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    1. Alarms & Monitoring
    2. Alarm Systems & Intrusion Detection

    Perimeter Security: Focus on the Outside

    Sept. 10, 2012
    It's time for the industry to develop new standards for outdoor and perimeter security
    John Romanowich
    (File photo)
    John Romanowich is president/chief executive officer and founder of SightLogix, a manufacturer of intelligent video surveillance systems based in Princeton, N.J.
    John Romanowich is president/chief executive officer and founder of SightLogix, a manufacturer of intelligent video surveillance systems based in Princeton, N.J.

    This article originally appeared in the September 2012 issue of SD&I magazine

    There is a strong case to be made for the development of video perimeter security standards. Until now, certain aspects of perimeter security systems have lacked basic guidelines to ensure effective and measurable operation. Lacking clear standards can be an impediment to market growth, as integrators and end-users are consumed by performing their own evaluations of equipment to determine the best solutions for their applications. I am proud to chair the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) Standards' Perimeter Security Subcommittee to clarify objectives, create operational performance standards and ultimately accelerate growth of this emerging market.                                           

    Effective security starts from the perimeter

    Perimeter security systems are literally the first line of defense for protection of people, facilities and assets. It just makes sense that boosting the effectiveness of perimeter security ensures better security overall; any threat that is eliminated or mitigated at the perimeter no longer poses a threat inside a facility. In fact, it's safe to say the potential positive impact of perimeter security far exceeds the level of attention that has been paid to it, especially in regard to standards.

    A number of automated detection technologies including coax and fiber fence sensors, microwave, seismic sensors and radar can provide some level of perimeter detection. However, intelligent video systems with advanced analytics provide substantial advantages over these alternatives. One advantage is speed, which is paramount when thwarting an intruder. Only video provides the intrinsic detail to display and record the “what and where” of an alert without need for additional verification systems. Knowing the size, location and nature of an event as it unfolds is the key to mobilizing an effective response.

    With the innovation of intelligent cameras with substantially more on-board image processing, video systems are now available to accurately detect the presence of unauthorized persons over site perimeters and outdoor areas. These smart cameras are designed to filter the effects of environmental elements and provide detection over large areas, regardless of wind, weather or the movement of small animals, trees or blowing trash. When security operations receive accurate information they can mount an appropriate response to the nature of the alert. Such a system yields the necessary “security awareness” around the perimeter to meet necessary performance standards.

    Standards play a critical role

    Video security standards are more important than ever because perimeter security is increasingly an issue of regulatory compliance as well as protection. Companies that might previously have employed only minimal perimeter security measures are now facing mandates that require a higher level of protection. The Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) are such examples of regulation where perimeter security standards are of paramount importance. There are also other areas coming under increased scrutiny such as airports, rail, bridges and tunnels where protecting the perimeter is a top priority.

    Ensuring the effectiveness of perimeter security depends on quantifiable standards of technology performance and operation. Suppliers, integrators and end-users understand the technologies and practices that drive effective perimeter security and are the ones who should be at the table when important standards issues are addressed. SIA's Standards Committee promotes involvement by volunteers from all facets of the industry to develop standards to plot the course of the industry's future.

    Of course, while video analytics are expanding the capabilities of perimeter security systems, they are also taking their place alongside more mature technologies. Also considered within the SIA Perimeter Security Subcommittee are physical barriers and other forms of perimeter sensors. Advanced video technologies and legacy solutions must work together to maximize the benefit to the customer. Newer technologies are a specific area where standards are either nonexistent or immature and are the focus of this group.                     

    Now is the perfect time to get involved on the ground floor of developing the industry's perimeter security standards. The Perimeter Security Subcommittee is in the process of charting a plan of action and creating working groups to address topics such as a video perimeter security, physical barriers and other sensors in the form of performance and operational standards.

    7 Tips for Outdoor Video Analytics

     

    Intelligent video systems are a valuable tool to protect outdoor assets either at the perimeter or the area surrounding the asset itself. SD&I magazine spoke with John Romanowich, chief executive officer of SightLogix Inc., for some pointers to keep in mind when deploying video analytics systems for outdoor security.

    Choose video analytics specifically designed for outdoor use. Smart cameras operate by sensing movement, but outdoors everything moves, including the camera itself. A camera mounted on a bridge will move from the vibration of cars, trucks or trains, while cameras mounted on a pole will move from wind, aircraft taking off or other factors. In all cases, cameras need electronic stabilization to maintain a high probability of detection without nuisance alerts from these vibrations. Further, smart cameras need to ignore stray movement caused trees and foliage, blowing debris or reflections from the water while detecting intrusions anywhere in the field of view.

    Use thermal imaging instead of visible cameras. Thermal cameras will ignore stray headlights and reflected light, and eliminate the expense, power and difficulty of lighting large outdoor perimeters. New thermal cameras have clearer images that look more like black and white video, and the prices have come down significantly making them affordable for mainstream use.

    Deploy GPS analytics for accuracy. Using GPS analytics allows you to know the location and actual size of all objects in the field of view. This is the basis for size filters that accurately detect what’s relevant and ignore objects that don’t meet your size criteria.                                                                                                  

    Make sure the camera can withstand the elements. Outdoor cameras can be nitrogen pressurized and sealed to handle temperature changes and keep out humidity, snow or even blowing sand.

    Determine an analytics camera's true detection range. The best measure is the distance at which a camera can detect an intruder walking “inbound” or directly toward the camera. In fact, crossfield detection is often twice the distance of inbound detection ranges. Sometimes vendors only publish crossfield detection resulting in designs that leave large security gaps. Ask your manufacturer to demonstrate their inbound detection range to avoid gaps.

    Use overlapping camera views to avoid blind spots. All cameras have a “blind spot” under the pole. This area must be viewed by an adjacent camera to ensure no gaps in security.                          

    Longer range cameras lower costs. A majority of a perimeter security solution’s costs relate to supporting infrastructure: Poles, cabling, connectivity and power. Longer-range cameras cover more area with fewer devices, lowering costs.