The traditional view of a terror campaign being targeted at Government or commercial locations has changed. Now, there’s an acknowledgement that it’s members of the public who are often the terrorist’s target. In particular, crowded locations – among them public transport networks and shopping centres, where large numbers of people gather – have become key targets.
That being the case, it’s essential for all those involved with safeguarding and securing such locations to have realistic and objective training that will confront this threat head on.
The threat of another terrorist attack on the UK mainland is now a very real and serious danger, with current threat levels set at ‘severe’. In view of this, Skills for Security is pleased to accredit Rutherford Training Consultants’ new Terror Threat Awareness training course, which will be available from August 2009.
Police service and Special Forces expertise
Rutherford Training Consultants was determined to tackle this issue and, thanks to the expertise of its trainers, many of whom are former members of the police service and the Special Forces, the company’s Terror Threat Awareness training course is suitable for anyone working in public space areas.
The course pilot was held at The Sorensen Centre in Security House – the home of Skills for Security – on 2 June, and received an extremely positive response. The half-day programme included the history of terrorism and the ‘New Reality’ that we face from current terrorist organisations. The types of weapons that terrorists might use in an attack were explained, while delegates also learned about the planning process and risk assessment procedures. Case Studies were also presented.
Delegates were most impressed with the course. Robert Knowles – the director of DSTO Ltd – commented: “After attending this course, I now feel confident about creating a risk assessment and emergency procedure, and being able to respond to a potential terror attack or the discovery of an Improvised Explosive Device at our premises.”
Another pilot course attendee, Mark Richards – the security manager for RISC Security – added: “Having worked in the security industry for over ten years now, I feel this course has opened my eyes to the reality of modern terrorism.”
Understanding of roles and responsibilities
Speaking on behalf of Rutherford Training Consultants, Ian Rutherford – the company’s director of business development – explained: “We were extremely pleased with the feedback from the pilot course. There’s definitely a need for this training within the industry. The delegates who attended the pilot were then able to better understand their role and responsibilities in the event of an attack, and the steps they can take to ensure the safety and security of the public at their work premises.”
It’s extremely important that security personnel in particular are prepared for a terrorist attack. For further information on this course, please contact Rutherford Training Consultants direct on 01208 816709, or send an e-mail: [email protected]
