Alarms and Cameras Presented by Sgt. Steve Garst, L.C.C./ C.C.P.S. Little Elm Police Department Little Elm, Texas C.P.T.E.D. The third line of defense

Intrusion Alarms - Overview Conduct basic check of the system. Can it be armed / disarmed as designed? Can it be armed / disarmed as designed? Does it dial in to dispatch? Does it dial in to dispatch? When was code last changed? When was code last changed? Are detectors located in appropriate locations? Are detectors located in appropriate locations? Are all detectors operational? Are all detectors operational? Do all keypads work? Do all keypads work?

Fire Alarms - Overview Conduct basic check of system Does it dial in? Does it dial in? To whom does it dial in? To whom does it dial in? Is a zone map displayed beside the main panel? Is a zone map displayed beside the main panel?

Alarms - Generally Three main components 1. Control unit – ‘brain’ a. Power supply b. Circuitry c. Sensory controls i. Open loop system ii. Closed loop system (most common) iii. Supervised system (banks, etc.)

Alarms – cont. 2. Annunciation system a. Local (bell, light, siren, etc.) b. Remote (monitoring station) 3. Sensors and detectors a. Touch or feel (contact type) b. Hear (noise, glass breakage) c. Sight (PIR)

Alarms – cont. Perimeter Intrusion Sensing Devices 1. Contact / plunger switch 2. Glass breakage 3. Floor pressure mats 4. Metal foil 5. Alarm screen (expensive) Two most common

Alarms – cont. Space or motion sensing devices 1. Photo electric cell (easily disguised as other item) 2. Ultra sound / microwave 3. Passive infrared

Alarms – cont. Remote alarm transmission circuits 1. Dialers 2. Dedicated line 3. Multiplexing Connections 4. Microwave / cellular connects Newest technology

Alarms – cont. Common problems in circuitry (failure) 1. Broken foil 2. Battery failure 3. Bad controls 4. Loose wire 5. Accessibility

Alarms - concluded Hints… Use motion detectors in conjunction with heat sensing PIR. Both must be activated to set off alarm. Add heat sensors in attics, etc. They can be set to any temperature and will activate before a fire starts. Add strobe lights to attract additional attention.

Cameras - Overview Cameras have been documented as being effective in…  Deterring criminal activity  Documenting criminal activity  Reducing property loss, thus reducing insurance premiums and related costs insurance premiums and related costs  Reducing personal injury incidents  Providing court-approved evidence  Diffusing parental disputes of child’s activity

Camera - Considerations High-resolution, low-lux color cameras are very cost effective Data recorders are high quality and low maintenance, with huge memory Major cost of installation is wiring Question: What is the cost of a camera system compared to a human life? Is your answer still the same if it happens in your home?

Camera – Considerations – cont. What do you want to accomplish? Remember, there were perimeter cameras in Thurston High, and they showed Kip Kingel coming in, but he was not personally identifiable, nor could it be seen that he was carrying a large package. What good were they? A sub-par system that is not properly maintained is more of a liability than an asset.

Camera – Considerations - cont. Columbine had cameras but… The custodian forgot to change the tapes that morning and he changed it during the time (20 min.) that Harris and Klebold set the propane bombs in the cafeteria.

Camera – Recommendations Where do you want them? Inside? Outside? Both? Cafeterias? Hallways? Stairs? Near restrooms? Commons? Main Office? Parking lot garages? Building exits entrances? Bus ramp? Other????

ANY QUESTIONS?