Technical access control systems. The development of a corporate security strategy

This paper examines the development by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) of a Corporate Security Strategy for the gradual procurement of Technical Access Control Systems (TACS) within its Defence Estate. Some of the main tenets of the Strategy included the production of comprehensive Statements of Requirement, the application of risk management techniques, the development of pilot/model installations and the introduction of template designs based upon the size and functionality of its establishments. In addition, the MOD recognized the importance of specialist site-specific surveys and of developing an effective procurement route. There was a need for centralised control and coordination of the overall programme and of the specific technology, installation and audit processes. As a result, the development of the strategy for the installation of TACS has produced an over-arching model for the introduction of other security technologies within MOD.