What Are The Four Types of Physical Security Every Business Owner Should Know?

Businesses today are facing more physical threats than ever before. Nearly half a million criminal damage and arson crime offences were recorded in England in the past year alone. It’s important to implement a comprehensive physical security strategy that incorporates multiple layers, commonly summarised as the Deter, Detect, Delay, and Defend model. The concept of layered security, often described as a “security onion,” ensures that even if the outer layers are compromised, there are robust defences in place at the core.

By implementing each of these layers strategically, organisations can create a comprehensive system that addresses a range of potential threats, from unauthorised access to terrorism and criminal activities. Safetell offers an extensive selection of products that align with these security layers, delivering innovative solutions for various sectors, including private, public, and retail environments.

Deter: Creating a Visible Security Presence

Deterrence aims to prevent an attack by making a potential intruder think twice about proceeding. Effective deterrents communicate to would-be attackers that the site is well-protected, thereby increasing the perceived risks and obstacles associated with any attempt to breach security.

Physical Deterrents

Physical barriers such as gates, fences, and visible security cameras are fundamental deterrents. Full-height turnstiles and speed gates serve as reliable solutions for high-traffic areas, ensuring controlled access to authorised individuals only. These structures not only restrict entry but also act as visible reminders that access is carefully monitored.

Psychological Deterrents

Surveillance systems contribute to deterrence by creating a psychological impact. Bullet- and blast-resistant doors and walls serve as a formidable visual and functional barrier, indicating that the site is prepared to withstand physical attacks. In high-risk sites, options like interlocking doors and security portals offer an added layer of deterrence by strictly controlling entry through advanced verification processes. Such systems are ideal for preventing unauthorised access in areas requiring stringent security measures.

Detect: Identifying and Addressing Threats in Real-Time

If deterrence alone doesn’t work, the next layer of security is detection. The faster an intrusion is detected, the more time security personnel have to respond, mitigate damage, and protect those inside the site.

Intrusion Detection

Detection methods range from traditional burglar alarms to advanced systems that can identify unauthorised personnel based on their lack of an RFID tag or through biometric methods like facial recognition. Electronic detection solutions that can be paired with physical security measures, ensuring that even if an intruder bypasses initial barriers, their presence is quickly detected.

Surveillance

Video surveillance plays a critical role in detection. CCTV systems that can be monitored remotely allow security teams to observe any unusual activity in real-time. Beam interruption systems, utilising ultraviolet or infrared light, add an extra layer of detection by creating invisible perimeters that alert security personnel if breached.

Safetell’s solutions include advanced detection products, designed to quickly identify potential threats:

1. Security Portals and Pass Doors: These systems help monitor and control access at strategic points within a facility. Safetell’s Security Portals, such as Circle and Square models, can incorporate single-person detection and abandoned object detection, ensuring that only authorised individuals can gain access to sensitive areas.
2. Speech Transfer Systems: For environments requiring monitored access, Safetell’s Speech Transfer Systems provide effective two-way communication while allowing staff to detect unusual behaviour and respond accordingly. This is particularly useful in retail and banking environments where transactions need to be secure and monitored.
3. Entrance Control Systems: Beyond providing a barrier, entrance control solutions like Safetell’s Tripod Turnstiles are equipped with sensors that can detect unauthorised attempts to breach security. These systems are ideal for both internal and external entry points, offering real-time feedback to security personnel.

Delay: Slowing Down Intruders to Buy Time

If an intruder manages to circumvent deterrent and detection measures, delaying their progress becomes crucial. By buying time, delay measures allow for security personnel and emergency services to mobilise a response. Delaying tactics are especially important in high-risk environments, where even a few seconds can make a significant difference in preventing harm or theft.

Safetell’s delay-focused products are designed to impede unauthorised access and slow intruders:

Physical Barriers

One of the most effective delay strategies involves reinforcing the site’s physical defences. Security doors, including bullet- and blast-resistant models, is engineered to withstand various forms of attack. In addition to doors, high-strength partitions and attack-resistant glazing is ideal for creating barriers within the site, slowing down any unauthorised advance.

Crash Barriers and Security Walling

For larger facilities or external areas, crash barriers and modular walling systems offer an added level of delay by preventing vehicle-based attacks and creating reinforced perimeters. These barriers are particularly valuable in critical infrastructure sites where delays can mean the difference between an attempted intrusion and a full-scale breach.

Defend: Actively Countering Threats

The final layer in a comprehensive security strategy is defence, which focuses on protecting the most valuable assets within a site. These measures may include reinforced barriers, active security personnel, or automated lockdown systems. Effective defence strategies are essential for high-risk facilities where potential threats can cause severe harm.

Safes and Vaults

High-security safes and vaults offer robust protection against physical attacks, fire, and even explosives. These high-security solutions are essential for safeguarding sensitive data, valuable assets, and critical infrastructure. With options including fire-resistant safes and diamond-core drill-resistant vaults, organisations have a wide range of choices to address their specific needs.

Panic Rooms and Secure Rooms

In scenarios where human life is at risk, panic rooms provide a safe space within the site where individuals can retreat in the event of an emergency. Safetell’s secure rooms and partitions are engineered to provide maximum defence, capable of withstanding physical and ballistic attacks, allowing occupants to remain safe until help arrives.

Bullet-Resistant Screens and Glazing

Bullet-Resistant Fixed Glazing solutions provide high levels of protection against ballistic threats, safeguarding both people and assets. They are particularly useful in high-security environments such as banks, government buildings, and critical infrastructure facilities.

Meeting Evolving Security Needs with Safetell

Implementing the Deter, Detect, Delay, and Defend model creates a layered approach that addresses various aspects of physical security. By combining visible deterrence measures with robust detection systems, organisations can reduce the likelihood of an incident. Meanwhile, delay tactics buy valuable time, and active defence mechanisms offer direct protection against severe threats.

The current security landscape demands adaptable solutions that can meet the diverse needs of different sectors. Safetell’s portfolio of products, which includes cash protection, entrance control, security doors, walling, and transfer units, can assist businesses across a variety of industries and needs – from retail and public service to schools and offices. Safetell not only supplies security products – they work with every client to adapt to their unique needs.

If you need a more holistic approach to security that anticipates and counters every possible threat, get in touch with Safetell today.