Video Surveillance, Access Control, Detection & Control Rooms

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Ensuring the effectiveness and proportionality of physical security technologies assists in the risk mitigation of securing a site

Last Updated: 09 January 2026
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Physical security technologies can:

  • offer area surveillance (via Video Surveillance Systems),
  • detect intruders and / or high threat scenarios
  • control access to secure areas, when used in conjunction with physical barriers

Physical security technologies often converge into a security control room and, while individual technologies may be working, the control room may not be effectively using this information

This section gives information on these technologies along with guidance on the effective running of a Security Control Room.

Guidance
Automatic Access Control Systems
Automatic Access Control Systems (AACS) provide detection and audit to limit who can go where.
Guidance
Locks
Locks and locking hardware need to provide security against forcible and/or surreptitious attack
Guidance
CCTV
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) is a system in which images are monitored and recorded for surveillance and security purposes. NPSA have updated the page to include a new Introduction to CCTV video
Guidance
Perimeter Intrusion Detection PIDS
Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems is a generic term which covers a wide range of technologies designed to provide advance warning of an intruder gaining access to a secure area
Guidance
Intrusion Detection
Updated guidance on Intrusion Detections Systems (IDS) is now available. IDS are sited within a building and offer out of hours protection when the building or buildings are locked at night
Guidance
Security Lighting
Security lighting plays an important part of any site’s security regime. Good quality and well planned lighting will assist your guard force
Guidance
Tracking Systems
A tracking system can assist and aid the response force following initial detection of intrusion.
Guidance
Active Access Delay Systems
Advice on the use of active access delay systems which can disorient and delay attackers from entering the site(s)
Guidance
Gunshot Detection Systems
Gunshot detection systems typically comprise of sensors (optical and/or acoustic) that accurately and reliably detect live ammunition (gunshots) being discharged
Guidance
Control Rooms
A well-run control room can provide the fundamental principles of Deter, Detect and Delay
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