Security Features - October 2008

Picture proof
New British Standard – BS8495 Code of practice for digital CCTV recording systems for the purpose of image export to be used as evidence - gives recommendations for the specification, selection, installation and operation of digital CCTV recording systems that generate CCTV images that may be used as evidence in a court of law.
With CCTV playing an increasingly important part in crime prevention and detection, evidenced recently through the significant contribution it has made during the London bombings investigation and the Tonbridge convictions, the uptake of digital video recording has increased and more importantly the use of digital images for evidential purposes in high profile cases has become widespread. This means that users of CCTV systems should ensure that their systems comply with this standard in order to have confidence that any CCTV images will hold sufficient weight as evidence in an investigation.
The British Standard is based on a BSIA drafted a code of practice for ‘Digital Recording’ systems which covered key elements such as image quality, image authenticity, storage, image export, operator/owner awareness and the critical audit trail.
BS8495 is aimed at assisting specifiers, installers, users, insurance companies, police authorities and purchasing organisations to ensure systems are used - both proactively to deter crime and more effectively to gather vital evidence – in a more structured way.
The BSIA works to ensure that the benefits of advancing technology are utilised effectively. A wealth of guidance on CCTV is available on the BSIA website. For more information on the work of the BSIA CCTV Section, visit www.bsia.co.uk/cctv

Flood time bomb: government inertia could lead to cover withdrawal
Bill Gloyn, chairman of real estate Europe for Aon’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group and president of the City Property Association, comments on the lack of government action following the latest UK floods.
“The widespread flooding of late is a salutary reminder that the UK government is sitting on a time bomb if it fails to protect against floods before insurance is withdrawn from homeowners and commercial properties in high risk areas.
Despite £3bn of claims following the floods of summer 2007 and the subsequent Pitt Review recommendations, the government has failed yet to state how it will strengthen flood defences, let alone take any action. Many of the recommendations are still on the table, to be considered in 2009. Recently we have seen a replication of the damage from last summer, with many areas affected for the second or third time within two years, but with no reassurance that even Pitt’s watered down suggestions are being put into place.
In response to costly claims and lack of government action, insurers have now put a timeframe of five years on the once ongoing Statement of Principles, which states their intent to maintain flood insurance protection as long as the government implements measures to maintain and improve flood defences. The revised Statement, published in July 2008, anticipated that by 2013 the situation will have been resolved and that there will be no ongoing need for any further agreement between insurers and the government on the issue.
In practice, this worryingly means that insurance simply won’t be available for those high risk properties that need it the most. It will be miraculous if the government turns this around following their recent inertia but people need to know of its intentions to protect their homes and businesses. Without any clear idea, it may be necessary to take things into their own hands and implement protective measures themselves.”

Security in the SME workplace
In the current economic climate, an SME (small to medium enterprise) has to fight to be successful and the diverse constraints on its business can prove hard to survive. Day to day issues often take precedence over matters such as building security which is rarely front of mind, except when it is breached. However, the prevalence of identity fraud and theft today means it is vital to ensure the protection of a building from both unwanted visitors and trespassing members of staff. Leading security solutions provider, Abloy UK has launched Smartair, an access control system perfect for budget and security conscious SMEs.
With SMEs employing up to 250 staff – often all working within one building – it may be necessary to allow certain workers specific entry rights to areas other workers can not access. This is potentially a logistical nightmare for an office or facilities manager who is tasked with ensur ing the site’s security and the confidentiality of information. However, Abloy’s offline access control system, Smartair, is a great solution for a cost-effective, easy to use security facility which allows SMEs to maintain a high level of protection without lots of complicated codes and restricted areas.
The system is suitable for use on just one door or a complete suite of internal and external doors. It uses the latest contactless technology and is a scalable, computer-managed system. Each door has its own battery power source and built-in reader which identifies the user’s card and opens the lock – if they have been granted access.
An average SME may have offices belonging to the Managing Director, Financial Director and HR Director, each containing highly confidential documentation and information which could prove invaluable to a fraudster. It is therefore vital that only eligible members of staff can gain entry to these rooms while other employees are prevented from access which, a Smartair system can ensure takes place. However, it is also vital that all members of staff within these offices can escape quickly in case of emergency so Smartair does not affect egress routes.
As Smartair monitors door usage through a powerful audit trail facility, it is also easy for SMEs to track down any workers who have accessed sites where information or property may have gone missing. This offers both a deterrent to crime and a means of detection within a company.
The roles of office and facilities managers in SMEs are filled with many responsibilities and time is often of the essence which is why Smartair’s time-saving benefits are perfect for busy staff. The quick and efficient facility to update a door’s access rights by just using the special card updaters (available in the Smartair Update on Card version), means minimal time is spent on updating the security system onsite so other key tasks can be focussed on.
In summary, SMEs can no longer sit back and neglect their security systems and it is vital that they choose both a cost-effective and fully updatable facility like Smartair, which can cope with the ever-changing demands on their businesses and use of their buildings.
For more information about the Abloy range visit www.abloy.co.uk.

Inner Range Factory Certified Training Goes Online
Inner Range Europe Ltd, the access and security hardware and software vendor announces that from October 2008, its factory certified training will be available online.
The provision of online training will allow systems integrators to study for the Inner Range access and security accreditation at a convenient time and pace to suit their workload.
It will also provide the opportunity for a business to widen and advance their access and security skill set and solution offering, without losing valuable system integration resource whilst they attend a scheduled four day training course.
The online course is self guided and provides step by step informative explanations and diagrams of how to implement the scalable solution. Self assessment quizzes allow systems integrators to continually test their understanding and knowledge retention in preparation for sitting their final classroom based examination.
Tim Northwood, General Manager for Inner Range states: “Inner Range’s Factory Certified online training will allow systems integrators the flexibility to train at anytime and from anywhere with internet access. It also eliminates the predicament facing many companies who wish to expand their access and security skill set, but, cannot justify the loss of staff whilst they attend training”.
Tim Northwood adds: “For those who prefer traditional classroom style courses, we run regular four days courses at our state-of-the-art training facility in Berkshire”.
For more information regarding the Inner Range’s Access and Security solutions and training please contact Tim Northwood on Tel: 01189 57 50 55

Net2 Hands Free Access at National Star College
National Star College is a registered charity and national independent specialist college that helps young disabled students to achieve their potential through innovative programmes of education and independence training. In order to accommodate students from all over the UK the college has invested considerable funds in accommodation. Residencies include five on campus, one in Cheltenham town centre and another in Gloucester.
This year is an important one for the college. As well as celebrating its 40th anniversary the college has also launched the Star Appeal, a campaign aimed at raising £15.4 million for an ambitious development project. As part of the plan Gerald Noble, Projects Engineer and Lynette Barrett Residential Services Manager decided that college security also needed updating. Mark Hone Director of Stroud Alarms, Nailsworth, Gloucetershire was brought in to advise. From their discussion it was clear that the access control system would need hands free capability.
“We wanted a system which would improve security while providing convenient access for all. The Net2 system recommended by Mark appeared to be very easy to manage, could expand with our needs and had the added advantage of offering contactless hands free access,” said Lynette.
Initially Net2 was installed to one building so that it could be evaluated. “From the beginning it was clear to see that it was having a positive effect – making access easier for students and staff alike,” said Lynette. As a result Net2 now control about 30 doors at three of the five residencies.
Many doors in the residencies have been hands free enabled with automatic door openers. This was a necessity so that every individual would benefit from the system. Mark comments, “Net2 hands free is the easiest way to offer convenient access that was essential for the college. Some of the students attach their hands free tokens to their wheelchairs and the PROXIMITY readers pick up the signal and unlock the door as they approach. This removes manoeuvring into awkward positions to present tokens.”
The introduction of Net2 has meant that students aren’t so dependent on staff to move around the college. “The Net2 system has increased privacy and made the students more independent - something they strive for and are proud of,” said Lynette. Gerald added, “We’re looking after vulnerable young people and I want the environment to be as safe and secure as possible. Net2 has achieved this as well as giving students more freedom too!”

Higher External Safety and Security for Construction, Quarrying and Mining with New SICK OS2000 IP67 / SIL2 Outdoor Scanners
Safety and security scanning for all external environments from large construction and civil engineering sites to conveyors and other heavy moving plant above or below ground is now available with SICK’s IP67 rated / PLd and SIL 2 certificated OS2000 laser scanner.
Developed by SICK, the leading manufacturer of intelligent sensors and sensor solutions, the OS2000 enables a high reliability, electronic safety and security screen to be maintained outdoors despite the harshest conditions and exposure. The system is ideal for the detection of movement of people, vehicles and objects for safety, security and collision avoidance, including emergency stops and machine control.
The OS2000 is extremely easy to install and set up, yet capable of sophisticated and multi-sensor deployment with its intelligent BUS connections. Its versatility allows it to be used for a wide variety of situations and applications, vertically or horizontally, and reconfiguration to meet changed conditions is easy.
The OS2000 is believed to be the first scanner of its type to be CE certificated to performance Level d (EN ISO 13849-1) and SIL2 (EN162061), which allow it to be used where safety demands are critical.
Use of high reliability electronics and with self testing and system status indication capability ensure its operability in situations where mechanically based safety systems might fail or not offer the flexibility and controllability required.
The OS2000’s scanning angle of 100º or 180º and range of up to 20 metres enables very effective coverage of wide areas with an economical use of scanners. The operating temperature range between -30ºC and +50ºC, and IP67 environmental protection housings, mean security whatever the weather or environment, from marine to desert, winter or summer.
For more information on the SICK OS2000 please contact: Ann Attridge or Andrea Hornby on 01727 831121 or email ann.attridge@sick.co.uk or Andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk.

IBM Selects IPSecurityCenter as the Platform for their Command and Control Center Solution
CNL, a leading developer of Integrated Situation Management software, has been selected by IBM Global Technology Services to provide the platform for their latest physical security solution, the IBM Physical Security Services - command and control center solution (CCC).
CNL is a pioneer in the rapidly growing, fully-integrated, IP-based security solution market. They have been one of the key advocates of open technology-based security solutions, opposing the closed proprietary systems that currently dominate the global security industry. The CCC solution is a result of their collaboration with IBM.
IBM Physical Security Services – CCC solution is designed to provide one of the most advanced physical security integration solutions in the market. It enables organizations to control, monitor and maintain disparate security systems and assets through a single interface. Virtually any device can be controlled by CCC via built-in workflow designers including CCTV, intruder alarms, fire alarms, access control, personal alarms, building management systems, digital recording and business systems.
CCC creates a management layer that sits above these security applications, providing customizable presentation of surveillance, alarm and event management. It escalates incidents to the point of need, increasing situational awareness, allowing greater collaboration both within organizations and with ERTs and reducing the overall cost of security operations.
A key value of CCC is the intrinsic compliance to security policies and enforced procedures based on clearly defined response plans. The system also provides detailed recording and reporting functionality, which helps minimize risk and exposure.
Keith Bloodworth, CEO of CNL says “We are delighted IBM has selected IPSecurityCenter. IBM brings with them their extensive IT and business process experience, which when applied to physical security creates some very effective solutions. This is the catalyst the industry needs to start adopting some of integrated solutions we have all been so excited about.”
CNL and IBM will be demonstrating this integrated security management software on the IBM booth (411) at ASIS 2008 in Altanta, GA.