L16 - T16D - S3 – Alarms and Surveillance

Examples of entry points that could be misused

• Emergency exits,  

• Windows,  

• Hatches,  

• Grilles

• False Ceilings and Ducting (for above and below)

How to secure entry points that may be misused

Fit with the below to prevent intrusion

• Bars,

• Locks,

• Alarms

Alarm System

Physical intrusion detection and warning that can use triggers:

4 types:

• Circuit | Motion | Proximity | Duress

Circuit Alarm

• Sounds when the [answer] is opened or closed, depending on the type of alarm

• This could be caused by e.g.

  • A door or window opening or

  • Fence being cut

Motion Sensor Alarm

• Linked to a detector triggered by movement within a room or other area.

• The sensors in these detectors are either

  • Microwave radio reflection

    • (radar, for example)

  • Passive infrared (PIR) —

    • Detects moving heat sources

Proximity Alarm

• Alarm type which can use Radio frequency ID (RFID) tags and readers to track the movement of tagged objects within an area.

• This can form the basis of an alarm system to detect whether someone is trying to remove equipment

Duress Alarm

This type of alarm is triggered manually by staff if they come under threat

• Can be implemented as

  • Wireless pendant,

  • Concealed sensor or trigger, or

  • Call contact

• Some electronic locks can be programmed with a [answer] code which is different form an ordinary code

  • Will open the gateway but alert security personnel

Video Surveillance

• Typically used as a second layer of security designed to improve the resilience of perimeter gateways. Uses cameras and recording devices.

• Can be focused on perimeter areas or within security zones themselves

  • Older-style CCTV (closed-circuit television) or  

  • With IP cameras

• May be able to use motion detection or even facial recognition to alert staff

Security Lighting

Physical security mechanisms that ensure a site is sufficiently illuminated for employees and guests to feel safe and for camera-based surveillance systems to work well – (A+)

• Must account for

  • Overall light levels,  

  • The lighting of particular surfaces or areas  

  • (allowing cameras to perform facial recognition, for instance), and  

  • Avoiding areas of shadow and glare