Intruder detection systems for water-hatches at reservoir sites

Security-hatch covers provide secure access for staff to underground assets that require protection. In the context of the water-industry, these hatches are used as an access point to reservoirs containing freshly treated drinking water. Access to reservoirs is required for valve repair and routine maintenance such as reservoir cleaning. The use of intruder detection systems is important, as there is a threat of contamination by toxic substances to freshly treated drinking water and of extortion by the threat of contamination. The Police Scientific Development Branch (PSDB) has evaluated security-hatch intruder detection systems for use by the water industry. The effectiveness of two detection systems was assessed when mounted inside a security-hatch and the hatch itself subjected to physical attack. A range of attack styles were 'weighted' based on their perceived likelihood, and an overall probability of detection was calculated for each system. This paper describes the technology behind intruder detection systems for protecting often remote, unattended water-hatches. It describes the capability of such systems for the protection of these hatches such as the false alarm performance, probability of detection and deployment methods.