New York’s tragic and costly 9/11 incident had already ensured the global security industry was in an urgent, intensified state of alertness. Then the July 7 attacks occurred in the Capital. The UK’s security industry would have to go even deeper into a state of alertness. While London had faced previous terror attacks, perhaps it was this particular incident that firmly ingrained into the nation’s psyche the harsh reality that the war against terrorism might have to spread on home soil.
In the aftermath of a terror attack, it’s natural that security should be intensified and magnified. It’s also natural that security coverage will be re-evaluated as a result of any sudden breaches, and fully expected that new measures will be implemented. When a serious attack has occurred, security is regarded in a whole new light. In the commercial sector, the effectiveness of security once again becomes a key priority.
The Government’s response and reactions to such an alarming event – coupled with the intense media coverage and the public reaction – may all contribute to the way in which security is regarded and addressed in the commercial sector. You might say that the responses at Government, media and public level can help to inspire a tightening and increasing of the wider security blanket.
Time and life moves on
Then, however, something happens. Time happens. Life moves on. The media coverage dies away and the public try to get on with their lives. In a sense, the way in which London was able to return to a functional state is a testimony to the durability of the British public. However, as the ripples of tension engendered by the attacks begin to fade, new problems manifest themselves and other issues gain the attention of society, is there a danger that the intense light shining on security in the immediate aftermath of an attack begins to dilute?
As those welcomed senses of peace and normality fall into their consistent strides once again on a day-to-day basis, is it possible that the intense state of alertness, previously formed out of necessity, will start to weaken?
The fact is, in countries such as the UK, terrorist attacks are still relatively infrequent. Compare the frequency of attacks in the UK to the threat-based situation in Israel, for example. However, perhaps because of the persistent attacks that Israel has had to confront, it may be that the authorities are far less likely to lower their state of alertness. So the point is, although the UK faces less frequent attacks than a country such as Israel, it is because of this infrequency that it has to be that much more careful it doesn’t reduce its awareness.
Awareness on a daily basis
It’s not fair to imply that the security industry itself may have lowered its guard as time has gone by. After all, for many people working within the sector, awareness – or a high state of alertness – are not simply reactionary concepts embraced in the wake of a terror attack. Awareness is something applied on a daily basis. It’s something that, often, has to be carried out as part of operational procedure.
The thing is, though, while the security industry may maintain some kind of mindfulness about the threat of terrorism, it’s possible that within society as a whole (not just the commercial sector), the threat isn’t perceived so strongly anymore. The fact is, when it’s predominantly civilian areas that are being targeted by hostile groups, it’s important that vigilance is maintained not only by security personnel but the general public as well.
Let’s face it, it’s that observant member of the public that might be able to spot and report suspicious activity or something that appears out of the norm – such as luggage, bags or packages left unattended.
Vigilance and prevention
Last June, this type of awareness was applied. A serious terror attack was prevented when two car bombs were found in vehicles situated within London’s West End. It’s believed one of the vehicles had been reported to the police by an ambulance crew. So the vigilance of people working in a host of occupations can be of great value when it comes to preventing possible attacks.
Incidentally, although the discovery of these car bombs helped to avoid the type of losses that occurred in the July 2005 attacks, it still acted as some kind of reminder. Even now, this incident reminds us that the risks posed by terrorist activity are still very much present. While vigilance applied by the public, Government employees or those in the private sector can be of great value to the country’s interlinking blanket of security, maybe it’s the private security industry that can help enhance this much-needed vigilance. Professionals within the security sector can help remind and convey the importance of that state of alertness mentioned earlier.
Looking back at 7/7, the London transportation network was specifically targeted. However, it’s worth noting some of the other areas that have had to face terrorist attacks. In previous acts of terrorism around the world, extremist groups have even targeted holiday resorts and social gathering points (such as night clubs). Remember the Bali bombing of 2002? The financial sector has also been another common target, as 9/11 demonstrated.
In the UK, perhaps security staff are more likely to have to deal with situations related to other forms of crime as opposed to terrorism. Nonetheless, whether it’s door supervisors working at a busy city night club or security personnel patrolling a corporate office block, all front line security staff can play a useful role in the detection and reporting of suspicious activity – activity that may well be related to a terror attack.
Maintaining an alert state of mind
Earlier, we considered how that state of alertness generated by events such as the July 2005 attack can soon fade. Even the events themselves can be forgotten, but for those who lost loved ones it’s harder to forget.
Three years on, as we remember those killed, injured or mentally traumatised by these cruel attacks, maybe we should remind ourselves of the important role the industry can play in maintaining that crucial state of alertness.
Aran Dharmeratnam is a trainer specialising in self-defence and awareness, and an active contributor to Security Management Today
