What is the role of a duress alarm?

A duress alarm is specifically designed to provide a silent signal in emergencies. Its primary function is to alert security personnel or monitoring services discreetly, ensuring that the response can be initiated without alerting any potential intruder or threat. This is particularly crucial in situations where an individual may be coerced or threatened and cannot safely trigger a visible alarm without escalating the situation.

By remaining silent, the duress alarm allows for a subtle communication of danger, enabling law enforcement or security to respond effectively while minimizing potential harm to the individual in distress. This makes it an essential safety feature in environments where security risks are a concern.

The other options do not accurately represent the function of a duress alarm. A loud sound could attract attention and possibly escalate a dangerous situation, notifying only a building manager ignores the broader security response that is necessary in emergencies, and controlling access to secure areas relates more to access control systems rather than the specific purpose of signaling duress.