The advance of IP (internet protocol) networks and changes within the ACPO Policy are well documented, but our industry is not alone in having to adapt to market forces.
One of the main areas currently being influenced by increased competitiveness in the leisure industry is the casino. This has now developed in such a way that it is no longer recognisable by its former 'exclusive' image.
Its rules have relaxed enormously and are continuing to do so with the anticipation of credit betting alongside recent changes in dress code, advertising and the installation of more arcade type games machines. There is also an increased attendance by the younger generation.
Therefore it is necessary to class the casino as 'high risk' since it handles large amounts of cash, is now more accessible to the general public, has an ever-increasing attendance and provides alcohol on the premises until the early hours.
Importantly, it must also combat cheating and monitor every table and gaming transaction for viewing at a later date if required. In practical terms the casino uses the technology of every security system available to us to contain the different risk elements. These are greatly influenced by the consumption of alcohol and by unpredictable heavy losses or gains in betting.
Various security technologies are applied to deal with the different categories of risk.
Stand alone systems can be retained or integrated within the IP network – but with management of them capable of being performed separately outside of the core system.
A systematic approach
As with any application we can initially see the site as formed from a number of essential areas. It is then possible to see the way the various security measures can be employed and how they can best be integrated.
The complexity of the specification is increased because the casino has a responsibility to protect staff and public within the confines of the premises and also to provide a level of external security but in close proximity to the building, such as a surrounding car park.
Alongside this we must include the obligatory safety systems of fire detection and emergency lighting.
Separate systems but interlinked
In a casino application we are interested in a number of security systems all of which may be employed individually but then brought together as the overall security solution.
This offers a high level of flexibility so it is true to say that the site can benefit from drawing all of the diverse elements into one PC-based management system. However, it is vital to note that this overall solution fits around the way the casino works.
Working practices are never altered to fit within the limitations of the management system used to ultimately control the different elements.
The ideal is to use modern modular systems so that the different elements can be more easily specified and installed.
Security is then enhanced by means of 'distributed intelligence'.
If a fault occurs with any particular system the other elements remain unaffected and can carry on working as normal until the communications are restored between the various networks.
As an example, it would be a serious breach if a failure in a casino system such as that of the external perimeter lighting could create any disruption to its internal CCTV network.
We are never to compromise on security and safety. Equally, we must ensure that the failure of one network cannot have any impact on the efficient working of any of the others
If IP connectivity is then added to the PC management base the site can be accessed from a multitude of points and from these the different system elements may be viewed and controlled.
The functions that can now be performed within the casino security structure become only limited by the imagination of the system user.
The specifics: all embracing … a good bet!
In the external sense the application features perimeter photocell-controlled low energy lighting using high pressure sodium (SON) luminaires for their reassuring effect and the good colour discrimination they provide for the overt cameras.
At the main entry point all entrants to the premises are logged in the database by photo ID.
The employees enter by means of their card system and are recorded for time and attendance. This satisfies management safety measures and logs the employee's wage entitlement but restricts them to certain areas of the building by the employment of elevator control.
Personal attack, an intercom, standard intruder detection and both overt and covert cameras complement the security.
The gaming floor uses a comprehensive network of overt cameras with visible monitors. The recording of images of the public on the gaming floor is in an overt way since the employment of miniature but visible cameras negates any attempts at fraud or cheating as the entrants are continuously reminded that every transaction is recorded for time and date.
Covert cameras could simply not have the same deterrent value. Visible high resolution monitors add to the effect.
The intruder system protects the overall area with links to more sensitive points to which the public have no right of access and is carried out by devices such as slave code locks.
The restaurant and bar areas feature standard intruder detection and CCTV. Further links can be made to sensitive points and additional observa-tion cameras of covert and overt form are used.
The office and staff areas are isolated by an access control system. This is actively linked to the intruder system and appropriate cameras.
The office/ staff sections house much of the control equipment, telecommunication devices and sensitive components for the security and safety networks. These are placed in restricted areas and are additionally protected by the main intruder devices.
Learning from the gambling experience
This brief overview of the security and safety considerations facing casinos in response to new developments should help installers see ways of using these strategies in more mainstream markets.
Even the smaller installation companies can benefit by introducing a measure of integration into their systems in preparation for eventually moving into PC based management and, in the long term, IP networks.
The extent and the speed that different installers will wish to offer such new technologies will differ. However, if we are to survive at all levels we must remain alert to developments in the wider commercial world because of the work it can generate for us.
What we can most certainly learn from the 'gambling experience' is that we are never to compromise on security and safety.
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Integrating the various systems
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Security Installer
Postscript
Gerard Honey is an installer and writer of many security textbooks, including the recently published Emergency and Security Lighting, published by Newnes at £19.99 (reviewed in Security Installer, January 2002)
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