I ran the White House Situation Room a few years back. The use of unauthorized recording devices there is against regulation and potentially criminal activity. /1
The staff of the Situation Room takes its responsibility to preserve the security there very seriously. Procedures, training and technology guard against the use of unauthorized electronic devices. /2
Visitors to the Situation Room are reminded to stow electronic devices in approved storage containers when entering. White House staff members are trained in appropriate security procedures within the complex. /3
That being said, barring pat downs and strip searches, people have on occasion inadvertently or intentionally taken devices into the Situation Room meeting spaces and watch floor. Noticed nornally very quickly, they (and sometimes the owner) are removed./4
I recall one National Security Advisor sternly berating and dismissing one offender in front of his colleagues when discovered using his device to read email or text at the start of a meeting. /5
And on one occasion I even stopped President Obama as he entered the Situation Room carrying his Blackberry. His good humored response echoed in many future visits as he raised his empty hands, advising me with a smile, “See, no phone, Larry.” /6
