Security in Retail and Business Parks
Published: Nov 11 2008
News >> Security

This article examines a unique way of providing cost-effective security in industrial, retail and business parks.

The Correct Use of CCTV

CCTV is so commonplace in every day life that it has come to be thought of as a panacea for all security applications. Unfortunately, this view is also held by many professionals who are unaware of the pitfalls in designing systems to meet a specific requirement. To avoid disappointment, it is necessary to look at the reasons for recommending a CCTV system in the first place and identify how it will resolve the security issue in question.

The Problem

In all cases, the first thing to do is to define the problem. This is the risk assessment phase. Are we concerned about occasional vandalism or graffiti, substantial criminal damage, attempted or actual break-ins, etc? Is it an “open” site or is it fenced off and closed to the general public outside normal working hours? If so, who does this and at what time?

There are many more questions, which need addressing before an appropriate system can be designed to suit the specific application. Let us now return to the proper use of CCTV. There are any number of reasons why CCTV may be used, but they commonly fall into the following categories:-

1. To assist static guards covering a large site.
2. To replace static guards with remotely-monitored CCTV in an attempt to save money.
3. Whilst carrying out the functions of 1. or 2. above, to identify criminal activity and record information which will hopefully lead to the identification and conviction of the perpetrators.

The main problem with most CCTV systems is that they require the constant attention of an operator who is both alert and familiar with the site. This, of course, costs money whether it is a static guard on site or remotely-monitored. Many “professionals” believe they can save money by installing hi-tech CCTV systems, which are remotely-monitored. Frequently, however, there is little saving and in both cases it is equally difficult, if not impossible, to know if the operator has simply closed off or is doing something else. Detector-activated CCTV has been used for many years in an attempt to overcome these problems and attract the attention of an operator when it is required. Securicall has refined the art of detector-activated CCTV in the newly-developed Validator system which:-

• addresses the high cost of open and closed site monitoring,
• overcomes any deficiencies in the monitoring of sites by creating an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) generated audit trail for every activation; and
• ensuring prompt and informed attendance on site when there is a problem.

The Validator – Automatic and Intelligent Security Response

The Validator effectively cuts out the middle man, ie the central station operator. This not only saves money but also provides a more appropriate response to prevent criminal activity on these sites. The system works in the following way.

Firstly, we position detectors to cover all main entrances to the site. These will come into operation after an agreed time or, for closed sites, when the system is finally set.

The detectors are then positioned to cover all vulnerable points of the building and these will typically include entrances to the main building, vulnerable windows and fire exits.

Covert cameras positioned within the building or concealed externally are positioned to provide the following functions:-

1. General monitoring of the open area to observe any personnel or motor vehicles, etc.
2. Recognition of number plates and individuals within close proximity of the building.
3. Facial recognition of personnel in the vicinity of vulnerable points.

The detectors and cameras are connected to the Validator system. Here, all the signals are processed in accordance with a site-specific programme. Three levels of alert can be programmed for each detector or combination of detectors as the application demands. The Validator has the ability to communicate directly with a first response team as well as our ARC and, where appropriate, the Police can also be called.

The unique processing ability of the Validator eliminates virtually all false alarms and ensures that signals are only passed to the first response team when action is required.

Video footage showing the precise cause of each activation can be remotely viewed over the Internet using IP technology. The behaviour of each detector within the system is recorded in an event log, which can be remotely viewed. Where a detector proves to be over-sensitive and subject to false alarms, the sensitivity can be adjusted remotely without even attending site. Similarly, if a detector is faulty and subject to continuous activation, it can be temporarily disconnected remotely. Repairs on site can then be carried out without requiring access to any building.

Reliable Communication

The telephone line to which the Broadband is applied is tested automatically by the Validator. This is done by sending a test signal to the ARC at prescribed times to which the ARC will then respond if it is not received. In the event of problems on the Broadband, alarm signals generated by the on site detectors will still activate and the Broadband problem will then become evident. In the event of video loss, immediate attendance on site would take place.

High Security Communication

On some sites it may be desirable to ensure that the Broadband, as well as the line, are continually monitored for failure, which may be due to natural fault conditions or an attempt to compromise the system. The Validator can utilise an optional IP transmitter, which is continually monitored by the ARC. In the event of the telephone line being deliberately cut or compromised, a loss of signal will immediately be transmitted to the ARC. Communication from the detectors will still be transmitted via a secondary signalling path using Vodafone cellnet technology.

Routine Testing of Detectors

It is most important that regular testing of external detectors is carried out. Frequently, this is left for engineers to carry out on a routine maintenance visit. It may not be possible during normal working hours to carry out this test, however. The Validator therefore has a special test feature enabling detectors to be tested overnight during routine guarding patrols. The system is placed on test (remotely if necessary) and this causes a beacon to flash each time a detector is triggered. By this means, a large site can be tested in a matter of minutes while the guards carry out a routine patrol and this procedure is registered in the event log so that quality of service can be guaranteed.

On Site Video Information

Where a guard attends site following criminal activity, it is frequently useful to review video information leading up to the event. The system allows access to this information by means of a wi-fi link between the building where the control equipment is housed and the security van. The guard will be able to identify precisely what has occurred and will have information available for the Police if necessary.

Last changed: Nov 11 2008 at 1:56 PM