NCJ Number
84096
Journal
Security Management Volume: 26 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1982) Pages: 40-43
Date Published
1982
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This discussion of lighting for security covers floodlighting, 'topping-up' (supplementary lighting for shadowed areas), and protecting the lighting system from failure or attack.
Abstract
Floodlighting is used to illuminate vertical surfaces of buildings and structures, and its application in security lighting is to reveal persons attacking a building and an intruder positioned in an unlighted area between a floodlit building and the defender's position. The preferred arrangement is to mount the lights on poles or towers to make them less vulnerable to attack and provide illumination of the targeted surface in a substantially horizontal flow. Where there are large open areas to be guarded, it is sometimes more economical to floodlight the surfaces of enclosing structure and walls than to light the whole area. Within a security lighting system, there may be certain areas shadowed by structures or into which light cannot readily penetrate because of canopies, stacked goods, or parked vehicles. Additional light should be directed into these areas so there is no poorly lighted place suitable for hiding a person, a vehicle, or stolen goods. In the case of attack against a lighting system, perimeter lights are not easily damaged by missiles thrown over a fence. If attack on the lights by small-arms fire is likely, the use of plastic mirrors can make the light inviolable to bullets. The central control of the lights should be from a central point designed to prevent unauthorized access. Regular and proper performance of inspections and maintenance routines is important in ensuring the reliability of the lighting system. For part 1 of this article, see NCJ 83329.