# Most common mistakes in perimeter security projects?

> Specifying sensors before deciding response protocol, treating the command centre as a furniture exercise, and skipping drills. The fence is the easy part.

**Author:** Arif Khan — Security Infrastructure & Building Technology Strategist  
**Published:** 2025-11-10  
**Reading time:** 6 min  
**Category:** [Mistakes To Avoid](https://arifkhanglobal.com/ask-arif/category/mistakes-to-avoid)  
**Tags:** Perimeter, Mistakes, Operations  
**Canonical:** https://arifkhanglobal.com/ask-arif/mistakes-in-perimeter-security

## Short answer

Specifying sensors before deciding response protocol, treating the command centre as a furniture exercise, and skipping drills. The fence is the easy part.

## Visual explanation

Failure modes mapped against the perimeter timeline: detect → verify → decide → respond.

## Real-world example

A site with first-class hardware was missing intrusions because no one had rehearsed the response. A two-week drill cycle changed the numbers more than any equipment upgrade would have.

## Lessons

- Protocol before sensors.
- Operators are part of the system.
- Drill, drill, drill.

## Related projects

- Critical infrastructure, NCR

## FAQ

### How often should we drill?

Quarterly, minimum.

### Who owns the drill?

The client's security head — not the integrator.

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Source: https://arifkhanglobal.com/ask-arif/mistakes-in-perimeter-security
Site: https://arifkhanglobal.com · Altima Global