CCTV, Alarm Systems and Security Technology
Security technology is only as good as its design, its maintenance and its evidence handling. The exam tests camera coverage purpose, recording and retention, footage as evidence, intruder and duress alarms, false alarm management and the cyber-hygiene of connected devices.
CCTV
Design from purpose: identify, recognise, observe or detect. That decision sets camera height, lens, lighting, resolution, and whether a face or a number plate must be clear. Dome cameras deter and are discreet; bullets give long-range views; PTZ gives coverage but records only where it is pointed. Clock time must be synchronised across the system, otherwise footage is contested. Set retention to policy and legal need, protect the recorder in a locked area, and restrict viewing to authorised staff. Signage and a written policy support lawful, proportionate use.
Alarms
Intruder detection uses door contacts, passive infrared for body heat, dual-technology sensors that require two triggers, and glass-break detectors. False alarms usually come from environment (heat, insects, draughts), poor installation or user error; they erode police response and staff attention, so analyse and fix causes rather than ignoring them. Define a response protocol: who attends, how fast, what they check, and when the police are called. Duress alarms need a code word or silent signal and a rehearsed response.
Worked example: police request for footage
Do not copy to a personal phone. Locate the relevant channel and time, export the native file with its player, record a hash where the system supports it, and log who exported it, when, why, and who received it. Keep the original untouched on the recorder.
Traps
Overwriting footage before export; no access log; exporting only a played-back screen recording; ignoring device default passwords.