Public & Government Security:
A Fresh Approach
The Situation
National and local government institutions face many diverse security challenges.
Whether art galleries, museums, council offices, property or infrastructure, they are all potentially at risk to the growing global threats associated with busy, public and geographically spread places.
Managing and mitigating these security issues is a major challenge, in addition to controlling ongoing issues such as theft and vandalism.
Integration is key
For public museums, galleries, leisure centres and tourist venues, the dilemma is about protecting valuable objects, equipment and facilities whilst allowing large numbers of people as much access as possible to enjoy them.
Meanwhile, managers of government or council buildings are responsible for keeping staff, contractors, residents and visitors safe from threats from intruders, violent attacks and terrorism.
To tackle these security challenges, individually, CCTV camera systems offer a visible, preventive effect but when fully integrated with intrusion systems, together they enable total security control, internally and externally.
Conversely, where one security system is already in place and another subsequently added - but not integrated - the result can be a sub-optimal security solution.
Intrusion system
Intrusion security systems in public buildings such as galleries or museums are not generally installed to prevent the theft of valuable exhibits (which will have separate layers of security), although they can contribute to their protection.
The primary purpose of the intrusion system is to protect the property - whether an art gallery or a council office - both indoor and outdoor, when in use or vacated and to control access for authorised personnel and visitors. Detectors and sensors, strategically placed and triggered by motion, sound or vibration ensure that any unauthorised access generates an alarm.
When combined with CCTV, intrusion systems can help control the problems associated with petty criminals, vandals and unsociable behaviour in busy locations, also protecting the wellbeing of local businesses and residents.
CCTV system
A visible deterrent often installed at key access points such as building entrances and emergency exits, cameras can also monitor the interior environment whilst offering additional benefits by recording footage or images to aid investigations or act as evidence.
But with such a wide choice of security cameras available, expert advice can be required to ensure the best product for the situation is selected.
As the #1 manufacturer and supplier of security cameras globally and with 30 years intrusion experience, we're perfectly placed to provide free help and advice. Whenever you need us - just get in touch.
The Challenges
Typical operational and management issues with discrete or non-integrated systems are:
1. Ineffective incident control
Government and public facilities generally provide good or open access and the daily flow of people can reach thousands in such national attractions.
In any incident, the effectiveness of the response at the scene is dependent on several things: the proximity of security personnel to the incident; whether witnesses were present; the number of people involved; the seriousness or scale of the incident, and other factors.
Operating separate security systems can lead to a delay in response to such incidents, whereas an integrated system enables rapid access to critical information, aiding a fast response. Such delays to events or venues that need an urgent response can result in the incident growing in magnitude, with more people affected.
2. Operating several systems
Where separate intrusion and CCTV systems are installed, security staff need to learn how to operate both, since each will have its own proprietary software. This can be difficult to manage, taking more time and effort.
By not knowing how to operate the systems correctly, false alarms can occur. Whilst inconvenient, more importantly it can result in unnecessary site visits by private security contractors or even the police which can lead to additional costs for the authority.
3. Economical solutions
Government and local authorities are subject to severe budgetary pressures and charged with careful expenditure of public money, so economical solutions are needed that deliver high quality intrusion detection with minimal false alarms.
Integrated, foundational and scalable security systems offer the best ROI as they can be extended over time, not only retaining existing but also adding new functionality.
4. Unfamiliarity with security systems
Many people are unfamiliar with alarm systems, some are even afraid to operate them. Having separate systems can therefore increase stress when having to use them.
Multiple personnel may also need to arm/disarm the security system to enter areas and complete work, so the most efficient solution is to install a single, integrated system.
As a result, easy to install and operate, integrated security systems that provide easy access to multiple users from a variety of locations generate the most effective results.