NCJ Number
98568
Journal
Security Management Volume: 29 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1985) Pages: 40-45
Date Published
1985
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This review of several mechanical and electronic devices available to enhance the protection offered by security containers explains how the devices operate and their strengths and weaknesses.
Abstract
One device option, locking dials, consists of a combination dial that will not turn until it is unlocked with a key. Assigning one person the safe combination and another the dial key means both must be involved in opening the safe. The vulnerability of locking dials depends on the mechanical specifics of the dial and shaft assembly. This can be checked before the purchase. Another device is the alarm-compatible combination lock, which has a silent alarm for when the safe is opened with a specified combination only slightly different from the one used for normal safe openings. User error can be a problem, but the probability of this can be reduced by thorough user training. Time-delay combination locks, a third option, require the user to wait a predetermined also be combined with alarm capabilities. These locks require scheduled testing and inspections. Time locks, a more elaborate option than the time-delay combination locks, keep safes or vaults locked without access by anyone for periods ranging from several hours to several days. This device requires detailed user training and regular inspection and maintenance. Other options are (1) manipulation-resistant combination locks, which theoretically have a minimum of one million combination possibilities; (2) vision-restricting dials, which avoid combination observation by permitting only the person dialing the numbers to see the dial; and (3) key-operated combination locks, which incorporate the same ability to change keys found in dial combination locks. Illustrative photographs of the devices are provided.