Counter terrorism advice – control measures for managing the security of crowded places
The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) – with the support of The Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) and academic experts – has recently published guidelines on how to improve security in crowded places, such as retail environments and commercial centres. The aim is to make the UK less vulnerable to an attack, by raising the awareness of protective security against different types of attack, such as physical or cyber. Crowded places and places of community significance are often the targets of attacks.
The main threats to national security are terrorism, espionage, cyber threats and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, many of which impact on the UK’s national infrastructure. Understanding the threat facing us, is key to ensuring protective security measures and mitigations are proportionate, effective and responsive.
As threats of terrorism are constantly evolving, the guidance has been designed to be a ‘living’ document which presents the best advice from some of the UKs leading experts and organisations. There are many links within the guidance, directing you to websites that can provide support to you when planning how to improve the security culture within your site or portfolio.
The threat of terrorism may also take the form of hoaxes or threats, which are designed to frighten and intimidate.
Implementing measures for countering terrorism will also have the benefit of working against other forms of criminality, such as theft, burglary and arson. Wherever possible, additional security measures should be integrated with the existing security regime. If your environment is to be secure, it is essential that all the work you undertake on protective security is done so in partnership with the police and other authorities.
It is accepted that the concept of absolute security is almost impossible to achieve in combatting the threat of terrorism. However, through the use of this guidance and by implementing measures that allow you to be as prepared as possible, you can reduce the risk to as low as reasonably practicable.
What can an organisation do initially?
How can the S2 Partnership help?
S2 Partnership delivers a range of emergency preparedness testing using real-life scenarios to help clients ensure peace of mind, and reduces the potential impacts of emergencies – reducing risk, ensuring business continuity, and property and life safety.
Emergency Preparedness Testing will be undertaken by a highly-qualified and experienced S2 Partnership assessor. The scenario and subsequent assessment bring together those pre-existing conditions that are involved in an emergency situation, allowing the emergency response team and their responses to be observed under controlled conditions. For further details on how S2 can help your organisation, please contact us