Perimeter Security

Perimeter security can either be achieved with constructional measures or via aerial surveillance, depending on the area or building that needs to be protected. Perimeter protection is the first line of defence and it is primarily used for surveillance to prevent intrusion attempts into this outermost protection zone and to maximize intervention time.

Perimeter security protects important buildings, publicly accessible venues and places of particular significance. Several layers of perimeter security should always be considered. There are constructional measures such as fences, gates and bollards, and there is also the possibility of aerial surveillance. The purpose of perimeter security is to impede attempts at penetration of property boundaries and to detect any incursion attempts at this outermost protection zone and to maximise the intervention time.

Fences are used to protect against unauthorised access to e.g. governmental institutions, embassies, prisons and military areas. Furthermore, fences keep crowds of people at a distance and no harmful objects can be brought into the vicinity of these buildings. Security fences are the first line of defence seen by possible intruders. They should first and foremost act as deterrent and be impenetrable.

Due to the new threat posed by vehicles used as weapons, places of particular significance, open areas and publicly accessible venues can be protected with anti-crash bollards. These bollards prevent vehicles from getting close to highly frequented areas, but they do not hinder the flow of pedestrians.

For perimeter security not only fences should be considered but also autonomous drone surveillance systems. Aerial monitoring is particularly advantageous in regions that are difficult to access and monitor. Drones can be combined with state-of-the-art software and technologies, such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), LiDAR or thermal vision sensors. LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging and it is a remote sensing technology that uses the pulse of a laser to collect measurements that can be used to create 3D models and maps of objects and environments. Drones cannot only be used for surveillance of illegal activities and deployment against human trafficking at borders but also for surveillance of large events, festivals, concerts and sports games.

Types and models

Perimeter security by constructional measures: There are different kinds of constructional measures that can be used for the protection of governmental institutions, highly frequented public areas or high-value small-item storefronts. This category includes fences, bollards, gates and road blockers.

Perimeter security by aerial surveillance: Monitoring from the air consists primarily of drones and the corresponding software. Depending on the problem to be solved, the suitable sensor can be installed in the drones. The technology is already so advanced that drones can autonomously take over surveillance activities.

Target groups

Primary target groups: Government institutions need perimeter protection to protect borders, military facilities, critical infrastructure and other high-risk sites.

Secondary target groups: Perimeter security can also be used for commercial, residential and retail spaces.

Synonyms

surveillance, monitoring, perimeter surveillance, border surveillance, aerial surveillance, surveillance of crowds, surveillance of events, protection of buildings, protection of storefronts, access control, protection of highly frequented venues, monitoring of crowds, monitoring of highly frequented venues, perimeter monitoring

References

[1] Thompson, N. (2011): Universal Design can help people age in their homes. In: AARP Bulletin Print Edition. Available at: https://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/info-04-2011/universal-design-helps-people-age-in-their-homes.html

[2] HAPI (2014): Mobility, Universal Design, Health, and Place. A Research Brief Version 1.0. Available at: http://research.gsd.harvard.edu/hapi/files/2014/10/HAPI_UniversalDesign_ResearchBrief-102814.pdf

[3] TU München (2007): Universal Design im globalen demographischen Wandel. Available at: http://mobile.ud-germany.de/resources/ud-_igdW-deutsch.pdf