Property
Physical Security

The physical protection of any building, room or area should be designed in accordance with the level of potential Risk to that area.  In basic terms this means that no design, refurbishment or redevelopment of premises should be planned without first gaining a current Security Risk Assessment statement.  The Risk will vary considerably from location to location and depends mainly on the nature of the contents and the current local criminal or other threats and trends.

 

The boundary of any premises is frequently defined by a fence or wall and depending on the nature of the site there may be multiple entry/exit points. This acts as the first line of defence against illegal incursion to a site and also defines the legal boundary of a property.  Security design of perimeters must include lighting, access control barriers, landscaping, car parks, CCTV, perimeter alarms, fencing, etc.

 

A building should be considered a secure box with all sides (and top and bottom) afforded equal security protection commensurate with the current threats. Doors and windows in the building must be considered weak points and appropriate security measures taken to secure these. Ideally high-risk areas/buildings should form part of the defence in depth planning for the site.  Security design of buildings must in include access control, windows, doors, reception, internal working areas, etc.