Technical Security – Applications to Protect Cultural Venues
- Fire detection
- Humidity detection
- CCTV (network video)
- European Standards for Intruder Alarm Systems BS EN50131 Series. This is replacing old British standards. All new installation should meet these new European standards. Insurance companies will take note of whether the systems meet the new standards.
- IEC 62676 Series provides recommendations and requirements for the selection, planning, installation, commissioning, maintaining and testing video surveillance systems (VSS) comprising of image capture device(s), interconnection(s) and image handling device(s), for use in security applications
- Some alarm systems are now voice responsive via motion sensors. This can be useful for works of art on open display when a particularly intrigued visitor steps over the barrier. The alarm responds with a warning to the visitor asking him to please step back.
- Intruder detection systems do now come with heat sensors. Infrared detection might notice a person entering an area without authorising or at least identify that it was a cat that set off the alarm!
- Installation of access control and swipe card technology is increasing and the technology becoming more intelligent.
- Communication systems are improving – between security guards, control rooms, and other members of staff (no need for those walkie-talkies or shouting across gallery spaces!)
- Common routes for illegal access – roof lights, windows & vents
- Some alarm companies which might be worth looking at:
- Salco
- X-tra sense
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Risks to the Cathedral – people
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Risks are analysed by a series of Situational Risk Analysis Sheets. These answer a series of hypotheses and evaluate the best outcome and proportionate response to Risk.
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Is it part of the job to accept Risk? The cathedral – as the museum also experiences – cannot close its doors or not loan objects for example.
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Focus is on limiting the impact if something happens.
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Since the Westminster attack the cathedral has identified local doctors/medical practitioners who could be called upon in an emergency. Invested in paramedic standard response kits etc to limit the effect of an attack. Is this something museums could do more of?
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Risk is identified through the outcome of a given situation and the level of casualties, damage etc in whichever form that might take
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Security guards are encouraged to interact with the visitors, they welcome visitors, talk to them, occasionally cover retail roles, so they gain more information about the visitor profile.
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Security is a concern for all, not just the security team. Volunteers, Visitor Assistants are generally the first responders. They engage with the visitors, know the visitor profile the best and can detect unusual behaviour, repeat visitors etc – do they know who to tell if something is off, how to respond or engage that visitor?
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Risk is also, of course, about reducing likelihood but also reducing the consequence of an attack.