The failure to properly design and/or install Security Systems can have significant repercussions and may result in injuries. A recent case in Minnesota reflect the dangers. A woman was being stalked by an ex-boyfriend. The ex-boyfriend threatened her life. As a result, the woman informed an alarm installer and subsequently contracted with them to install a burglar alarm system. Out of concern for herself and her children, the woman moved out of her house until the alarm was installed. Once installed, she moved back into her home with her current boyfriend, a police officer. A few nights later, the ex-boyfriend was able to gain access to the house via sliding glass door. The door was ostensibly protected by a motion detector. The motion detector, as designed in her alarm system, were not active at night to prevent normal movement around the house from generating nuisance alarms. The ex-boyfriend, having gained access to the house without sounding the alarm, was able to kill both the woman and her police officer boyfriend who had his service weapon within arms reach. If only the alarm system was designed correctly, the alarm would have alerted the victims of the intrusion.
This event not only led to the two deaths, but also to significant liability for the company that designed and installed the system.
When designing security, one must be cognizant of the differences between real security and perceived security.