The implementation of this feature has not been without controversy, as it has been claimed to lead to false alarms. Entering the code when under duress from an assailant can trigger a silent alarm, alerting police or security personnel in a covert manner. Some home and property alarm systems have duress PINs, where the last two digits of the reset code are switched around. These concepts are related to a panic alarm and often achieve the same outcome.Ĭivilian usage An alarm system with a keypad entering the duress code and pressing OFF disarms the system normally but notifies police. Alternatively, the signal may be incorporated into the authentication process itself, typically in the form of a panic password, distress password, or duress PIN that is distinct from the user's normal password or PIN.
Typically, the warning is given via some innocuous signal embedded in normal communication, such as a code-word or phrase spoken during conversation to alert other personnel. It is used to warn others that they are being forced to do something against their will. A duress code is a covert distress signal used by an individual who is being coerced by one or more hostile persons.
