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Security Features - December
2007
Right
to Work Checks
There is no legal responsibility for the SIA to carry out right
to work checks; that is the role of the employer. Whilst we have
no legal duty to check the right to work of individuals in our
licensing decisions, we are continually improving our processes
to ensure as far as we reasonably can that SIA licence holders
are not illegal workers.
We work closely with security companies to remind them of their
legal obligations and best practice when establishing the rights
of their potential employees to work but employers should not
accept the possession of an SIA licence as proof of this right.
Since July this year we have worked with the Border and Immigration
Agency (BIA) to carry out right to work checks on 100 per cent
of those applicants that are non-EEA nationals. Swift action has
also been taken to ensure that all current and previous SIA applications
undergo right to work checks through the BIA.
Where it is subsequently discovered that a licence holder does
not have the right to work in the UK, or the right to work has
expired, the SIA licence will be revoked. However, it is inevitable
that criminals and illegal workers will seek to obtain licences
to which they are not entitled and we continue to work closely
with BIA to share resources and information to target illegal
working.
A copy of the statement given by the Home Secretary to Parliament
on Tuesday 13 November 2007 is available to download from the
SIA website.
Security Employers: If you are an employer of security operative
you should ensure that you understand your obligations to prevent
false identities and illegal working. You should ensure your pre-employment
checking systems are robust and follow good practice guidance.
If you discover or reasonably suspect a licence holder or job
/ licence applicant who has used a false identity or is an illegal
worker, tell us immediately
Security Buyers: If you buy in contracted security services you
should seek assurances from your security supplier that they have
carried out the necessary checks on their staff as required under
Section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.
For clarification on the right to work of individuals contact
the Border and Immigration Agency employers helpline on 0845 010
6677
You may also find the following useful:
Border and Immigration Agency www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk (features
the booklet Comprehensive Guidance for United Kingdom Employers
on Changes to the Law on Preventing Illegal Working)
Home Office micro-site about checking the right to work www.employingmigrantworkers.org.uk
Register of licence holders, register of revoked licences, reporting
illegal activity www.the-sia.org.uk
Net2
pivotal in innovative scheme to support electric transport users
On-street re-charging of electric vehicles now available
Electric transport is now a reality, but how do you re-charge
your electric car batteries if away from home or have no access
to a ground floor electricity supply?
Knightguard Security in Brighton, in partnership with Park and
Power, has devised an innovative kerb-side re-charging unit featuring
Paxton Access’ Net2 access control software.
The concept is simple. Users of any form of electric transport
simply draw up alongside a re-charging unit; access the power
supply by presenting a proximity token to the Paxton Access PROXIMITY
reader on the unit, and plug-in. The system is very easy to use
and completely safe. Customers obtain a proximity token by pre-paying
for the service.
The software behind the scheme is a Paxton Access Net2 network
access control system. The software maintains a database of users,
giving access to anyone who has pre-paid for the service. A full
audit trail is available recording the history of every user.
The system is monitored and managed centrally over the Internet
from Park and Power’s offices in Brighton.
The system first went live in September for the Lewisday courier
company in London and several London borough councils are expected
to place orders imminently.
“This is the first installation of its kind anywhere in
the world”, believes its creator, Mark Knight of Park and
Power. “It’s simple to install and operate and incredibly
easy to use. In fact, it’s considerably easier and safer
than re-fuelling on a petrol forecourt.”
Trish Bambury, Marketing Manager at Paxton Access, is delighted
with this latest application of Net2 technology:
“Access Control is no longer simply about controlling access
to buildings or rooms but is rapidly expanding into the service
sector.
For more information on Net2 telephone 01273 811011 or visit http://www.paxton.co.uk
For more information on Park and Power visit http://www.parkandpower.co.uk
Industry works with Police to reduce false alarms
The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has welcomed
a reduction in false alarm figures released by both the Association
of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) for England and Wales and the
Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS), demonstrating
the strides the private security industry is making in co-operation
with the Police.
Figures released by ACPO demonstrate a 13.6% reduction in police
attendance to false alarms in England and Wales, seeing a reduction
of 51,578 calls compared to the 2005 figures and continuing the
downward spiral since the ACPO Policy was introduced. The ACPO
statistics also show that over 2600 people have been arrested
in a twelve month period due to alarm activations.
A further reduction in the number of false alarms for security
systems in Scotland has also been reported by ACPOS. The statistics
show a 2% reduction in police attendance to false alarms for April
2006 – March 2007 compared to the previous twelve months.
Statistics also show a reduction of 8% in the number of false
activations in all but one of the Scottish police forces, a positive
result of the success of the ACPOS Policy.
David Dickinson, BSIA Chief Executive, comments: “The reduction
in false alarms is testament to the private security industry's
cooperation with the Police on this key issue. The industry has
enhanced technology and improved training for customers and this
has brought real benefits in saving the Police time and valuable
resources. The figures demonstrate that intruder alarms really
can assist in the detection of crime as well its prevention, and
a police response to an alarm activation can bring real results."
By working closely with the authorities and through the stringent
implementation of the ACPOS and ACPO Policy, the private security
industry, with the Police, can continue to focus on the factors
which contribute to false activations, recognise improvements
and continue to see these figures reduce further.
Wycombe
Council looks to the future with new AV system from Tyco Traffic
& Transportation
Large screen displays and LCD panels linked via Category 6 network
cabling help improve presentations and communications for Council
members and the public
Tyco Traffic & Transportation (Tyco T&T), part of Tyco
Fire & Integrated Solutions and a leading supplier of integrated
systems for closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance, traffic
control, public address and specialised communications, is building
on its success in audio visual (AV) systems for local government
with the design and installation of a new generation AV system
to enhance communications during meetings held by Wycombe District
Council.
The integrated system provided by Tyco T&T includes new large
screen displays, projection equipment and desktop displays. The
entire system is linked using the latest Category 6 network cabling
which is designed to minimise the amount of cabling and help make
the system easy to expand and future-proof.
The system includes a total of 11 screens including two large
screen projectors and pull-down screens at each side of the large
general chamber. The large screen projectors can show two different
AV presentations simultaneously – e.g. a powerpoint presentation
on one side of the chamber and video or photos on the other.
Tyco T&T have also provided two large 42 inch LCD panels in
the public gallery to allow the public to watch proceedings complete
with sound reinforcement. The system also features seven small
LCD screens mounted on the top bench. They have been designed
so as to not restrict visibility in the chamber, while providing
Council leaders with a clear view of presentations and video.
Two committee rooms were also provided with new electrically operated
drop-down screens to suit existing projectors, creating a unified
and consistent appearance across the entire system.
Keith Blackwell, Tyco T & T’s Account Manager for AV
and Conferencing Systems, said: “An important part of our
overall design concept was to provide future proofing with the
latest technology to avoid obsolescence. Our choice of Category
6 cabling allows easy expansion at any time with additional video
device displays or projectors connected at any point of the system,
for example for auxiliary meetings rooms, reception areas etc.
It also allows easy upgrading to high definition television displays
in the future if required, while cutting the complexity and cost
of the cabling as only a single cable is required for each video
device.”
David Carroll, Deputy Leader of Wycombe District Council, said:
“Tyco T & T not only provided a complete technical solution
from design and specification right through to commissioning,
but their experience in AV and conferencing were an added bonus
which helped us arrive at the best overall technology solution
now and well into the future. The system has already proved its
worth in terms of improved presentations and communications for
both Council members and the public.”
For more information visit www.tycofis.com.
Businesses should learn lessons with ID fraud back in the spotlight
With the security breach by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs
in the media glare, businesses should be learning lessons about
the importance of protecting confidential information, says the
British Security Industry Association.
"Compliance with the Data Protection Act is imperative for
every business," says BSIA Information Destruction Section
Chairman, Anthony Pearlgood. "By contravening the requirements
of the Act and not sufficiently protecting confidential information,
businesses run the risk of prosecution by the Office of the Information
Commissioner."
"Ensuring that confidential information is disposed of responsibly
is an essential part of compliance with the data protection legislation.
The BSIA has produced a Security Waste Audit which will help businesses
assess whether their confidential waste is being disposed of securely.
The Association advises engaging the services of a BSIA information
destruction company to shred all confidential material. By making
sure that you have stringent confidential waste disposal procedures
in place, you will protect not only your business, but also your
customers and suppliers from the risk of identity fraud."
All BSIA information destruction section members must hold ISO
9001:2000 accreditation and will be inspected to BS 8470, the
British Standard for the destruction of confidential material,
as part of their ISO accreditation audit procedure. Visit www.bsia.co.uk/shredding
for their details. The BSIA's Security Waste Audit is available
to download from www.bsia.co.uk/publications
Detectomat’s
wireless detect - RCP6B fire system chosen for Grade II listed
church
The Gospel Church Hall in Bath chose detectomat’s Wireless
detect - RCP 6B wire free fire detection system when Avon Fire
and Rescue ruled that their existing fire protection was inadequate.
The introduction of the RRO (Fire Service Regulatory Reform Order)
and the results of a risk assessment and fire audit persuaded
the Church administrators to call in Southern Fire to bring the
premises up to standard.
The Church is a Grade II listed building, which meant that the
potential damage from the installation of a hard-wired system
was unacceptable and a wire-free solution would have to be sought.
The Hall is in continuous use 7 days a week by members of the
public for various clubs, meetings and activities so there was
a real need to avoid disruption, mess and dus. Another benefit
of using a wire free solution - minimum time and disruption!.
Having considered offers from alternative suppliers, Southern
Fire recommended detectomat because they offered a unique and
cost-effective solution for the task with good technical support.
The RCP 6B system has optical smoke and heat detector with integral
sounders and break-glass, manual call points. The system was installed
within 3 hours resulting in little disruption to the Church Hall’s
activities. The system does not require the installation of sounder
circuits because all the sounders are integrated within the detectors.
In a listed building this is vital because there is no need for
wiring, eliminating damage to the fabric of the building. And
because cabling was avoided, labour costs were reduced to the
minimum resulting in considerable financial savings.
David Kelly of Southern Fire who installed the system says that
the potential for using detectomat’s RCP6B system is huge,
particularly in HMOs including the many residential flats for
nurses and students, which abound in Bath. There are also long
term financial and practical benefits - because there is no alteration
to the building itself, a HMO can easily be turned back into a
single dwelling when required meaning that the property’s
value is protected. And investment is retained because when no
longer needed the system can be removed and used in other premises.
This project demonstrates the clear benefits of using radio wire-free
fire alarms to provide fire protection in listed buildings and
the potential for replication is vast.
Choosing the Right Electronic Security Supplier
It is critical that every organisation protect its employees,
customers and assets. Providing effective protection is critical,
as safety and security is of the utmost importance, as well as
the need to get the best value for money.
Identifying your needs
There is a myriad of security solutions available to protect organisations
and as a result, there are a number of factors that may warrant
further consideration.
Electronic security is likely to be a key component of any security
solution, for example, protecting premises with an intruder alarm
and CCTV that may be in operation internally and externally, day
and night. Access control may also be a feature where restricted
access to a particular area or building is required.
Identifying the needs of your organisation is the easy part and
you may have received advice from your local police crime reduction
officer or a security consultant. However, identifying security
needs is only one step of the solution and many organisations
fail to consider the next steps seriously.
Next step
Every organisation wants to make best use of its resources, a
pressure that is often placed on public organisations to achieve.
Costs detract from this and there is often a temptation to minimise
short-term cost by shortsighted solutions. However, it is practical
to note that this can backfire and end up costing the organisation
more in the long run.
There is a correlation between high standards and cost. With a
cheap electronic solution you may be deceiving yourself as the
system may not be fit for purpose and may later lead to the expense
of upgrading or even requiring a complete replacement. You can
identify value for money, as opposed to cheap, later on when comparing
quotes from different suppliers and when you have ensured that
they are certified by a third-party.
So how do you know an intruder alarm, or CCTV solution is fit
for purpose? The only sensible option for many premises is a monitored
intruder alarm. A cheap ‘bells only’ system relies
on someone taking action when they hear it. Will the alarm activate
when you want it to or will it regularly become a source of false
alarms? The police will stop responding to monitored intruder
alarms with persistent false activations (other than 999 calls)
and you or your staff will get fed up with those middle of the
night calls to sort the problem out.
CCTV is a growing security solution and can be beneficial to many
organisations. It can deter crime and identify and monitor live
incidents, as well as provide evidence which may help in the apprehension
and prosecution of criminals. However, to achieve this it is essential
to ensure that the system meets the appropriate standards. For
example, the system must cover all vulnerable areas and provide
picture quality suitable for use as evidence. This also requires
the recording and storing of data to comply with the appropriate
standards.
Choosing the right supplier
Before any system is installed, any good installer will conduct
a risk assessment in line with agreed industry standards to properly
identify your exact requirements
Look for suppliers approved by the NSI. Approved companies are
inspected regularly by highly qualified, full-time inspectors
to confirm the ongoing delivery of the highest standards. Furthermore,
NSI’s Customer Care service reinforces the reliability and
integrity of the companies it inspects. All NSI schemes exceed
the appropriate requirements of the police and insurers.
To find out more, visit: www.nsi.org.uk
Bell
Security launches new service Programmes
A ‘radical re-think’ of UK security systems service
delivery
Bell Security has launched a new range of four service programme
options - Argentum, Aurum, Platinum and Platinum5 - as part of
a restructuring of its approach to providing ongoing service support
for security systems. Bell claims this represents a radical re-think
of the way security systems service is delivered in the UK. The
programmes are available to both existing Bell customers and other
organisations seeking an alternative to their current service
provider.
The programmes are based on a core of Bell-designated, fundamental,
deliverable service response elements. Onto these the customer
then builds progressively from ranges of 'enhancers', dependent
upon specific operational and organisational needs. Dependent
variables include: the number and relative priorities of security
disciplines involved, the age/condition of legacy systems and
budgetary commitment periods. Enhancements can include the provision
of materials, labour, access equipment, CAD support, staff training
- even forward discount components and system elements renewal
- within a programme package.
Andy McQueen, General Manager at Bell Security said:
"This new service programme approach combines one of the
most effectively trained and field-experienced workforces with
some of today's most advanced service delivery management tools.
We believe we now offer the best way to ensure a customer gets
optimised performance from a system investment."
Visit: www.bellsecurity.co.uk
Duke
of York Square
Overview
The Cadogan Estate uses CDC’s IP-enabled building management
system, Integra, to deploy a state-of-the-art, intelligent security
system at the exclusive Duke of York Square retail and office
complex off London’s King’s Road.
The Challenge
Cadogan Estates Ltd is the property investment arm of the Cadogan
family and comprises large areas of Knightsbridge and Chelsea,
including Sloane Street, Sloane Square and Cadogan Square, as
well as Duke of York Square, one of the largest new public open
spaces in London for 15 years when it opened in 2003.
Cadogan bought the former Duke of York's HQ from the Ministry
of Defence following the Strategic Defence Review in the mid 1990s.
The first phase of development, which included 107,000 sq ft of
new retail space, 30,000 sq ft of offices and 30 affordable housing
units, was completed in March 2003. It is now home to 33 elite
retail outlets, comprising of shops such as Jigsaw, Kate Kuba,
All Saints, Agnes B, LK Bennett and offices for international
companies such as Global Brands, Perenco, & Polygon. Further
phases of construction are underway which will provide more than
110,000 sq ft of offices as well as 75 homes.
To attract high calibre tenants, Cadogan needed a cutting edge
security system to offer a highly secure area to shoppers and
retailers. A traditional security solution made up of various
disparate systems with multiple operating methodologies would
not have been appropriate particularly as a plethora of systems
are costly to manage and maintain and do not provide a complete
overview of the entire area.
The Solution
Cadogan required a technology solution to integrate all the sites
CCTV, imaging, security, fire, access & communications systems
and other technical site assets into a single coherent system
whilst providing a “management by exception” MMI (Man
Machine Interface). This would ensure that the team in the Control
Room were presented with all the appropriate information pertinent
to each event, together with the required responses, thus enabling
irrelevant items to be excluded.
Cadogan’s Mechanical & Electrical Consultant for the
Duke of York’s Scheme, recommended and deployed systems
integration specialists CDC and its software solution Integra,
the first IP-enabled integrated site management system to manage
multiple systems via a single unified interface. CDC built an
integrated systems design utilising Integra to manage the area’s
security and communications, HVAC and BMS systems in real-time,
using a standard TCP/IP based infrastructure.
The focal point of the solution is the Control Room which is co-ordinated
by a team of trained security guards; using Integra’s rules-based
applications, a set of commands and multi-disciplinary cause and
effect security scenarios have been introduced which prompt the
guards with a series of options in response to events such as
a security breach, major incident, fire alarms, or critical alarms
from the HVAC systems.
Integra also connects to the site-wide energy management system
and assists in the metering and billing of electricity, gas and
water usage by the site’s commercial and domestic tenants.
This information is recorded and exported to Cadogan’s accounting
system for inclusion on tenant’s invoices. A somewhat unusual
use of the Integra interface has been to provide a simple control
interface to the sites fountain / water feature and lighting system
for selection of different effects and performances as well as
receipt of critical alarms.
The solution was designed and deployed for phase one of the Duke
of York’s scheme but within 12 months, was extended to cover
phase two and is now being extended to cater for the sites expansion
with phase three.
The Benefits
Shoppers and retailers benefit from the highest security in the
pedestrian areas as the Control Room can instantly direct a patrolling
security guard to any potential security breaches when alerts
are generated by the site security systems.
The site uses an extensive network of latest-generation IP based
CCTV cameras which feed a cluster of IP-based digital network
video recorders to provide high resolution images to any authorised
workstation, allowing staff to view live images and to review
recorded CCTV footage in the event of an incident. Integra controls
these devices to allow fast camera selection; video retrieval
and interaction between the CCTV system and other disciplines.
As well as access control, a sophisticated video software behavioural
analysis tool is used in conjunction with the CCTV system to watch
for the activity profile of potential thieves and to help identify
any immobile suspicious packages.
When an alert is generated, the guards are shown the exact cause
of the alert and presented with the relevant camera views. This
allows them to simply toggle between cameras, zoom in and out
and mange the incident and to only follow up on genuine and serious
alerts rather than false alarms.
The site’s management have access to the Integra client
software, across the network, so they can view the current status
of the site and review past incidents via the comprehensive audit
trail. Further workstations are being installed in phase three
to allow video and alarms to be monitored and acted upon from
other security and management positions across the site.
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