London Security and Harlow Chelmsford

Event Security – Terrorism

If you are organising an event, should you be worried about the terrorist threat?

Since September 11, the world has become an increasingly insecure place. Crowds and high profile events can cause intense anxiety. Event security has never been so crucial. If your event is high profile, in the media spotlight, or features a VIP, you may have concerns about being targeted by terrorism.

Is terrorism a real threat?

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According to M15, the most significant terrorist threat to the UK comes from Al Qaida and associated networks. The threat to the UK remains real and serious. The UK Government continues to maintain a state of heightened readiness in response to this threat.

Risk Management

Risk management is crucial in ensuring event security is optimized. It can:

• Identify the threats
• Establish what you want to protect and your vulnerabilities
• Identify measures to reduce risk

Top 10 Event Security Guidelines

In event security there are 10 basic steps you can take to help ensure things runs smoothly and safely.

1. Carry out a risk assessment to decide on the threats you might be facing and their likelihood. Identify your vulnerabilities.
2. Consider security at the planning stage – it’s more cost effective than adding measures later.
3. Ensure your staff or volunteers are aware of security issues.
4. Keep public areas well-lit and clear.
5. Ensure all visitors and staff are issued with passes and keep access points to a minimum.
6. Install locks, CCTV, alarms and lighting as appropriate.
7. If you have a mailroom, establish it away from your main premises.
8. Check the identities and references of all staff you recruit.
9. Take proper IT security precautions.
10. Plan and test your continuity plans in the event of an attack.

Guidelines

Although a terrorist attack is unlikely, it is always worth considering the guidelines below to ensure your events team is equipped to cope if the worst should happen.

Knowledge

• If you have a real concern that your event may be a terrorist target, than it is useful to send a key employee on a training course to understand how to deal with the immediate effects of trauma. Other staff can then be debriefed to help them prepare for the worst eventuality.

Compassion

• In the event of a serious trauma, a strong ethos and team spirit will help you identify those who need support and those who don’t. Talk to staff and make sure they are aware of what support is available to them.

Demonstrate Authority

• Clarity of communication is vital in a crisis. If staff understand what is expected of them it can avoid confusion. They should be debriefed on evacuation and emergency plans.

McKenzie Arnold is tailor-made to your individual security needs. We have an experienced management team drawn from the senior ranks of the Armed Forces, the Police and from the private security industry. If you have concerns about the potential of a terrorist threat and are organising an event, contact McKenzie Arnold on 01371 822 131 or email info@mckenziearnold.com for all event security issues.