Designing a High Security Perimeter

In many situations, high security is a given. Government buildings, embassies, airports and prisons are areas that are all obvious targets for crime, sabotage and terrorism. Other targets are perhaps less obvious – computer data centres, utility stations or pharmaceutical manufacturing plants are also places that have a constant need to secure their perimeters.

But other areas are less obvious still. Recent terror attacks have shown that well-populated city centres also have a need to be secured; and even schools and places of worship face security challenges on a day-to-day basis.

The 5 Ds of perimeter security

Whether securing a water facility or a church, there are certain common principles that apply. A common model used is the 5 Ds of perimeter security, an onion skin approach where several layers of security work together to protect a site. In summary, these are:

This is not an exhaustive list of each of the available security measures, but the core principle is still the same: making intrusion difficult. The actual measures used will vary greatly depending on the site being secured, and which factors are most important.

Aesthetics

Often, a choice will need to be made on whether visibility takes precedence over privacy, or vice versa, but there are perimeter fencing options for both. Our range of welded mesh fencing provides  high visibility of outside risks, and is a good choice for combining with CCTV. If privacy is equally important, EuroGuard® Combi is ideal; combining welded mesh panels with timber slats for privacy as well as strength. With many high security sites, one of the main priorities is to remain inconspicuous. In these situations, the perimeter measures can be discreet, but still highly effective. Linebacker® PNR is a cable crash fence and gate system that is capable of stopping a 7.5 tonne truck travelling at 50mph, but it has the appearance of a traditional post and rail fence. This type of fencing is often installed as a standoff fence, and keeps the main perimeter intact, should a vehicular attack occur.

How high should security fencing be?

In other circumstances, aesthetics have to take a back seat to the practicalities of security. Tall fences can look foreboding – but that can often be the intention. A 3m fence can be a deterrent all by itself, and the perimeters of prisons are generally 5m or more; see our Importance of Perimeter Security for Prisons blog for more details. Anti-climb and tamper-proof fixtures increase security and can be added on, or built in. Fencing such as Barbican® Defender Xtreme offers a built in security topping that doesn't look too intimidating, while traditional security toppings such as barbed wire or security spikes provide an anti-climb solution paired with a menacing appearance.

Noise reduction

If noise is also a concern, then security-rated acoustic fencing is a good option. Jakoustic® Class 3 does not only reduce noise  – an important factor for data centres, or anywhere where the transmission of noise needs to be kept to a minimum, but is also certified to LPS 1175 C5 (SR3). Timber acoustic fencing also presents a totally flat face, making climbing extremely difficult.

Intruder detection

Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems – or PIDS – can monitor and detect unwanted intruders in a variety of ways. Vibration and magnetic sensors have a high degree of accuracy, and can provide early warnings of any attempts made by intruders.

Our Jaktronic® range of PIDS can be installed on the fence perimeter, vehicle gates and even water conduits.

Access control

Controlling access presents the challenge of being able to delay and deter intruders, without hindering legitimate visitors. For high security areas, bi-folding speed gates allow fast and quick access to those who need it, whilst presenting a considerable barrier to those who don’t. Without the need for a top or a bottom track, it means that there’s no restriction on the height of a vehicle.

Ideally, access control would be augmented by other measures – such as card or proximity readers, and intercoms.

Public spaces

It can be a challenge to provide security to areas in constant use by the public. It may not be practical to deploy the same measures that would provide ample protection to a high security site.

Bollards such as PAS 68 static bollards are discreet, but effective, and ideal for situations where security needs to be balanced against aesthetics.

High standards, high security

Any effective security measure has to be of the highest standard to be effective. A security perimeter that fails after ten years means more cost and risk whist it’s replaced, a situation that’s simply not acceptable.

Jacksons’ fencing comes with a 25 Year Service Life Guarantee, providing total peace of mind that our products will stand the test of time. Additionally, many of our security products far exceed the certification levels demanded by governments, prisons and other high-security installations..

Creating a security perimeter is something that’s vitally important – and needs careful consideration. Contact us to find out more about our extensive range of security products.