UK Threat level Severe

The UK Government has increased the current terrorism threat level to Severe.

The increase from substantial, means that a terrorist attack is highly likely. You should therefore remain alert to the danger of terrorism, look out for suspicious bags on public transport or any other potential signs of terrorist activity you may encounter.

There are five levels of threat:

· critical - an attack is expected imminently
· severe - an attack is highly likely
· substantial - an attack is a strong possibility
· moderate - an attack is possible but not likely
· low - an attack is unlikely

The threat levels are set by Security Service (MI5) and the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC). Who work together to consider information gathered through intelligence in the UK and abroad and how terrorist organisations have behaved in the past.

The system of threat levels has been created to keep you informed about the level of threat the UK faces from terrorism at any given time. The system helps police and other law enforcement agencies decide how to allocate staff.

Experts predict it’s just a matter of time before the next attack. Whatever your walk of life security is probably more important today than at any point in history and we all need to take responsibility for our safety and security.

Given the increased risk now would be a good time to review your security and make sure its working.

In order to implement a successful security strategy, it is imperative that an audit is carried out and a security management plan be developed. The plan needs to list the risks and actual and perceived threats, along with an operational requirement.

Your audit should be carried out by a security professional with a working knowledge of your industry sector

Remember to contact your local police force and speak to the ‘Counter Terrorism Security Advisor.’

Good physical security will be your first line of defence backed up by electronic security.

The security measures should be multilayered like an onionskin, and backed up by sound management policies and procedures, including staff training.

Fortunately, today’s security professionals can draw from a substantial arsenal of security options with technology, providing many cost efficient ways to improve security for everyone.

Take the no risk option and let 2020Vision review your security issues now. We have the knowledge and experience to solve your problems simply, contact us on 0191 2962662 or visit us at www.2020cctv.com

For further information visit www.homeoffice.gov.uk/counter-terrorism or http://www.nactso.gov.uk/documents

There aren't as many CCTV cameras as you thought!

In an exclusive report, first released to CCTV Image magazine and SecurityNewsDesk.com, DCC Graeme Gerrard of Chesire Constabulary reveals the results of new research into the number of CCTV cameras in the UK.

Contrary to the widely quoted figure of 4.2 million CCTV cameras, Mr Gerrard and his co-author Richard Thompson calculated the number of cameras as 1.85 million.

This figure is the best one available so far, and is based on a thorough survey of CCTV cameras in Cheshire. Based on the number of cameras in rural and urban areas in Cheshire, and taking into account land use patterns in the UK as a whole, they scaled up their numbers to arrive at the figure of 1.85 million.

By comparison, the 4.2 million figure was based on a 2002 survey of two busy streets in London, which was then extrapolated to the country as a whole.

The original article is at SecuirtyNewsDesk.com:

http://www.securitynewsdesk.com/2011/03/01/only-1-8-million-cameras-in-uk-claims-acpo-lead-on-cctv/

March Newsletter - In this issue we take a look at PSIM: what's it all about?

Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) is one of the current buzz phrases in the security industry, but what exactly is PSIM... and what can it do for you?

Situational awareness and visual intelligence is becoming increasingly more important in critical risk management and business continuity, not just in relation to the protection of people and property but also for reputation, brand and business success.

In simplistic terms, situational awareness can be defined as: “Knowing what is going on so you can figure out what to do” (Adam, 1993).

As threats both real and perceived continue to escalate, so developments in technology, security strategy and procedures have evolved to manage situational awareness and combat the increased risks.

As a result, many organisations are investing in Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software platforms to manage the huge amounts of data generated by their life safety and security systems.

Managing complex security and safety systems

PSIM software comes into its own when managing complex security and safety systems, particularly in high risk environments or where an organisation has a large real estate portfolio.

Here, PSIM can be used to manage the various systems deployed at remote sites, enabling either common control, operating and response from each location or the centralisation of all control and reporting functions into one Command and Control Centre.

There are also a large number of legacy surveillance systems in existence. Being system agnostic, PSIM software provides a footprint in the road map of migration from analogue to the digital surveillance world.

PSIM software platforms are designed to identify, verify and resolve emergency and business situations in real time by providing integration at data level and the organisation of multiple unconnected security and life safety devices and applications, in turn controlling them through one comprehensive user interface.

Collecting, correlating, analysing

The PSIM collects, correlates and analyses the data, events and alarms from disparate security and information systems: intruder and fire alarms, perimeter detection, access control, video, analytics, intercom, sensors, networks, BMS, concierge, staff safety and other emerging technologies, and then manages the incoming information in order to identify the real situations and their priority.

The relevant situation information is then presented in a consistent and logical format to the various Control Room operators and other control positions, with set response parameters for verification and resolution of the situation at hand.

The response parameters are Standard Operating Procedures, empowering operators to identify and proactively resolve situations using common and consistent methods based upon step-by-step instructions, Best Practice and a given organisation’s policies when it comes to dealing with emergencies and mission-critical issues.

Aside from the high level of integration provided by PSIM is the comprehensive, integrated audit trail for all activities: tracking information, steps and sequences for compliance reporting, training, post-incident analysis and accountability.

What’s in it for you?

PSIM integration provides numerous organisational benefits, including increased control, improved situational awareness and management reporting.

It’s nothing if not a valuable management tool to be used for providing and controlling visual information and intelligence data, either for real-time use or for post-incident analysis.

It doesn’t affect the individual operation of any of the systems which continue to function independently as they always have.

Rather, it merely collects data from the disparate systems and displays it in a consistent and logical format to the various Control Room operators and other control positions with set response parameters in order to maximise Control Room efficiencies and provide a high level of security and accountability in the event of a critical situation arising.

Implementation will take time

As with any new software system, implementation takes time and a degree of operator training to obtain the optimum results.

The PSIM is an evolving system adaptable as situations change, thus training is ongoing to ensure system users are comfortable with the benefits resulting from the investment in the PSIM system.

The end result of the new system minimises the need for specialist operators specifically trained for the management operation of the various separate systems by converging the information data and output from these systems, available logically to any of the Control Room operators.

Ultimately, you realise a flexible and adaptable control and command system which provides a high level of security and improved response times, minimising manpower while also enhancing operator efficiency and providing accountability.

Peter Houlis Managing Director of 2020 Vision Systems as featured in www.info4security.com 23rd February 2011