It’s been some time since we posted comparing sensor-based perimeter security to video-based outdoor intrusion detection systems. Has anything changed?

The security market is video-centric. We get it – CCTV is a good tool, and it keeps getting better. Every year hundreds of firms plow millions of dollars into CCTV R & D, and millions more are invested in mobile platforms such as drones and artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration with security systems. Video is visceral and often better than “eyes on” assessment since systems may be capable of collecting and displaying information we cannot see (think thermal and IR imaging of the invisible). Storing information on a system featuring quick retrieval provides an even more compelling case for video.

If your system has been designed and installed right and everything’s working properly, video addresses what happened and when it happened. With internet connectivity you may have the means to see what’s happening now, and remotely intervene when a crime is taking place. Under ideal circumstances you may even identify a perpetrator.

Yet we’ve learned crime often doesn’t happen under ideal circumstances, whether by accident or plan. Factors such as weather and “operator error” can make a bad situation worse. Layered systems use tools such as intrusion detection, CCTV, communications, access control, and screening that together mitigate an enterprise’s vulnerabilities.

There’s no substitute for starting with a physical security risk assessment (RA) followed by a vulnerability assessment (VA). The RA outlines the threats, while a VA shows under what circumstances assets are at risk. The VA will also outline and perhaps quantify the potential impact.

DETECT DELAY RESPOND

Some situations add Deter, Deny, Assess, Communicate, and Intervene to address a particular vulnerability. We do so understanding ASIS International ESRM (Enterprise Security Risk Management) models and tools.

If you’ve determined it’s people you’re trying to find, consider the environment. Even the best lighted perimeters with low light/no light video technologies may be compromised if there’s blowing sand or snow, and/or fog. At a minimum you should be considering a layered “defense in depth” approach, with physical and electronic systems providing enhanced protection for the times when conditions are bad.

As outside reps for leading industry manufacturers, we have field experience with scores of sensors and systems.

It is with this insight that we repeat: many of our clients once felt that video was their best line of outdoor perimeter defense. Video was chosen to tell them how something happened, and who did it. It took one incident to tell them they need more than video alone can provide.

Vigitron provides secure high-performance security and communications networks.

Security and communications systems stand out, since edge devices may be in remote locations, far outside the range of standard Ethernet connections. Devices need a reliable connection and good performance in all weather and environmental extremes, so they often have heaters, blowers, and illumination systems to support the performance demands. Add-ons consume more power, so Vigitron makes PoE network components to fulfill the need.

For many security sites it is not practical or possible to have closely spaced IDFs. Imagine a parking lot or garage with Emergency Call stations. Stations may be many yards apart, with some beyond the 100-meter copper Ethernet limit. IDFs don’t make sense for warehouse with cameras trained on long aisles, and high-rise elevators with onboard cameras and PoE intercoms. A Vigitron fiber solution is often a great choice, or (especially with elevators) it may be possible to use existing cables with Vigitron coax or twisted pair Ethernet adapters.

Vigitron Product Page

With over 50 years of experience and 70,000 installations worldwide, Southwest Microwave is the global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance outdoor electronic perimeter security systems meeting the demands of security-sensitive applications and harsh exterior environments.

Southwest Microwave’s field-proven perimeter protection systems and security management tools provide accurate, immediate detection of perimeter disturbances across wide ranging sectors – government, military, utilities, corrections, industrial, transportation and VIP residential – areas that by their intrinsic nature dictate high performance and unyielding reliability.

Product excellence is only one component of the Southwest Microwave customer commitment. A pledge to provide world-class customer care is backed by extensive technical service capabilities, including system planning and design assistance, commissioning services, comprehensive training programs and responsive tech support. By delivering proven technologies and broad-reaching value added services, Southwest Microwave offers a solid foundation for long term perimeter security solutions.

DSI turnstiles are synonymous with throughput, style, security, and reliability.

Clients come to us either when they’ve had a security breach, or when long security checkpoint lines are hurting productivity. Which of these apply to you?

Do you have a tailgating problem? Are you working with a tight space? Most barrier optical turnstile projects have a custom element, so this is routine for us. It may make sense to have a conversation. No obligation or cost.

For more information or a site visit, please contact Denning or visit DSI’s web site.

DSI website

SECO-LARM manufactures innovative security and surveillance equipment for commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities.

With 50 years of R & D experience and over 200 domestic and international patents, SECO-LARM stands out as an innovator. One of the greatest benefits of buying from SECO-LARM is simply the wide breadth of well-designed products.

Distributors and dealers and their clients in nearly 100 countries worldwide know they can count on SECO-LARM access control, physical security, CCTV, A/V, and wireless components and solutions. With such a broad line-up of CCTV cameras, electromagnetic locks, door strikes, card readers, keypads, intercoms, exit devices, RF wireless, and sensors, you’ll rarely need to go elsewhere to complete your projects on-time and under-budget.

Denning is eager to show you SECO-LARM products. Please call or email Steve Vivacue or Ken Wippich to schedule an appointment.

While video systems often seem to be the first choice for outdoor protection, they usually cannot provide the high-level security needed for a critical facility. Weather, lighting, and other factors create camera vulnerabilities, and experienced intruders know how to exploit these to their advantage.

Southwest has reliable perimeter intrusion detection (PIDAS) sensors, all of which perform in the conditions where camera systems sometimes fall short. Southwest sensors detect in rain, snow, fog, and in heavy shadows, and when used with your video system provide a superior layered defense.

Southwest Microwave Background

Southwest Microwave’s analog microwave sensors have been the gold standard for over 50 years. We regularly see sensors installed back in the 1990’s (including some complicated deployments using reflectors) still in operation at some of the most secure facilities in the world.

Southwest’s new digital microwaves improve false and nuisance alarms to rates never thought possible.

Southwest Microwave’s family of intelligent perimeter security solutions also includes the INTREPID™ Micropoint™ Single Platform Detection Systems feature field-proven detection technologies, made even smarter with single-platform networking convenience. While factory training is advisable or may be mandatory depending upon your site, these cable installation and calibration videos provide background information to help your installation go smoothly.

Micropoint Cable Handling

Micropoint Calibration

If you’re an integrator that’s helped designed a project around Denning manufacturers, we should be talking.

We represent manufacturers that appreciate the commitment it takes to get larger infrastructure, transportation, institutional, and enterprise projects off of the ground. If you’ve invested time there may be a registration reward program for you.

We at Denning have provided surveillance and detection systems for buildings and structures throughout the US. Southwest Microwave is being used here to prevent bridges from closing on barges and ships as they travel on the Illinois river.