A comprehensive security upgrade has been designed and installed by Pearl Fire and Security for the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority's hq in London's Piccadilly. Security Management Today reviews an installation where bespoke access control has freed up security officers for important tasks aside from the need to man the main reception area.
In the wake of what happened IN THE USA on September 11 2001, and the greater perceived terrorist threat, managers at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) in London's Piccadilly wanted a complete security overhaul for their premises. Very necessary, as the QCA is a Governmental department dealing with highly sensitive information (including putting together examination papers).

Pearl Fire and Security was brought in as consultant on the project. With the QCA being one of the company's existing clients, Pearl undertook a comprehensive review of all aspects pertaining to site security. Following on from two weeks of detailed conversations with QCA staff and a thorough site survey, a detailed 45-page proposal was compiled in which all aspects of site security were addressed.

On December 21, Pearl received notification that the majority of its recommendations had been accepted. However, the client had specified the necessity for all works to be completed by March 31 last year. Mindful of their stated aim of 'Total Client Satisfaction', Pearl's consultants knew that any failure to deliver would seriously damage a reputation that had taken some time – not to mention much hard work – to build.

With this in mind, the company's Project Team met between Christmas and New Year to comprehensively map out the programme of works. Not an easy task. In addition to welcoming around 200 visitors on site each day (including Government ministers), the QCA's London headquarters plays host to 750 staff whose daily working pattern cannot be disrupted in any way.

Complying with planning laws
Pearl was responsible for all aspects of the improvements, including ceiling removal (necessary to accommodate the new security kit) and liaising with Westminster City Council (which, as you may know, adopts very strict criteria for external CCTV installations, which were very much part of Pearl's proposal).

To expedite the installation, Pearl decided to carry out some of the works outside of normal office hours. A full-time Project Management Team was put in place, consisting of a project manager, project engineer and commissioning manager. Teams of up to 14 installation engineers worked days, nights and weekends to install a 100-plus high resolution colour camera CCTV system including 19" rack-mounted matrix, a digital recording system plus LAN review capability and an eight-camera covert system (again with digital recording).

In terms of access control, the upgrade was nothing if not extensive. A 70-plus door access system was installed, along with door monitoring, fire alarm interfaces at each door, multiple lanes of access control optical turnstiles to cover the main reception area and four fully-glazed floor-to-ceiling lobbies with access-controlled sliding doors (outside of the lifts, and on all floor levels of the building).

“Mindful of their stated aim of ‘Total Client Satisfaction’, Pearl’s consultants knew that any failure to deliver [for the QCA] would seriously damage a reputation that had taken some time – not to mention much hard work – to build”

By developing the system design in close conjunction with the 24-hour on-site manned security provision, Pearl has managed to enhance the organisation of a busy area (ie the main reception), but has also improved its ambience and overall security.

Previously, the reception area boasted four security officers/members of staff, two of whom were tasked with entering details of visitors into the access control badge printing workstation. Two others would then check identity cards before authorising access to the building. The specification of optical turnstiles for a fast throughput of people adds the benefit of a rising barrier arm to provide some kind of physical obstruction. When an authorised card is produced, the barriers drop and staff are able to proceed into the building.

Benefits for manned security
Simply by virtue of automating the access process, and channelling people through the various lanes, the area has a much more organised feel about it. There has been an added benefit in terms of manned security, too. Two officers are still situated at the main reception desk, but one of the others is now able to stand on the secure side of the turnstiles where they're able to greet people and engage with them.

Releasing the fourth officer has allowed this particular individual to be redeployed at the rear entrance to the building, which had previously been the route for 'sneak thieves' to gain access.

According to representatives of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, the £500,000 security upgrade – a runner-up in the 'Best Integrated Security Solution' category at the 2002 Security Excellence Awards – has been a total success. Completed on time, the installation has meant a further commission for Pearl in the shape of a three-year maintenance contract to service all installed equipment.

Source

SMT