Security considerations for building managers seem to be on the increase all the time.
As an electrical services group, we regularly have to deal with these issues.

Detailed below are some of the common problems we deal with and some solutions we recommend/implement.
It is very important to give a problem the attention it needs and consult specialist advice to achieve the best results in this area.
With the wrong specification such as with CCTV installations large sums of money can easily be wasted producing systems that do not achieve the desired result.
So investing in proper planning/research is essential to ensuring a good outcome!

The topics below have only be covered in brief and are only intended as a quick guide. Please do not hesitate to contact the Electrical Group Manager should you have any queries or if you would like some advice on a relevant security issue.

CCTV
The installation of camera system has been one of the fastest growing areas of security work, with Britain having one of the highest numbers of cameras per person in the world.

The use of CCTV systems has in the last couple of years become more tightly regulated, with systems having to comply with the Data Protection Act.
This involves amongst over things having the CCTV system registered with the Data Protection Offices.
Suitable warning notices must be displayed (with owners contact information), and videotapes storage/use must conform to a strict logging system.
This is to provide an audit trail if video evidence is required in a court of law.

Further information on the Data Protection Act is available from the Home Office web site, or from the Electrical services group manager.

Reasons for Installing Cameras
Installing a CCTV System can provide a means of remote monitoring a Building/area.
In Newham many sites are linked backed to the Newham Control Canter where sites can be regularly monitored by trained personnel all day, seven days a week.
This facility can be combined with high tech facial recognition software, where the system can alert staff to the presence of particular individuals.

The CCTV system allows images to be kept on tape or stored digitally which can be used in prosecutions if the images conform to standards laid out in home office rules.
This is a good reason to ensure only suitably skilled/qualified persons are used to design CCTV systems.
A bad design could lead to the images being of poor quality and useless to the C.P.S.

Installing CCTV can provide reassurance to tenants/members of the public.
It can also act as a good deterrent to criminal acts or anti social behaviour and should be seen as one tool helping to deal with these problems.
Where CCTV is installed it is generally essential to look at the lighting conditions in the areas involved.
This will be required for good pictures, but also it has been shown that good lighting significantly helps to reduce crime and fear of crime.
You do not want a camera staring into the sun.

Digital CCTV Systems
Digital Systems are now available where the recorded images are stored on a hard drive as opposed to a video recorder.
This reduces allot of the management problems associated with the VCR system, ie changing tapes etc.
Recorders can be sized to allow a months recording to be stored. After this the recorder will start to over write the stored data with new.

Intruder Alarm Systems
Intruder alarm systems are installed to most council buildings..
These generally operate by the use of Passive Infra Red (PIR) detectors that detect when a person comes in their range and triggers the alarm.
Door and window contacts operate the alarm when activated.
Most intruder alarms will be connected via a dedicated phone line back to the Newham Security Control Centre, where the alarm is monitored.
False alarms can some times be a problem, which can be caused by amongst other things insects getting inside detectors etc.
Again great care should be taken when designing an Intruder system to ensure detectors cover all relevant areas.
A planed break in could be via a route not protected.
Detectors should generally cover all Staircases and all entry points.

Any room with valuables with window access generally should be protected.
Areas such as computer rooms may need special protection.
Panic alarm switches can be connected to modern Intruder Panels, which can be used at reception desks and offices where people are often alone and vulnerable.

Controlled Access Systems
The electrical services group has designed and arranged the installation of many 'access control' systems through out the Borough.
These have been installed to housing blocks, some office areas and schools.

Most of these schemes involve key fob access systems.
The tenant is issued a small plastic fob, which when presented to a special box automatically releases the door magnets or locks.
Tenants can automatically release the door to let in guest to the block, once they are sure it is safe to do so.
When a tenant moves away from their flat, their fob can be removed from the system.
Fobs can also be deleted from the system if they are lost.
These systems tend to be very reliable as there are no moving parts as such.
Problems experienced are generally due to vandalism.
It is important that these systems are connected to any local fire alarm system to ensure safe access from the building is provided in the event of a fire.

Schools are increasingly having access control systems fitted to allow them greater control over whom enters their buildings

Electric Gates
Motorized electric gates are increasingly being used by schools and office accommodation areas to control access of cars to parking areas.
These can be Fob controlled as mentioned above allowing control over parking in restricted areas.
The gates can be linked with intercom facilities to a school office, allowing remote operation.

Panic Systems
There are a number of different panic alarm systems on the market today.
Many modern intruder alarm panels have the facility to have a number of panic alarm buttons connected to them.
The panel can either give local warning or send a message to a control centre via a phone line.
Wireless version are available that are often used in classrooms or social services properties. The panic switches can be repositioned regularly to their best position with ease.
Pendants (panic devices) can be supplied with the system that can be worn by play ground staff etc in schools.

Design Issues for panic Alarms

Typical considerations:-

1) What kind of response is required when a panic switch is activated? A loud noise local to the activation (such as a electronic) sounder could cause panic, leading to maybe serious injury.
A flashing beacon with a discrete sounder in a near by office, can give the opportunity for help to be got to the incident with the minimum of panic, hopefully enabling a situation to be resolved peacefully.

2) Position of Panic Button
The position of the panic switch could be critical, and is worth giving great thought to.
You do not want to have to run across the room to get to it!

3) Connection to a Control Centre
If you are left working alone, you will want the Panic activation to be seen some where, ideally a control centre such that Newham provides.
They can then arrange for appropriate action to be taken upon an activation.

If you have any queries regarding any of the above or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact the Electrical Services Manager.