Integrated Physical Security - Essay Example

Integrated Physical Security Introduction: Physical security is a very important aspect for everyone. Every business requires ensuring the safety of the employees within the organisation. This is a very important aspect for the business and complete care and consideration should be given to ensure the best security is available to all. There are a number of different considerations to be made while choosing the integrated physical security protection. With the growing amounts of crimes over the years, the options of securities have also increased to a great extent. Thus making it more difficult for the employers to make choices, as there are lots of different products and services that can be installed for complete safety and to try to avoid any issues and provide complete safety for the employees. Firstly this report will start with the meaning of physical security. Following which a clear explanation of the need for physical security will be discussed. Having understood the meaning and the need for the physical security, a detailed analysis of a few of the possible solutions for high – rise buildings, and multi – tenanted office building and the factors that affect them will be discussed. Physical Security: Physical security is referred to the measures taken for both in prevention of attackers from coming into the facilities, resources or even information being stored. It also includes designing of the buildings or structures to resist any hostile acts. The physical security can be anything from the type of doors, CCTV, etc. Integrated physical security systems were introduced around twenty years ago (Contos, et.al., 2007). The systems have grown to a great extent since then and the use of technology has helped improve the systems to a great extent and has also allowed for more reliable and improved systems and is more practical than the normal security requirements. The physical security includes protection of hardware, programs, networks, fire, burglary, theft, terrorism, etc. This however is mostly over looked and has been underestimated by a number of companies. Most companies are of the vision that physical security is a waste of money and does not in any way provide a financial benefit for the company. This however is incorrect, as the systems do not provide for any benefit but do ensure and avoid any kind of damage to the company. There are three main elements of physical security that need to be kept in mind. Firstly, there can be obstacles in the way of potential attackers and measures like locks, fencing etc can be taken for the safety. Second, includes surveillance and notification systems that can be installed. Things like lights, heat sensors, smoke detectors, alarms, cameras, CCTVs etc can help prevent any disaster and can help protect the people (Search Security, 2005). Finally methods should be implemented to prevent the attackers from attacking and try to prevent any damage and help recover from any problem at the earliest. Since the main aim of this report is to understand the importance of the integrated security for high – rise buildings lets understand the importance of physical security. When we talk about high-rise building, it is evident that the number of people who enter into and out of the building. Here we can safely assume that a number of different offices or even different teams are present in the buildings. Hence the safety of the employees, the data and even the building is very essential. There are a number of different factors to be kept in mind before installing any of the physical securities in the building. It is essential to understand that one of the essential factors that have to be considered is the price of the integrated security system. The cost of these systems has reduced in the recent years (Search Security, 2005). The expense on these systems is very useful as it helps reduce the expenses guards and also in increasing to a great extent the effectiveness of the guards. Need for Physical Security: As discussed earlier, the installation of the physical security does not provide any recordable financial gain to the company. It has been noted that a number of people believe this to be like any other business over head and look for ways to avoid this expense. However, it needs to be understood that the main aim is to reduce the threat that is posed to the building and the employees within the buildings (About, 2009). Thus the physical security plays a very important role in every company, however most of businesses have not been able to realise the importance of the physical security. It is important to understand that physical security includes all the aspects of safety that can happen before an intruder intrudes into the premises. This is an alarm system that gets activated in case of any emergency and is linked directly to the emergency services to ensure complete safety of all of the individuals within the buildings (UEA, 2009). These alarms and this security is very essential to ensure complete safety of all and to help the companies save any losses that might have been incurred due the lack of the systems. Also these systems allow for sure safety as the alarms are normally set off and can be switched off only by the authorised personnel. Thus the need for this type of security is very essential in the buildings as it allows the buildings to be secure 24 / 7 (Docstore, 2009). Types of Security Systems: This report aims at understanding the various options that are available for the incorporating integrated security systems in high-rise and multi tenanted office buildings. This is mainly because these types of buildings face the highest levels of risks. This section will deal with a few of the options that the high –rise buildings and the multi – tenanted buildings can use for the security levels within and around the buildings. Perimeter Fencing: This is a structure that circles around a certain perimeter around a building to prevent access. These fences are normally made from a single vertical metal bar connected at the top and bottom with horizontal bars. These normally have spikes, to ensure no one can climb into the property. Some of these are made from metal wires that stretch across the entire perimeter around the building. Factors to be considered: Since high rise buildings and multi tenanted buildings have a lot of people who move in and out of the buildings at all times, hence it is essential that the building is provided with this perimeter. This is mainly to ensure that no unauthorised person moves into the building, and also provides a safety for the parking of vehicles and any unauthorised use of the space (Walnut Creek, 2009). This perimeter is a requirement for the buildings as the area of the building is very big and it would be vey difficult to manage the security personnel at all times. Also this works out to be much cheaper than hiring of security personnel and allows for a complete control of any kind of trespassers, may it be human or even animals. CCTV: Closed Circuit Televisions are one of the most commonly used security measures in every building. This is the use of video cameras that transmit signals to a particular place that have a set of cameras. These cameras are generally in the security room, from where the security personnel can keep a close watch on all the sections of the property to ensure there are no intruders or any issues in the premises. This however is very different from the broadcast television. These cameras are mostly used for surveillance and normally used in places that require high security. Factors to be considered: Being a high risen building with a number of tenants, the levels of security requires being much higher. This is mainly due to the fact that there will be a number of people moving in and out of the premises. Since the building is a multi tenanted building the amount of information as well as data that will be present within the building will be very high and this will also require more security as the data normally held within offices are sensitive data and it cannot be leaked out. The CCTVs will provide features like the motion detection and email alerts. This is very essential as the premise is very big and the securities require ensuring for the safety of all within the building. The factors to be considered while installing the cameras in the premises are, firstly, the number of cameras that are required to be placed to ensure all the parts of the building are covered. Secondly, to assess the amount of investments required to be made for the installation of the cameras. Lighting Control: This is another very essential security measure to be undertaken by the buildings to ensure complete safety of all within the building. There has been a growing significance of designing in buildings and increased energy efficiency with reduced costs. In the designing of the buildings lighting control has become a very important aspect of the designs of all the buildings including the commercial buildings. Factors to be considered: There are two very important components that require to be considered a) the output devices that work behind the scenes to control the lights for switching them on and off and b) the input devices like the switches and sensors for the localized control. The lighting control plays a very important role in high-rise buildings, since the number of lights and the amount of electricity used in the buildings is immense. Thus this is the only mode for energy saving and is essential to help conserve the electricity to a maximum extent (Roper, 1996). Thus to ensure that this happens within the building the building can provide for one main switch board for every office or floor in the building. This will help in ensuring that all the lights are switched off and there is no wastage of electricity when everyone has left the offices. Also it will allow for a mode of safety to prevent as much as possible for any electric fires within the building. Factors to be considered, that affect this choice, are mainly that even though this does not seem as a very useful expenditure for the building, it still allows for the safety of the businesses and this helps in the manner that it prevents the businesses from losing out due to carelessness and also saves electricity which in turn allows for conservation of energy. Guard Patrol Monitoring: This is a relatively new product that has been introduced in the markets. This is a system that allows for a better monitoring of the activities of the security guards within the building. These are generally used during the guard patrol tours and this helps the main security quarters to keep a close watch on the activities of the guards on the patrol. This helps ensure that the security are correctly making their rounds and helps provide emergency back up to the security in times of needs. Factors to be considered: This is one of the essential elements to be considered while designing the integrated security systems for high – raise buildings and for multi tenanted buildings. This is very important as it provides a means to ensure that all the securities when on their rounds have ready back up in case of any emergency or any trespassers. Video Badging: This is a process which eliminates the need for cut and paste for photo ID systems. This allows the video images to be captured and stored on the computer, and allows easier retrieval of the photo ID badge whenever needed. This also allows for the employees to get a new badge without the need to take a new photograph and this helps in reduction of costs as well as helps increase the security measures within the building. This is the most beneficial when integrated with the access control systems and this allows for the systems to be configured to display the photo id of the employee entering and exiting from the building. This allows for the security to make regular checks of who is entering the building and also provides for random checks to ensure that the ID is carried and used only by the actual user of the card. Factors to be considered: This is a very essential part of the integrated security system as in the case of multi tenanted building there can be misuse of the ID cards which can cause a security threat to the companies. Hence the main factor to be considered here is the importance of the correct employees entering and exiting from the building, to avoid any kind of threat. This can be installed in the building and this provides as an extra security measure for the employees as well as the companies (Tyska, and Fenelly, 2000). A screen can be installed in a security desk at the entrance to ensure that the correct person is using the card and there is no tailgating within the premises. This is essential especially if the companies within the building have a lot of sensitive data and in areas where the entrance is restricted. This can also be used in combination of the CCTV where the security can match for the authenticity of the cardholders. This helps in simplifying the management tasks that are involved by improving the security system within the building. This has been proved to be very cost effective and the coat saving and all the costs that are incurred helps ensure higher security which is worth the expenses. Access Control: This is considered to be the hub for any of the integrated Security management system (SMS). Irrespective of whether the system is installed in a single building or even used in multiple buildings using WAN, regional servers, multiple client workstations, this has become an essential part of all the security management systems. This is considered as the centrepiece for control and includes a number of functions like access controls for all at the gates and even at the doors and alarms installed in the security facility doors. It also includes integrations with the closed circuit televisions, including the network video recording, credential management and photo ID, and lastly the integration with other systems which are normally integrated with the HR, IT and even the building management. Factors to be considered: This is a very important part of the security systems as already discussed. Thus this has to be a part of the integrated security system. The company can receive these systems for relatively lower costs than that of the other systems as this allows for a variety of options for the companies like, magnetic stripes, biometric devices, RFID technologies, proximity cards, etc. This is one of the most important elements that need to be considered by the building. In the case of high – raise buildings and the multi tenanted buildings, using the RFID cards are the most beneficial (Fennelly, 2006). This is mainly because it serves the needs of these types of buildings, they are easier to maintain, easier to trace and most of all it does ensures that no two people have the same identification. This acts a safe security measure and ensures better recognition of the employees. Also these cards can be used in combination with other systems like video badging etc. Security Scans: This is an application that can be used to provide security and fire system and ensure for complete preparedness for the inspections and maintenance that are required by law and regulatory standards. These include things like the fire safety, access control, emergency systems, etc. Factors to be considered: These are normally automated testing, which ensures complete and verifiable results. Since these are automated hence they can be fully trusted. Also this system allows for a stock – take of all the safety measure within the building and also helps analyse and keep track of the life of the various systems and this can be used anywhere at any time, with authorised usage. This is a very useful system as it would ensure that all checks are of the emergency systems are made at the correct times and all the reports are summarised for an easy understanding of the owners. Integrated Security System for the High – Rise: After having discussed the various options that are available for the businesses and buildings to choose from, this section aims at understanding the right combination of the integrated security systems which would be most beneficial and useful for high – rise buildings and multi – tenanted buildings. To help make a good integrated security system for these types of building, it is essential to firstly analyse the issues that are mainly faced by these types of buildings (Philpott, and Einstein, 2008, Norman, 2007). High rise buildings and multi – tenanted buildings generally face the issue of having a number of unauthorised people in the building. This is one issue which requires to be treated with a lot of care as has already been discussed the volumes of data that are present in these kinds of buildings generally is enormous (Killmeyer, 2006). Also the numbers of employees in these buildings are very high in number. Hence a lot of care and caution must be taken to ensure complete safety. Hence it is essential to make a good combination of different physical security systems to make a strong combined security system. In the case of the high rise buildings and the multi tenanted buildings, a combination of the following will be the best measures to ensure complete safety and security within the buildings. Firstly strong perimeter fencing should be made around the perimeter around the building. This will allow marking the boundaries of the building and will help prevent the any encroachment into the premises, both in terms of car and vehicle parking to even the entry of unauthorised people within the premises. This perimeter can be the flat metal expanded panels, which helps ensure complete restriction to animals as well as unauthorised individuals. The second important system that is required to be included for the integrated security system is the use of CCTV. This will ensure a complete coverage of every inch of the building premises and will ensure a 24 / 7 watch is possible to ensure no intrusions, enforce and ensure that law and order is maintained within the campus and in case of any emergency or mishap, to ensure that help is available immediately. Here the security officers can keep a close eye on the happenings within the campus and any illegal activities can be stopped at the earliest and correct action can be taken immediately (Garcia, 2007). Also the need for guard patrolling is very essential, this however is to ensure that the guards are in the premises at all times to be able to meet the emergencies in time and at the earliest. Also the need for intruder alarms is very essential for these buildings. These are generally connected to the emergency services like the police. This is ensuring that the police can be called in case of an emergency like hostage situations. Also since there is a number of employees working within the building it is essential to have a lighting control as well as the access control within the building. This will help ensure that most energy is saved along with ensuring that authorisation is required for the employees to entire into the buildings. Also in cases where the employees do not have their access cards, special authorisation is required from the managers to allow the employees within the building. This will allow for the restricted individuals entering the building and will thereby allow for safety of all the data and information within the building. Also as per the regulatory requirements, the safety measures for the fire doors and fire alarms need to be installed within the building. All the above-mentioned need to be inter - connected and this in turn has to be well connected to all the emergency departments, like the fire rescuers, police and ambulance (WalnutCreek, 2009). This will ensure for better and more prompt services to be provided in times of emergency and will ensure the safety of all the employees and the individuals within the premises. An integrated system will mainly have all of the systems needed for the safety of the people within the organisation connected to one central processing unit which will have alarms as well as emergency departments linked to them. Also to ensure that all the systems are working in line with the requirements of the safety for the building, the use of the security scans can be made. These scans will regularly check the systems and will also check for the functionality of all the safety systems (Kane,1999). This helps allow the building to receive a report of the working of all the systems and can allow the required action to be taken if any of systems are faulty or even about to die out. At any given point in time it is essential that all the systems are up and running to ensure complete safety of every one in the building premises. Conclusion: After having researched and understood the various systems that are available for physical security. The importance of physical security has been understood, along with a better understanding of the various options available for the integrated physical security. This has helped gain a clear insight on the needs of the high rise buildings and the multi tenanted buildings in terms of the security requirements and also the factors that need to be considered while incorporating the new integrated physical systems. This allows for an in – depth study of each of the options which in turn provides a clearer idea of the various options available in the market with a better understanding of the products on the basis of cost and specifications of the companies requirements. 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