Action Counters Terrorism. A brief threat update and Lockdown security measures

Rob Eddy – Counter Terrorism Security Advisor (CTSA) – ERSOU Counter Terrorism Policing Command, Norfolk & Suffolk

As a minimum, your emergency plan should include the following:
*       Evacuation, invacuation and/or lockdown procedures and route assignments, such as floor plans, workplace maps, and protected/safe or refuge areas.
*       Names, titles, departments, and telephone numbers of individuals both within and outside your company to contact for additional information or explanation of duties and responsibilities under the emergency plan.
*       Identified personnel who will ‘lead’ in the evacuation to direct people to safe exits, e.g. marshals or wardens.
*       Procedures for those employees who will remain on site to perform or shut down critical operations, or perform other essential services.
*       First aid procedures and responsibilities.
*       Procedures to account for all employees following an evacuation.
*       The site of an alternative communications centre to be used in the event of an attack or incident wherever possible.
*       A secure on/off-site location to store original or duplicate copies of accounting records, legal documents, your employees’ emergency contact lists, and other essential records.
*       A crisis response kit (grab bag).
*       Consider instructing crowds to disperse upon evacuation. This reduces the risk of a secondary attack at a designated assembly point.

Make sure:
*       your staff are aware of the threats (consider the ACT packages)
*       there is a strong security culture across your organisation, including how to quickly and effectively report incidents
*       you have ‘Standing Operating Procedures’ (SOPs) in place, and that they are regularly reflected and practiced within training exercises and briefings
*       everyone understands their role and responsibilities
*       staff are familiar with all evacuation routes (including outside buildings, sites, events or away from the Publicly Accessible Locations, protected spaces and assembly points). Some exercises should prohibit the use of one or more evacuation routes so that staff and contractors become familiar with alternatives
*       where a site operates live/’real time’ communication messages; e.g. making public address announcements, simulating a call to 999, radio communications under pressure etc., ensure regular training and exercising takes place.

Deny deter and detect hostile reconnaissance
*       make sure staff remain vigilant, making the operating environment hostile for potential attackers
*       demonstrate a strong security posture through visible and effective security activity. This will be enhanced through effective staff awareness, reporting processes, use of CCTV and deterrent communications
*       make sure staff are appropriately trained and confident to manage any perceived hostile reconnaissance. This may include SCaN (See Check and Notify) Training
*       make sure an effective procedure is in place to inform the appropriate authorities of any suspected hostile reconnaissance
*       record the actions taken by your site

You can read more about HR on the NPSA public facing website.

Consider both social media and press needs and have holding statements available. Where possible, actively monitor news channels, CCTV and social media channels
For further First Aid Guidance:
Go to https://www.citizenaid.org/
Go to https://www.sja.org.uk/
Go to the https://www.redcross.org.uk/

Delay the attack and protect your people.
As the incident develops, consider:
*       how your site could slow attackers. This may include causing them to waste time, energy, ammunition and weapons on overcoming barriers. Technology such as the deployment of ‘Active Delay Systems’ at specific locations may assist you. Such systems are designed to confuse, disorientate and slow the attacker(s). Your site’s control of lifts, escalators and stairwell access may also help slow the attack’s progress
*       how your plans can maximise the opportunity for staff, visitors and responders to escape or stay safe
*       how your plans can maximise the opportunity to protect your critical assets, e.g. your control room, air ventilation systems, servers or critical power sources.

A good source of security related advise is also freely available from the ProtectUK website. https://www.protectuk.police.uk/

Rob Eddy
Counter Terrorism Security Advisor (CTSA)
ERSOU Counter Terrorism Policing Command, Norfolk & Suffolk 01953 423595 (TACIT) 6043002 Mobile 07825 318661
rob.eddy@beds.police.uk  or CTSA-ENS@beds.police.uk
Website: https://ersou.police.uk

Helpful templates