Cost effective perimeter security

The measurement of perimeter barrier and alarm system performance has, over the years, produced a wealth of data for many different measures that could be taken to make perimeters more secure. These measures can be expensive and security practitioners must decide whether the expense is justified by the benefits they provide. A research project to assist security practitioners in this task led to the development of a mathematical model for evaluating and comparing the performance and costs of a set of alternative perimeter arrangements. The current version of this model is known as CLASP (Comparative Layout Analysis for Secure Perimeters). The model has now been operational for about two years. The paper gives a basic description of the model and examines the experience of using it in various operational situations during that period. The advantages and limitations of using the package, and the prospects for its future application are considered.