scanners, and mobile credentials — to permit authorized entry and deny unauthorized access in facilities ranging from corporate lobbies to data centers.
What are the different types of turnstiles?
There are four main types of turnstiles: (1) Optical turnstiles use infrared beams to detect tailgating and are common in office buildings and universities; (2) Full-height turnstiles extend floor to ceiling for maximum security in high-risk environments; (3) Tripod turnstiles use three rotating arms and are typically found in outdoor or lower-security settings; (4) Dual barrier turnstiles use double gates to prevent unauthorized entry in high-security areas like data centers.
What is an optical turnstile?
An optical turnstile is a waist-height security gate that uses infrared beams to monitor and control pedestrian access. Unlike mechanical turnstiles, optical turnstiles open and close barrier panels electronically, detecting tailgating attempts in real time. They are widely used in corporate offices, Class-A high-rises, healthcare facilities, and university campuses for their combination of security, throughput speed, and aesthetic design. Fastlane® optical turnstiles from Smarter Security are distributed throughout the Americas.
What is the difference between an optical turnstile and a full-height turnstile?
Optical turnstiles are waist-height gates that use infrared sensors to detect and deter unauthorized entry — they are designed for environments where throughput speed and aesthetics matter, such as corporate lobbies. Full-height turnstiles extend from floor to ceiling and physically block passage entirely, making them suited for high-security perimeter applications like utilities, correctional facilities, and subways where absolute access restriction is required.
How does a turnstile prevent tailgating?
Turnstiles prevent tailgating through a combination of physical barriers and sensor technology. Optical turnstiles use infrared beams to detect when more than one person attempts to pass on a single credential authorization, triggering an alarm or closing the barrier panels. Advanced systems like Fastlane® optical turnstiles from Smarter Security incorporate neural network-based tailgate detection capable of distinguishing humans from objects, reducing false alarms while maintaining security integrity.
What settings use security turnstiles?
Security turnstiles are used across a wide range of facilities including corporate campuses, Class-A office buildings, data centers, healthcare facilities, universities, government buildings, financial institutions, transit hubs, and critical infrastructure sites. The type of turnstile selected — optical, full-height, or dual barrier — depends on the required security level, foot traffic volume, and aesthetic requirements of the facility.
How do I choose the right turnstile for my facility?
Choosing the right turnstile depends on three factors: security level required, volume of foot traffic, and aesthetic fit. High-security environments like data centers benefit from dual barrier or full-height turnstiles that physically restrict access. High-traffic corporate lobbies and universities typically use optical turnstiles for their throughput speed and modern design. Any turnstile should integrate with your existing access control system, including card readers, biometric devices, and security cameras.
Clayton Brown serves as Executive Vice President at Smarter Security, the exclusive provider of Fastlane® optical turnstiles and Door Detective® entrance control solutions throughout the Americas. As a member of SIA’s Government Relations Committee and Data Privacy Board, Clayton proudly represents the next generation of practitioners dedicated to bringing data-driven ideas to existing physical security challenges.
Resources:
- Smarter Security. https://smartersecurity.com/
- “Smarter Security Solves ‘Sidegating’, New Optical Turnstile Technology.” Campus Safety. https://www.campussafetymagazine.com/technology/smarter-security-sidegating-turnstile/
