Unit Objectives

Explainthe basis concepts of electronic security system 
components, their capabilities, and their interaction with 
other systems.

Describethe electronic security system concepts and 
practices that warrant special attention to enhance public 
safety.

Usethe Building Vulnerability Assessment Checklist to 
identify electronic security system requirements that can 
mitigate vulnerabilities.

Justifyselection of electronic security systems to mitigate 
vulnerabilities.


Electronic Security System (ESS) 
Concepts

•Basic concepts of site security systems
•Use of ESS
•General ESS Description
•ESS Design Considerations 



Perimeter Zone

FEMA 452, Figure 2-2: Layers of Defense, p. 2-3



Perimeter ZoneZone 1Zone 4Zone 2Zone 3Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 11Zone 10Zone 9Adapted from FEMA 426, Figure 2-2: Dispersed Facilities, p. 2-8

Intrusion Detection Systems

CCTVCCTVMotion 
SensorsOld GenerationNew GenerationMotion SensorsSource: ProtechSource: Protech

Boundary Penetration Sensors

Adapted from DARPA Perimeter Security Sensor Technologies Handbook, 
July 1998, p. 1-13

1.Structural Vibration Sensors2.Glass Break (GB) -both acoustical and contact mount3.Balanced Magnetic 
Switches (BMS) -
doors, windows,
and hatches4.Passive Ultrasonic Sensors5.Grid Wire Sensors•1 •2 
•3 
•4 
•5 

Volumetric Motion Sensors

Designed to detect intruder motion within the interior of 
the protected volume

..Microwave Motion Sensors
..Passive Infrared (PIR) Motion Sensors
..Dual Technology Sensors
..Video Motion Sensors
..Point Sensors
..Capacitance Sensors
..Pressure Mats
..Pressure Switches



Exterior Intrusion Detection

Strain Sensitive Cable

Fiber Optic Cable, Bistatic/Monostatic Microwave, Active 
Infrared, and Ported Coax 

Dual Technology 

(PIR/MW) 

Video Motion

First Layer of DefenseSource: ProtechExplosion Proof

Fence Sensors

Strain sensitive cables

Taut wire sensors

Fiber optic sensors

Capacitance proximity sensors 

First Layer of Defense

Army TM 5-853-4, Electronic Security Systems, pgs. 5-3 and 5-4



Buried Line Sensors

Army TM 5-853-4, Electronic Security Systems, p. 5-6

First Layer of Defense

Microwave Sensors

First Layer of Defense

Army TM 5-853-4, Electronic Security Systems, pgs. 5-15 and 5-7


Bistatic SystemMonostatic System
Microwave beamTransceiver

Infrared Sensors

Active

Passive

First or Second Layer of Defense

Video Motion Sensors

Old Generation

New 
Generation

First or Second Layer of Defense

GBC Color Exit Sign CameraSource: Protech

Electronic Entry 
ControlCoded DevicesCredential DevicesBiometric Devices 
First or SecondLayer of Defense

Coded Devices

Electronic Keypad Devices

Computer Controlled Keypad 
Devices

First, Second, or Third 
Layer of Defense



Credential Devices

•Magnetic Stripe Card•Wiegand-effect Card•Proximity Card•Smart Card•Bar Code 
•“i”Button•Radio Frequency ID 
(RFID)
First, Second, or Third 
Layer of Defense

Biometric Devices

Fingerprints

Hand Geometry

Retinal Patterns

Facial Patterns

First, Second, or Third Layer of Defense

Source: A4VisionSource: Veridt

First, Second, or Third Layer of Defense

Closed Circuit Television

Interior CCTVAlarm assessment, individual zones 
and portal assessment, specific 
paths and areas, exclusion areas, 
and surveillance of waterside 
activitiesAlarm assessment, card reader door 
assessment, emergency exit door 
assessment, and surveillance of 
lobbies, corridors, and open areasExterior CCTVSource: ProtechProtection Technologies, Inc.

Security Operations Center

Enhancements to Overcome Operator/System Limitations•Workspace / Hardening•Alarm Recognition / Alerts•CCTV Image Alarm -Motion 
Detection•Smart CCTV Auto Pan/Tilt/Zoom 
on Tripped Sensor Location•Forwarding Alarms to Pagers, 
PDAs, Radios•Data Recording -DVR•Line Supervision / Backup Feeds•Emergency Power to System

Summary

Use the Building Vulnerability Assessment Checklist to 
identify electronic security system requirements.

Public safety is enhanced by electronic security systems 
(deter, detect, deny, devalue).

Electronic security systems components and capabilities 
interact with other systems (LAN, doors, windows, 
lighting, etc.).

Electronic security systems can be used to mitigate 
vulnerabilities.


Unit XI Case Study Activity

Electronic Security SystemsBackgroundEmphasis:Various components and technology available 
for use in electronic security systemsFEMA 426, Building Vulnerability 
Assessment ChecklistAssess Electronic Security Systems inCase Study for vulnerabilities and 
recommended mitigation measures