Security Systems

Security systems in a property are the electronic systems that protect the building and its occupants, including CCTV cameras and recorders, card or biometric access control, video intercoms, intrusion alarms and car-park barriers, as well as fire alarm and smoke detection systems. They may be run locally from a control room or remotely, and are integrated with manned guarding and smart building systems. In Saudi Arabia cameras are no longer optional décor: the Law on the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras expressly applies to residential buildings, including compounds and apartment blocks, in accordance with the conditions document, as well as to shopping centres, warehouses, places of commercial activity and others. It requires those subject to it to install, maintain and operate the equipment around the clock, to keep recordings for the period set in the conditions document and not alter them where an incident has been reported, prohibits cameras in toilets, changing rooms and similar places, requires visible signs indicating surveillance, and bars selling, installing or maintaining cameras without Ministry of Interior approvals. Cameras placed by individuals inside their own private residential units fall outside the law’s definition. Fire alarms are governed by the Saudi Fire Code (SBC 801) within the Saudi Building Code and Civil Defense requirements. In practice, a good system covers entrances, car parks and corridors without intruding into units, is serviced regularly, keeps recordings for the required period and tightly controls who can access them. A broken system is worse than none, because it creates a false sense of security and exposes the owner to violations.