Page 28 - Security Today, May/June 2023

The Advantage of Video Monitoring KEY TRENDS IN PERIMETER SECURITY A key trend in perimeter security is the continued and increased adoption of video monitoring. Powered by sophisticated analyt- ics and paired with live audio intervention, remote video moni- toring is revolutionizing video surveillance capabilities and vastly expanding applications. This shift from traditional video monitoring to an initiative- taking solution has allowed the security industry to address many of the common barriers in physical security, including deterrence, cost-effectiveness and covering challenging spaces. The most significant advantage of video monitoring in perim- eter security is the ability to detect potential security threats before they become incidents. According to a study by the Department of Justice, video surveillance is effective in deterring crimes such as theft, vandalism and trespassing (Roman, Reid, & Reid, 2008). By monitoring video feeds in real time, security staff can quickly de- tect potential threats, and act before they escalate into more serious incidents. This can include alerting law enforcement or dispatching on-site security staff to investigate the situation. This benefit in- creases with the addition of analytics and live intervention. Rather than being relegated to a post-event forensic analysis tool, remote video monitoring can detect suspicious, unwanted or unusual activity, and alert human security professionals to provide immediate responses to the activity with live, personal- ized audio while following additional protocols. REDUCE THE COST OF STAFF Studies show that video monitoring can help to reduce the cost of security staff. This is because video monitoring allows a small team of security staff to watch multiple locations simultaneously, reduc- ing the need for more staff. Video guarding can be particularly ben- eficial for small businesses or organizations with limited budgets. Remote video monitoring has also proven to be especially valuable in providing security for remote, dark, and expansive areas. In these scenarios, it allows for real-time surveillance of the property from a remote location. This eliminates or reduces the need for on-site security personnel and decreases the risks as- sociated with securing these areas. Remote video monitoring is integrated with other security systems, such as access control and intrusion detection, to create a comprehensive security solution. Today, remote video guarding is an essential part of perimeter se- curity. It supplies real-time information on potential security threats, reduces security personnel costs, improves response time, supplies evi- dence in criminal investigations, and offers peace of mind for prop- erty owners and facility managers. As the cost of video surveillance technology continues to decrease and the effective- ness of these systems continues to improve, video monitoring will likely become even more essential in perimeter security. Daniel Forrest is the CEO of Eyeforce Remote Guarding. BThe last few years have been unique, and we, as a society, continue to face new challenges. Organiza- tions and businesses of all types are walking a fine line between facility accessibility and supporting facility security. As a security industry profession- al, you likely have felt the impact. From small businesses to critical infrastructure, physically safe- guarding people and property starts at the perimeter. While out- door perimeter protection applications have challenges, modern technology offerings address these pain points and drive greater threat detection, real-time response, and crime deterrence efforts. PHYSICAL SECURITY IS FUNDAMENTAL TO ALL SECURITY Physical security is a vital part of any security plan and is fun- damental to all security efforts. Without it, information security, software security, user access security, and network security are significantly more difficult, if not impossible, to start or support. Whether overseeing security for a retail center or operations for a sports arena, airport, or critical infrastructure, perimeter security is always, as it should be, a top priority. Without the right security protocols and technologies, assets are vulnerable to theft or sabotage. Staff is at risk of assault. Bystanders are subject to dangerous suspects at large. TODAY’S MOST COMMON PERIMETER SECURITY CHALLENGES When we think about serving a site and protecting the perimeter, we often do it through the lens of ideal situations, such as mod- ern facilities and adequate budgets. This is not always the case in real-world situations. Most often, securing a site involves a series of compromises between what is affordable, effective and able to be implemented. The goal is to create layers of protection that protect against the threats of the greatest concern, and, ideally, keep those threats at the perimeter. Until very recently, some of the greatest user challenges of perimeter security have included the ability to protect sites afford- ably and adequately 24/7, the endangerment of security guards, the difficulty involved in securing remote sites, and reactive versus proactive security solutions. Compatibility is another barrier to physical perimeter security. Perimeter security should be able to integrate with other security systems, such as alarms or sensors, and should not impede their effectiveness or accuracy. Failure to integrate these systems can cre- ate vulnerabilities and reduce the overall effectiveness of the secu- rity system. Therefore, it is important to ensure that all security sys- tems are designed and implemented to work together seamlessly. Another key factor in physical perimeter security is flexibility. Perimeter security should be adaptable to changing threats, regula- tions or environments, and should not become obsolete or ineffec- tive quickly. This requires a continuous evaluation and updating of the security system to ensure that it still is effective and up to date. y Daniel Forrest 28 MAY/JUNE 2023 | SECURITY TODAY PERIMETER SECURITY