Design Considerations for High-Security Interior Intrusion Detection Systems

Areas which require high security are usually those in which very valuable material, potentially dangerous material, or strategic information is stored. The primary purpose of the physical protection systems for such areas is to prevent theft or sabotage of the protected items. Intrusion detection is one of the essential elements of a physical protection system. It is essential that any new or to-be-improved intrusion detection system be carefully planned and analyzed to ensure that it will reliably perform its intended function in the specified environment and that the system's strengths and weaknesses be identified and understood. Included in the planning and analysis is the development of (a) a system philosophy, including techniques to reject nuisance alarms logically, (b) a preliminary system design, including site survey and characterization techniques, (c) on-site and off-site experiments and evaluation, including sensor test methods, (d) final system design, (e) construction and installation considerations, (f) a program schedule, (g) cost considerations, and (h) procurement. The pertinent aspects of these items for high-security interior intrusion detection systems are discussed.