White House fence may get spikes

David Jackson | USA TODAY

Officials are planning to top the bars of the White House fence with spikes in order to discourage jumpers.

The spikes, described as "pencil protrusions," are seen as "anti-climb" measures, reports CBS News.

The National Capital Planning Commission must still approve the plan, and is expected to do so at a meeting next month.

White House fence jumpers have been a long-time headache for the Secret Service and other security officials, particularly when one intruder managed to make his way inside the White House itself back in September.

The spikes would be a temporary measure until a new fence is installed down the line.

An unnamed National Park Service official told CBS News:

"We are working with our partners to develop, as quickly as possible, both interim and long-term solutions that meet today's security needs while respecting the historic setting and significance of the White House. We have developed an effective interim solution for the White House fence consisting of a removable anti-climb feature that attaches to the existing fence. The interim solution enhances security without affecting the visitor's experience."