DeterTech, a UK brand known for its SmartWater forensic marking solution, has made decisive forays into security technology in the past couple of years, with pain point-focused solutions seeking to predict, detect and deter threats at temporary sites and beyond.
Ahead of The Security Event at NEC Birmingham, where DeterTech is showcasing its flagship technologies from 28 – 30 April, we at asmag took the opportunity to sit with Jiten Lad, Business Development Director, DeterTech, for an exclusive interview.
asmag.com: What will DeterTech showcase at The Security Event? Where is your focus in terms of technology?
Jiten Lad: We will showcase the full range of our solutions at The Security Event, including our flagship product, the PID 360. As a fully self-powered, 360-degree security solution, it has a detection range of 25 meters, 12 motion sensors, two-way audio, and a strobe. It is battery-powered, running up to 18 months with one charge, and is connected 24/7 to our in-house Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
The PID 360 comes with a robust, permanent connection to our security professionals staffing the ARC, many of whom have a background in law enforcement or the military. They will follow up within 47 seconds every time a PID 360 unit deployed anywhere across our markets is being triggered.
The PID 360, which stands for perimeter intrusion detection, is what we’re most proud of and that we think sets us apart in the market.
asmag.com: DeterTech is somewhat unique among security brands, as it is mostly known for its SmartWater forensic marking solution. Can you tell me about your journey as a brand?
Jiten Lad: SmartWater is a forensic marking solution that can be mixed into many liquids, such as sprays, gels and grease. It is invisible to the naked eye, and safe to use across all cases. Under blue UV light, however, it fluoresces yellow.
Let me give you an example how it’s used: Operators can apply SmartWater to material that’s at risk of being stolen, for example copper cables at a construction site. Using UV light, police can check whether any material they recover from suspected thieves has SmartWater on it. We have data sharing agreements with 43 police departments across the UK. They can send samples of recovered material to our labs, which can establish links between pieces of evidence and specific sites, thanks to a unique code embedded in each batch of SmartWater.
Another focus area is crime intelligence where he hold a data sharing agreement with the National Police Chief’s Council, enabling us to inform our partners and customers of emerging crime trends. All our products have one thing in common, though—it is the DeterTech’s focus on crime prevention and deterrence.
asmag.com: As your foray into security hardware continues, can you tell us a bit more about the technology involved in the PID 360?
Jiten Lad: The PID 360 is equipped with an array of sensors, including three cameras, to distinguish between false alarms and priority alarms. If any of the sensors is triggered, the event has to be verified by one of the other sensors because we must ensure that all relevant events, and only relevant events, lead to an intervention by the ARC.
The logic is similar to intrusion detection systems that you commonly find in buildings. They usually involve multiple PIR sensors with overlapping coverage that only trigger an alarm or a response if more than one sensor detects the same event.
Aside from that, the PID 360 can be mounted to the ground, bolted to a concrete surface, or tethered to the site, for example scaffolding—all to ensure no unauthorized persons can move or disable it. The imposing presence of the PID 360 itself can deter many intrusion attempts. However, it also has GPS and motion detection to detect when any attempt to move it is being undertaken.
We’re also offering a slim version with 120 degrees field of view, the PIDCompact, which is optimized for deployment in corners or areas where one directions needs special coverage.
asmag.com: What use cases is the PID 360 build for? Where do operators benefit from this very specific all-in-one solution?
Jiten Lad: The PID 360 is optimized for construction sites, solar and wind farms, distribution centers, but also retail stores, such as supermarkets or clothing stores, especially in cases where there has been a break-in and permanent security infrastructure is compromised or repairs are ongoing. In such cases, operators need an extra layer of security. They need additional sensors that can be quickly integrated. They also need 24-hour service provided by the ARC.
asmag.com: What markets are you targeting and what might be the next frontier?
Jiten Lad: Aside from Ireland and the UK, where new unites can be deployed within 72 hours, we’re especially strong in Germany. We’re also growing in France, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden. We have full accreditation in the UK and across Europe and we’re always looking into new opportunities. The same goes for integration of new technologies.
Detertech at The Security Event
Security Event visitors can find DeterTech solution at stand 5/C42 from 28 – 30 April at NEC Birmingham.