Security Field Lab

The Security Field Lab aims to increase liveability and security in places where social, physical and digital security problems converge. New and existing technologies and theories are combined in practice into new applications. To this end, they work closely with intermediate and higher vocational schools in the region.

Business park Zichtenburg, Kerketuinen en Dekkershoek (ZKD) in The Hague is an example of such an area. This makes the ZKD extremely suitable as a living lab; a learning and experience place where experiments are carried out in daily practice. Using cameras and security guards for security problems in such an environment often seems a good solution, but it is more effective to first map out what the bottlenecks are and where they are located. Linking them to social and technological innovations facilitates information-based enforcement and security. In cooperation with students from intermediate and higher vocational schools, living lab ZKD realises the necessary information position.

Approach

The Security Field Lab brings together the human side of security, behavioural influencing, technology and innovation. Within the ‘living lab’, students are given specific assignments that are related to these different perspectives. The assignments come from local entrepreneurs and from partners of the Security Field Lab. For example, the students go out with body-cams to observe crime and subversion. The information obtained and the analysis thereof is fed back to the local entrepreneurs and to the police. In addition, on behalf of the supplier, they are conducting research into the use of the body-cam: how do people handle such a camera, how do you use it as smartly as possible and what other technologies can you combine with this camera? 

Innovation

Various innovations are being developed in the living lab in the field of social, physical and digital security. Some examples:

• Cameras are a useful tool to improve safety and increase the chance of catching perpetrators. Students conduct research into camera management and maintenance, image quality, placement, angle and height, in combination with organisational processes such as key management in the event of danger, image sharing and new services such as ‘security as a service’. They also look at the multi-deployability of (mobile) cameras, by combining them with thermal imaging, odour and sound sensors and other smart (IoT) sensors.
• In cooperation with the fire brigade, students are preparing a fire safety checklist for company buildings. This will be incorporated into an app. They then offer a free fire safety scan and report. Bundling this information creates a comprehensive picture of the business park for the fire brigade. Security Field Lab is also investigating whether it is possible to include tools in the area of security and cyber security in the app. In addition, a virtual Priority-1 Control Room is being developed that provides reports with action perspectives and feedback.
• As part of the Cyberwerf project, MBO pupils will work as cyber security coaches. Using a self-developed cyber security scan, they provide entrepreneurs insight into their digital strengths and weaknesses. The students learn to coach entrepreneurs in becoming digitally safer. In addition, they learn to work digitally safe themselves when setting up, managing, maintaining and programming equipment and networks. Many cyber security courses focus on higher vocational education and graduate level. Cyberwerf consciously focuses on the intermediate vocational education level, because they will often take on the executive tasks and will often be the first point of contact for SMEs.  

Business

The Security Field Lab has structured its approach methodically, making it easy to copy to other locations and environments. In addition to other business parks, the living lab is also suitable for shopping areas, shopping malls, large real estate properties and large events. A condition is that a client wants to set up a living lab at such a location together with the Security Field Lab and that the municipality is also interested in cooperating.

Participation

Companies that want to innovate and make a contribution to intermediate and higher vocational education are welcome as partners. Although participation in the living lab is of economic value for companies, the Security Field Lab only asks a limited fee for the partnership. In a number of cases, specific projects and partnerships require additional funding in terms of money, hours, equipment or materials. This all depends on the number of parties participating and the size of the assignment.

Contact Details

Security Field Lab

Fokko Mellema

+31 (0)6 34 65 33 34

fokko@securityfieldlab.nl

Rogier Nebbeling

+31 (0)6 26 13 42 13

rogier@securityfieldlab.nl