POINT OF VIEW


Securing the Perimeter


By Tom Coxford S


ecuring the perimeter of any facility for an end user can be challenging, so knowing what the requirements are from the outset is critical. Before designing any outdoor perimeter protection, integrators must speak with their customers and ask the following questions because the answers provided will define the requirements needed at that particular facility: • Does the budget allocated provide for equipment, installation, integra- tion and maintenance? If you do not have the resources to do the entire job, you are not spending your money wisely. Having no system is almost the same as having a system that is not in- stalled properly or maintained.


• Does the property have a pre-de- fined area to secure? To do the job well, you want to be clear on exactly what area defines your perimeter so that you are not detecting things you don’t need to be, and conversely se- curing the things you should be.


• Is there signage and/or fencing around the property to stop “un- wanted” people, animals etc.? This will serve as an initial deterrent and will help define the type of perimeter security you will choose. For exam- ple, a decent fence will allow you to choose more cost-effective sensors, like ones deployed in fence-mounted detection systems.


• Does the location have a power source? If the answer is “no,” you may need to consider alternatives. Systems need some form of power unless they are solar powered and again, location is a basic requirement, but often overlooked. If there is power, the location and reliability of it is a critical factor.


• Is there lighting at the property’s perimeter? Lighting serves as a first line of defence as a deterrent, but also allows you to see potential threats and adversaries. It also assists with alarm and CCTV assessment.


• Is CCTV assessment part of the perimeter security solution now or is it planned for the future? This is important to know when you are choosing new products and technolo- gies for your security solution. Will they integrate is the ultimate question to ask. CCTV is an assessment tool, so can the technology used confirm the nature of an intrusion when an alarm is triggered? Intelligent video analytics serves as a complimentary sensor to aid in detecting.


• If assessment is in place or planned, are there sufficient sight- lines viewing the perimeter? It may sound basic, but a poorly de- ployed CCTV solution can mean the difference between accurately con- firming a breach or missing it


18 SECURITY PRODUCTS CANADA| Winter 2011


EVERY OUTDOOR PERIMETER SECURITY SOLUTION ATTEMPTS TO ACCOMPLISH THE FOLLOWING GOALS: DETER, DELAY, DETECT, ASSESS AND RESPOND. TO DO SO, THE EXPERTS INSTALLING SUCH SYSTEMS MUST TRULY UNDERSTAND THEIR CLIENTS NEEDS AND ASKING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IS A START IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION


altogether. For example, how big will that tree (not currently blocking any- thing now) be in five years?


• Will the system trigger alarms lo- cally to an existing alarm panel or will alarms be sent and monitored remotely? The element to consider here is connectivity and bandwidth should the site be transmitting video and other forms of data.


• Will the perimeter system operate 24/7 or only after working hours? Choices in systems can be deter- mined and optimized by designing this into your project. If you have no need to monitor areas of your facility during the day or normal working hours, then automate the arming of the system to eliminate unwanted alarms, reduce CCTV recording storage and allow for free movement of facility staff.


• Does the perimeter layout (land- scape) allow for a single sensor technology to be effective or is more than one required? From ex- perience, one size rarely fits all. A truly effective perimeter security solution addresses the fundamentals: deter, delay, detect, assess and respond. Over the years I have not seen one sensor that will address all the needs of a fa- cility’s security solution.


Tom Coxford is the Canadian sales manager for Senstar Corp. (www.senstar.com), based in Karp, Ont.


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