In a world of a troubled economy, terrorist attacks, war in the Middle East, intense migratory flows and the consequential rise of extremism, the world has become a more turbulent place, writes James Kelly, chief executive of the BSIA (British Security Industry Association), pictured.
The need for better protection and guarding of public buildings is becoming vital to the workers and the users of the space and to safeguard the building itself. A holistic approach is now seen as one of the best ways to protect assets against any threat. The integration of different aspects of security helps to protect a building.
Integrating all aspects of security is paramount to making sure that a building is fully protected. Access control systems can be usefully integrated with other security measures, such as CCTV technology, for an even more comprehensive security plan. One major benefit of this type of integration is pre and post-event video recordings which are initiated by the access control system. Video recordings can be linked with event information, which makes searching for a particular incident on the recording much more efficient. For example, if an intruder has entered the premises and attempted to breach an access controlled area by forcing a door, operators can search for ‘Door forced – control room 4’ allowing them to easily take a look at images of the intruder and respond accordingly.
While deploying security measures within premises is extremely beneficial, implementing new systems on the outside can be equally as crucial. It is often said that the perimeter is one of the most essential places to be secured; the sooner a threat can be detected, the more time and space personnel have in order to respond. An increased response time means a greater possibility of a safe resolution to security breaches, giving the operating body the time to gather adequate force and countermeasures to deal with the danger. In the event of violent attacks, extra seconds could save lives, and any delay or forewarning of such an attack is critical in mitigating it.
The unfortunate downside to overt perimeter security measures is, however, that they are by nature easily detected, and thus can be avoided or compromised by individuals with time, skills and preparation. Thus, an alternative measure is to use covert systems that are less obvious to the observer and consequently less likely to be bypassed by dangerous individuals.
A particularly effective form of covert security includes heat and motion sensors that are hidden and connected to alarm systems. Known as Unattended Ground Systems (UGS), when activated they enable an early warning system, giving personnel time to respond effectively.
When it comes to protecting our public buildings no corners can be cut, particularly when choosing a quality supplier. It is absolutely crucial that your security provider meets with the essential British and European Standards for their product and service; members of the BSIA are all inspected to high quality standards and can offer a reputable service. To find a supplier near you, visit http://www.bsia.co.uk/find-a-local-security-company.
