Operational requirement analysis-a new approach to effective security

A Home Office Research and Development Project aimed at improving the operational effectiveness of closed circuit television (CCTV) safety and security systems was begun in April 1992. The main objectives were to: establish performance guidelines based on the picture quality and content needs of investigators and observers; develop methods of testing the performance of systems; and develop a method of analysing and documenting the needs of customers. This paper is primarily concerned with the last of these objectives which has led to the development of a structured analysis methodology for security problems. It outlines how such an operational requirement (OR) is produced. It illustrates its value at various stages of system acquisition and use: as a feasibility study tool, in the production of budgetary estimates, in pre-tender qualification, in system specification, for comparison of tenders, and in testing and commissioning. The paper indicates how the work is linked into the development of European standards and illustrates its wider application