Military security in the UK is responsible for defending the government and the people of the United Kingdom, as well as deterring any threat or military aggression. Because of the nature of their job, military personnel may have access to classified or sensitive information about the security details of the United Kingdom. If this information is released indiscriminately or unnecessarily, it could damage the integrity or security of the UK. This is why all security personnel who work for the military have to undergo a thorough and comprehensive vetting and clearance process. The purpose of this vetting and clearance process is to ensure that all the people who work for the military are trustworthy, and that they can work in positions that would give them access to sensitive military information.

Vetting for Candidates
There are usually four levels of clearance in the UK. They include:
– Basic check
– Counter-terrorism check
– Security check
– Developed vetting

All employees as well as contractors who are working with the military must go through developed vetting. There are even contractors who are required to go through security checks as well. Security checks are required before entering certain government buildings that have sensitive information. The developed vetting is the most thorough, and it is required for all long-term employees or contractors who will have consistent access to sensitive or secret information. (more…)

Cameras are versatile tools. As versatile tools they have many versatile functions.

It’s useful to understand all of the functions of a video camera. It can pay dividends later if you understand the ins and outs of your equipment initially.

Focus

Most cameras have automatic focus functionality. All you need to do is angle the camera and it will automatically adjust its lenses to keep an image in focus. However there are cameras that have manual focus. The ability to manually focus the camera is great for a static camera. Once you have adjusted the focus to the optimal setting it will remain that way for as long as the camera is in its initial position.

Zoom

Cameras usually have zoom functions. Long-range type cameras can have very strong zoom functionality, allowing the camera to pick up movement from great ranges. This can be great if you want to pick up potential intruders before they know they are in vision range.

If you have decided to install a CCTV system in your home as a way of adding extra security to your property and deterring intruders, then there are several things to consider when locating your camera or cameras.

First of all, you must make sure that your cameras will only be monitoring activities which take place on your own land. They should not be directed into your next door neighbour’s garden or onto public land.

You need to choose a location which is up high and also sheltered from the elements of wind, rain and strong sunshine. It also needs to be out of the reach of vandals. The best location is usually under the eaves of your house as the overhang of the roof offers protection against the elements.

You also need to consider where the cables will run and, if possible, you will want to avoid drilling into bricks or masonry. Underneath the eaves, there are often gaps where you can easily push a cable from the outside to the inside of your house, usually into the loft or attic. From there, you will be able to run the cable to wherever you set up your monitor.

Since the murderous attacks on the Twin Towers on September 11th 2001, airport security has never been the same and security protocol is updated and changed with every new threat.

If you are flying abroad from any of the airports in the UK, then firstly it is important to arrive in plenty of time as security queues can be lengthy, particularly during busy holiday periods. Most airlines flying to European destinations expect you to arrive with a minimum of an hour before your flight is due to leave. If you are travelling further afield, then you need to arrive at least 2 hours beforehand.

Travellers are only allowed to take limited quantities of liquids (up to 100ml) through security in their hand luggage. These include items such as drinks, perfumes, cosmetics, toothpaste, sun tan lotion and aerosol sprays. Passengers must place all their “liquid” items in a sealed transparent bag as they pass through security control.

Since July 2014, electronic items including laptops, hand-held games consoles, mobile phones, cameras, etc should be separated from the rest of your hand-luggage and placed in a separate tray. It is important that any of these devices are able to be switched on if a member of security demands it, so make sure all your electronic items are fully charged beforehand.

All passengers must expect to be patted down by a security officer before walking through the metal detector door frames. Most people will also need to take off their shoes and place these in a tray with their hand luggage bags.

Anything which may be considered as a weapon, however small, should not be packed in hand luggage. Passengers are advised to check that they are not carrying items like scissors, razor blades, paring knives or sharp tweezers as they are likely to be confiscated during the security procedures. Some airlines may confiscate cigarette lighters.

Once you have passed through security control, passengers are allowed to buy drinks and toiletries, etc, in quantities larger than 100ml, from any of the shops in the departure lounges.