Three Trends to Watch in Perimeter Security
Author: Cameron Walker-Miller
Director of Standards and Technology, Security Industry Association, SIA
Next month, corporate security leaders, government security personnel, specifiers, engineers, system integrators and solution providers will gather in Washington, D.C., for Perimeter PREVENT, an event hosted by the Security Industry Association and focused on the critical issues related to perimeter detection, alerting and defense. Here are three key trends and topics in perimeter security that we look forward to examining at this high-impact event.
It’s not just your algorithm: news headlines frequently detail perimeter breaches resulting in bodily harm, property damage and worse. These events include not just hostile attacks, but also innocent accidents and anything in between – the staggering statistics demonstrate just how frequently they occur.
Those of us in public safety roles – which, if you are reading this article, likely includes you – cannot afford to be reactive when they do. Why, may you ask? Duty of care, that’s why! The interpretation of the duty of care principle is more and more being seen as requiring entities and organizations to take proactive measures to prevent harm, and establishing proactive protective perimeter security plans is essential. Starting from the thoughtful design to the skillful implementation, to the trained maintenance and developed improvement. Duty of care is our responsibility as security professionals, before it’s too late.
As summertime approaches, temporary events, such as outdoor concerts, festivals and other large-scale gatherings, will be on calendars every day of these warmer months, from coast to coast. What’s conjured when perimeter security solutions are spoken of are probably militaristic government installations, or maybe stadiums on game day. But where else is perimeter security a priority and all too often overlooked? All these temporary events! Though festivals and other outdoor events may only be in town for a few days, critical perimeter safety is a must. Never before have there been so many solutions to support perimeter security in the way it is supported today, rapidly deployable ballistic fencing, vehicle recognition systems and remote surveillance towers, just to name a few. This paradigm shift in the way technology tools are being used to protect the perimeter also addresses wider security requirements, all while maintaining interoperability with permanent equipment and plans. Just because an event is temporary doesn’t mean there is a temporary break for a perimeter security plan.
Businesses and individuals today rely on enormous amounts of data, which is housed in a continuously expansive footprint of physical space across the world within data centers. These spaces – which, as an industry sector themselves are now experiencing explosive growth – need protection, especially considering how valuable the information is. Integrating physical security measures, operational safeguards, employee training and real-time threat monitoring helps to comprise that strategy. What also makes data centers unique is the diversity of installation – some are co-located, others are far off in rural woodlands, many reside inconspicuously in office buildings and I even know of some that are submerged underwater. Thus, various security measures can be used as layers of protection for the perimeter of data centers.
Find out more about each of these topics and beyond at Perimeter PREVENT, coming to Washington, D.C., June 17-18, 2025. Attendees will enjoy a lively networking reception on Tuesday, June 17, followed by a full day of expert panels, insight and in-depth discussion on Wednesday, June 18, centering on topical issues on the latest in the advancement in safety. We hope to see you there!