Layered Security And Security Cameras - By: Kathryn Dawson

We can trace physical security as far back as the ancient times. Years ago there were no retail security systems to protect gold and riches then and there were no access control equipment to automatically lift drawbridges of castles then but there were moats to protect castles from surprise attacks from enemies. While the first thing that comes to mind when talking about security systems is the use of security cameras, they are actually the last tier to a good physical security system.

The main goal of physical security system is to deter potential attackers from carrying out the deed. A good physical security system has four tiers, namely, environmental design, access control, intrusion detection and identification, aimed to protect structures from damage or intrusion, to dishearten attackers by creating obstacles, to make it apparent that any kind of attack will likely be detected by a security force and different kinds of security equipment such as burglar alarms and CCTV security cameras and to finally detect the criminals.

Establishing physical security through environmental design is the most basic and easiest form of security and is the first tier of the security structure. This can be done by putting up fences and barriers, installing security lighting, putting up warning and restricted signage and can even be planting hedges along the perimeter of a property. This can be a subtle way telling an intruder that this is your territory and that he or she has no right to enter it without permission.

The second tier of the physical security structure is access control. This can be mechanical, electronic and procedural. Mechanical access control is what people most use to date. It is basically entering premises with physical keys and door locks or by human. While this is the most common and inexpensive way to gain access to your house, it is easy to lose keys. Electronic access control is allowing entrance by means of an electronically programmed system that allows authorized access to allowed areas at certain time tables or by electronic identification systems such as proximity cards or biometrics. Procedural access control is the use of policies or procedures to ensure that the primary type of access control, mechanical and electronic, is being diligently followed. This can be in the form of roaming guards making sure that no one without the rightful access has entered a facility.

The third layer is intrusion detection which can be implemented with a number of security equipment readily available for purchase. This can be intruder alarm kits, safety alarms and fire alarms that aim to alert a user of any danger. These systems can be as basic or as advanced as you would like them to be. These alarms can range from the use of infrared technology, ultrasonic sound frequency, microwave detection, photo electric beams, infrasonic sound frequency, heat, smoke and fire detection, inertia sensors, passive magnetic field detection, microphonic and taut wire fence systems and fibre optic cables. The options are truly endless. Passive infrared detectors are the most common in use and are extremely popular.

The last tier is the use of video monitoring systems that can be integrated with all tiers provided that you use software that will allow you to program them accordingly. The most common security system that is still used is closed circuit television or CCTV monitoring systems. Like alarm kits, they come in a variety of packages with very basic to advanced features. CCTV security cameras have proven to be extremely valuable in historical analysis by using the footage to possibly identify what happened, how it happened and who the culprit was. Many crimes have been solved by the using the footage from CCTV security cameras to identify criminals.

These are the basic elements of a good physical security system. Larger establishments use more complex ones that include more complicated access control equipment to control a bigger population. For instance shopping centres have a better security system that are managed by private security firms who are experienced in the use of retail security systems to protect mall tenants and their goods. The issue of security is truly a complex matter but having these four elements to protect your home and family should prove to be a worthwhile matter to look into and a priority.

About the Author

Kathryn Dawson writes about Traders Warehouse, a company that delivers security equipment at unbeatable prices. If you’re searching for trustable and quality security cameras, access control equipment, retail security systems and fire alarm, then they are the place for you.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Kathryn--Dawson/78883

Additional Articles From - Home | Home & family | Home security