Duress / Panic Buttons

Duress / Panic Buttons

Duress Button: Your Silent Alarm for Emergencies

What is the Duress Button?

The duress button is a discreet, wireless device designed to quickly and silently alert security personnel or emergency services in the event of a threat. It is one of several tools designed to increase safety and security while at work.

How Does It Work?

  1. Press the duress button for 3 seconds
  2. The 3 second push activates a silent alarm signal
  3. Our emergency security monitoring centre will call the police and dispatch them to the facility address
  4. The CEO, COO, Facility Manager and IT Helpdesk will also be notified
You will know the alarm has activated when a small green light is lit. If in doubt, just keep pressing the button. Once the alarm is activated, additional pushes of the button will not cancel the alarm and it will remain active until the situation is confirmed to be resolved. 


Providing Visual Context

Our  CCTV cameras are linked to the duress button. When activated, the system automatically records footage from nearby cameras, providing vital context to responders about the situation.

Where is the Duress Button Located?

There's a duress button discreetly placed under the counter of each reception desk.


When Should You Use It?

Use the duress button if you feel threatened or unsafe. For example:
  1. Robbery or Theft
  2. Aggressive Behavior or Assault
  3. Suspicious Activity
  4. Any Situation Where You Feel Your Safety is at Risk
Do not hesitate to use the duress button. Your safety is our top priority, and it is better to be safe than sorry.

What to Do After Activating the Button

  1. Try to stay as calm as possible
  2. When security or emergency responders arrive, follow their instructions.
  3. Provide any information you can about the situation to the police or security personnel
  4. Contact the IT Helpdesk or Executive when the alarm is resolved and can be deactivated

False Alarms

While we hope you never need to use the duress button, accidents happen. If you trigger the alarm accidentally, notify the IT Helpdesk on help@cnh.com.au or 1800 482 559 so we can cancel the response.

Regular Testing

The duress system is regularly tested. However, if you ever have concerns about its functionality, please report it to the IT Helpdesk.

How does the system work?

  1. A Verkada Panic Button is placed under the Reception Counter with 3M Tape
  2. The panic button contains a battery which is replaced every 12 months via the maintenance schedule. System Testing is also carried out at this time. 
  3. A 3 second 'push' activates a wireless signal to the ceiling mounted 'Hub'
  4. The hub is powered by a PoE cable from the facility network, however, the device also has a battery backup
  5. The hub sends a message to Verkada Command where the Duress response configuration is saved
  6. The system is configured to:
    1. Dispatch emergency services; and
    2. Notify the CEO, COO, Facility Manager and IT Helpdesk via SMS, Email and/ or phone call
  7. The logic at the time of programming is that in the event a situation is serious enough to warrant a duress response, especially if it is out of hours, it is best to get emergency responders on the way as soon as possible as opposed to dispatching other team members (such as the facility manager) that may place additional team members in a higher risk situation.
When testing or performing maintenance on the system (including replacing the button's battery) you place the system into 'testing' mode via Verkada Command to prevent the police being sent during testing. The system will not operate in the event of a power or internet outage.
Looking for more help? Try: https://help.verkada.com/en/
Verkada PoE Security Hub

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