NCJ Number
79015
Journal
Security Management Volume: 25 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1981) Pages: 74-77,79-82
Date Published
1981
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the steps required to plan a physical protection system, with particular attention to intrusion sensors and closed-circuit television to assess alarms from remote locations.
Abstract
Today's physical protection systems must not only prevent theft and sabotage, but also protect personnel or deter vandalism. Essential components of an effective system are first outlined and include detection of an intruder, communications systems, devices which impede continued efforts to penetrate or exit from a protected area, and methods of neutralizing a threat. A review of factors which should be considered in planning an intrusion detection system covers objectives, false alarms, and costs. The major goal in planning a system should be achievement of a low alarm rate and a high probability of detection. This objective can be approached by a combination of sensors that compensate for each other's weaknesses and of methods for assessing alarm validity, such as roving patrols or closed circuit television. A summary of system design methodology is followed by a discussion of the characteristics of exterior and interior sensors. Physical and environmental conditions which affect sensors are identified. A video alarm assessment which can provide data on alarms from remote locations as well as record events is described in detail. Video motion detectors and formats for presenting information picked up by sensors or video monitors are also discussed. A bibliography of 15 references is appended.