Associated sub-systems which compliment and support the main security system are an important part of any integrated security system.

Automatic Vehicle Location

Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) allows a vehicle to be tracked wherever it goes by means of Global Position System (GPS), using a network of triangulation satellites which are in geostationary orbit around the earth.

The location of a vehicle is reported back to a computer system which provides a representation of the vehicle on a map display accurate to within 5 metres.

AVL systems can show scheduling
irregularities, route deviations and even
report driver or passenger duress.

X-Ray & Screening Equipment

X-ray and screening equipment is used to identify the presence of illicit drugs, weapons or explosives either concealed in luggage, under clothing or inside a person's body.

Most systems are designed to allow a bag or package to pass through the system, and then identify the presence of vegetable matter, metal objects and explosives. Suspicious materials are highlighted on monitors as different portions of the visible colour spectrum. Machinery can usually be calibrated or adjusted to detect various specific organic and inorganic substances.

X-ray systems are available in a number of configurations from portable (suitcase size) to the full conveyor belt systems seen at airports and are often used in conjunction with walkthrough magnetometers, metal detecting wands and explosive sniffers.

X-Ray System, Walkthrough Detector, Vapour Detector & Detector Wand.

Personal Duress Systems

Personal Duress Systems are used both inside and outside of buildings. These systems comprise a small transmitter (like a pager) attached to an individual so in the event of a transmitter being activated, a signal is emitted which is received by a strategically placed receiver thus generating an alarm that is displayed in the control room on a computer screen the bearer's identity and current location. Duress can be easily interfaced with CCTV and audio systems. With both sound and vision at your disposal, as well as video information from adjacent areas, control room staff can formulate a rapid and effective response plan.

An alarm is transmitted to the receiver, which in-turn may generate an immediate output such as an audible alarm and / or flashing light, at the same time transmitting the information to the main control room identifying the location of the incident and the identity of the person carrying the transmitter.

Should a person, fall or be knocked over then the system will automatically transmit an alarm.

The function of duress is not only to protect the wearer, but also to indicate the nature of the problem which could require immediate attention.

Duress alarms can be interfaced to CCTV and audio systems to allow both sound and images of an incident to be displayed; this information with other available data, which provides details of other persons in the vicinity wearing transmitters, will enable control room staff to respond quickly.

Personal duress alarms transmit
a distress signal back to a local
receiver for onward transmission
to a central control point.

Intercommunication

In addition to standard telephone systems, there is often a requirement for a stand-alone intercom system.

These systems can provide communication to a control point from a pass door, when both voice communication is required with a CCTV image and card access reader, or from a position such as a prison cell to provide inmate communication to an officer station and / or control point.

Simple off the shelf Intercommunication Systems will typically not accommodate the requirements of the end user because of the need for a robust, vandal proof system which is capable of reporting faults and, an audit trail of the usage and users of the system.

The operation of the system must be traceable in order to provide security managers with the type of detailed information required following a security incident; or in the case of some correctional centres and hospitals, the ability to prove "Duty of Care".

An intercommunication system must therefore be capable of:

Sound Systems

These are generally referred to as Public Address or Paging Systems and may be categorised:

Sound Reinforcement is the terminology used in a major system such as a stadium or conference centre.

Usually the design of the loudspeaker layout is aided by the incorporation of a suitable software programme such as "AcoustaCad".

From the Architectural Drawings, loudspeakers may be positioned to provide an even Sound Pressure Level and optimum level of clarity. The audience perception of the Sound Pressure Level should not vary from ± 1 dB.

The amplification, mixing and control systems must then be designed to suit the requirements of the loudspeakers and the necessity of client use of microphones and patch bays.

Public Address Systems, are the type used in various institutions or office buildings. The main design criteria involved is to nominate the points where paging may be initiated. These points may be via a microphone or PABX telephone interface.

The precise number of paging zones should be taken into consideration, thus only allowing the announcement to be broadcast into the areas of concern limiting the intrusion of unwanted announcements into unwanted areas. A system of Satellite Amplifiers with both a "Local" and "All Call" paging facility is virtually essential in meeting this requirement.

Emergency Evacuation Systems, are usually determined by a Government Standard. British, American and Australian Standards all contain strenuous design requirements for the Emergency Evacuation of a Building or Precinct. With the system of loudspeakers specified to a minimum layout pattern with minimum sound pressure level requirements.

All cabling is required to be installed with a specific fire rating and a connection provided from the Fire Indicator Board (FIB) in order to trigger the Emergency Response recording.