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Look, But Don't Touch: Security Systems for High Value Display Cases (From Proceedings, 1990 Carnahan Conference on Security Technology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, May 2-4, 1990, P 39-42, 1990, R. William De Vore, ed. -- See NCJ-124389)

NCJ Number
124395
Author(s)
H F Daidone
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A systems approach to providing effective alarm protection for exhibits or displays in free-standing or pedestal cases is described.
Abstract
Some of the issues faced by the security system designer are the displays, which usually lack individual protective measures; the difficulty in providing power to a collection of various types of cases; the integration of alarm systems with the security guard force; the cost of providing an adequate level of security; and the opportunistic behaviors of criminals. A review of potential system requirements includes a survey of available security components, identification of alternate technical approaches, review of possible system configurations, and listing potential applicable operational concepts. Finally, a security system must fit in with a museum atmosphere by being unobtrusive and non-threatening to the visitor. One design described in the article used a protected zone within the case, protected by intrusion detection sensors mounted within the case and powered by high longevity local power sources, backed up by overlapping, concentric protection devices. The design met the need for a light-weight, portable, self-powered system with a minimal maintenance requirement and a low unit cost. 1 figure. (Author abstract modified)