Security alert

File:Constitution diagram.jpg

A diagram indicating a security alert being enacted.

A security alert is a type of alert signal aboard starships and space stations, primarly for internal security purposes. It is similar to an intruder alert, and can be initiated explicitly by personnel or triggered by predefined parameters.

Aboard Galaxy class and Intrepid class starships, security alerts have at least 4 levels of application (also referred to as conditions), each one for different types of situations. On certain space stations, security alerts are distinguished by color. A security alert can be activated with no stated degree.

Earlier Federation starship systems such as the Constitution class of the 23rd century also had security alerts. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock)

Levels/Conditions

Level/Condition 4

Aboard the Federation starship USS Enterprise-D, Captain Jean-Luc Picard ordered a level 4 security alert in 2369 after it became apparent that crewmembers were mysteriously disappearing from the vessel. (TNG: "Schisms")

Picard also specifically asked for shields to be raised while placing the security alert, differentiating the alert from a yellow alert.

As well, a level 4 security alert may include more intensive internal scans, since crewmember departures from the starship were not actively reported by the computer until the alert was instituted.

Level/Condition 3

Picard asked Worf to maintain a level 3 security alert after Lieutenant Reginald Barclay reported seeing alien lifeforms while in an extended transporter beam. (TNG: "Realm of Fear")

Picard once again instituted a condition 3 security alert and told the computer to shut down all transporter systems and shuttlebays as Wesley Crusher elluded the crew while they were under the influence of the Ktarian game. (TNG: "The Game")

Picard's secondary order implies that a condition 3 security alert does not include taking the personnel movement systems offline.

Tuvok called a level three security alert aboard USS Voyager and told all hands to report to duty stations in an attempt to apprehend the mutating Tom Paris. (VOY: "Threshold")

Level/Condition 2

In an alternate timeline created by Q, Picard ordered a level 2 security alert in 2365 after he continued to experience shifting through time. (TNG: "All Good Things...")

Level/Condition 1

Geordi La Forge, seemingly filling in for Worf as security chief, suggested the Enterprise should go to level one security alert while trying to apprehend the devolving Klingon. (TNG: "Genesis")

La Forge already called a level two security alert aboard the vessel before making his recommendation, so this would imply that level one is of greater intensity than the other levels. A full alert (see below) might be the same as a level one alert.

Colors

Yellow

Benjamin Sisko told Kira Nerys to go to security alert yellow when the Norkova started docking. (DS9: "The Passenger")

Full alert

Commander William T. Riker called for a full security alert when criminals inhabiting 3 of the Enterprise crew's bodies attempted to gain control of the ship. (TNG: "Power Play")

Since Riker explicitly told the computer to transfer command controls to engineering, this type of security alert most likely does not include such action.

Sisko put the entire station at full security alert, and also ordered for all turbolifts secured and to seal off some airlocks. (DS9: "Dax")

Again, disabling personnel transport systems may not be part this type of security alert without specifically requesting it.

Captain Janeway told Chakotay to put Voyager into full security alert in response to the newly realized threat from the Vaadwaur. (VOY: "Dragon's Teeth")

General alerts

Picard called for a security alert to all decks when Ira Graves, who took over the body of Data, attempts to take over the Enterprise. (TNG: "The Schizoid Man")

Worf told the bridge of a security alert when he found Singh dead in engineering. (TNG: "Lonely Among Us")

Chief Miles O'Brien was interrupted while attempting to call a security alert by an alien intruder in Transporter Room Three. Worf expanded the alert to all decks after the intruder left the transporter room. (TNG: "The Bonding")

Picard tells Worf to be on security alert when he realized the potential danger of Clara Sutter's imaginary friend. (TNG: "Imaginary Friend")

Data called for a security alert as a mercenary ship fled from the Enterprise. (TNG: "Gambit, Part II")

Riker called a security alert to all decks when alien intruders were expected to transport aboard the Enterprise. (TNG: "Force of Nature")

Since the ship automatically went into red alert after the security alert was called, there may be some connection between the two alert signals.

Altovar triggered a security alert when he broke into the infirmary of Deep Space 9. (DS9: "Distant Voices")

While Tieran had control over Kes' body, Janeway called a security alert as Tieran tried to escape from Voyager. (VOY: "Warlord")

Ensign "Gentry" tried to call a security alert to "Headquarters". (VOY: "In the Flesh")