Detector-activated Visual Security Alarms Protection for Premises

Posted by National Security Inspectorate (NSI) on 29th November 2022 -

Security alarm systems can provide effective protection for a variety of sites, helping to ensure the safety of properties/premises, their infrastructure, equipment, stock and their occupants – be they employees, other users or visitors.

They provide a visible deterrence to unwelcome visitors, backed up by the ability to detect intrusion incidents and facilitate appropriate response – whether through an on-site deployed security team, a commercial keyholding/guarding provider, and/or the police.

Deterring and preventing potentially costly, time consuming and disruptive incidents, such as break-ins to buildings, is one of the ways in which remotely monitored and detection-activated visual surveillance systems (using CCTV cameras) can be used. Operating in conjunction with on-site audio devices (such as loudspeakers), they enable an operator within an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) or Remote Video Response Centre (RVRC) to intervene and where required instigate a police response – assuming the system has been granted a police URN (Unique Reference Number, which qualifies it for police alarm response by their local constabulary).

In practice, where ARC/RVRC operators are alerted to potentially suspicious behaviour, they can use the cameras to view the scene and use audio announcements via P.A. systems to verbally address anyone present at the site and issue warnings and/or instructions e.g. to leave the site. Where situations escalate, a response team could be summoned to take further action.

Practical response

‘Root and branch’ changes laid out in British Standard 8418:2021, the ‘Design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of detector-activated video surveillance systems (VSS) – Code of practice’ mean the updated Code has far wider practical application than at its original introduction in 2003.

Two types of monitored system now qualify for a police URN when certificated to BS 8418:2021 – namely: Type A and Type A+.

Type A+ are ‘upper level’ systems designed to suit insurance requirements for higher-risk commercial, industrial, military, utilities and other similar sites.

Type A is a new category that applies to ‘standard’ systems. The simpler installation and technology requirements of Type A systems are encouraging greater use of visual surveillance system monitoring and facilitating more widespread use of detector-activated video surveillance systems. This technology can help drive down crime, improve site protection and reduce insurance-related costs. It also increases police effectiveness in deploying to verified incidents. Importantly, Type A systems must meet prescribed technical standards and should not be seen as ‘watered down’ requirements for lower risk sites.

The latest revision provides the dual advantages of enabling ARC/RVRC operators to quickly and easily check whether any incident has escalated to a genuine security breach, and then pass any verified incidents on to the police for immediate manned response – in line with insurance-related requirements.

Apart from detector-activated CCTV systems, intruder and hold-up alarm systems have also been subject to changes introduced in 2021 to BS 8243 (covering the design, installation and configuration of intruder and hold-up alarm systems designed to generate confirmed alarm conditions). This complementary standard will likely result in fewer false alarms and prove more appropriate in some site situations. Either way, technological progress of systems means they provide more cost-effective and reliable means of providing images and raising alarms where incidents occur.

Police alarm/response requirements

Police alarm response can only be summoned following a ‘confirmed incident’ when it originates from the activation of a compliant security system; namely one compliant with NPCC requirements which cover England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and similar arrangements applied by Police Scotland. Compliance means systems monitored by independently approved ARCs or RVRCs – namely those approved by a police-recognised Certification Body, such as the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), itself holding accreditation from the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

Once the various conditions are fulfilled, such that a system is issued with a Certificate of Compliance by an approved installer, application can be made to the Police for the system to be issued with a URN. This means that if/when an alarm is activated, the ARC or RVRC having verified an alarm activation can pass it on to the Police for response.

Some commercial and residential buildings may already benefit from pre-existing security measures, including building intruder alarms. Adding a BS 8418:2021-compliant surveillance system further strengthens deterrence and protection, can ensure immediate police response where required, and provides evidential-quality images to support subsequent prosecutions.

Conclusion

Visual surveillance systems further help safeguard commercial and residential sites, and now offer more flexible protection, including the advantages of video-confirmed alarms. By choosing an approved installer operating to the relevant standards, buyers can have confidence in their professionalism and technical expertise, safe in the knowledge they provide compliant systems backed by Certificates of Compliance: i.e. it will meet their operational requirements, will be recognised by the police, and in many instances help maintain insurance cover.

Author: Matthew Holliday, Director of Approval Schemes, National Security Inspectorate

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