What is a prerequisite for maintaining two person integrity (TPI)?

The fundamental principle of maintaining two-person integrity (TPI) is that at least two personnel must be present to oversee and manage operations involving sensitive or classified information and materials. This requirement serves to prevent unauthorized access and ensure accountability, as it reduces the risk of fraud, sabotage, and inadvertent errors that could arise if a single individual were to operate independently.

Having two personnel present helps create a system of checks and balances, where one individual's actions can be monitored and validated by the other. This is especially critical in environments dealing with national security, where the integrity of processes and the protection of sensitive materials are paramount.

While the other aspects like reliable communication protocols, advanced surveillance equipment, and comprehensive contingency plans are important for operational effectiveness and safety, they do not constitute the core requirement of TPI itself. The presence of two authorized personnel is the primary safeguard designed to ensure that sensitive tasks are performed responsibly and securely.