Up-skill your door supervisors and strengthen counter terrorism system in your facility

Counter terrorism is a very important module in the up-skilling door supervisor course. In the modern security industry it is very important for the door supervisors to understand the basics of the terrorism related issues. If the door supervisors know how to deal with terrorism related situations the security situations of the business establishments will be stronger.

Identifying suspicious behavior

Identifying suspicious behavior is the most basic of the steps for a security system as a counterterrorism strategy. What can be considered as suspicious behavior? Well, technically suspicious behavior is a difficult thing to define. But the experts have listed the following in order to provide an understanding to the security staffs about what to look out for:

• Activities outside the building and in the car-parking areas

• Group or individual activities near to the locations of CCTV camera and controlled areas

• Activities related to taking pictures and notes on the security system of the establishments

• Activities involving disguise of identity, i.e. wearing hoodies or motor cycle helmets etc.

• Persons with forged or multiple identity documents

• Asking for unusual information related to security measures

• Unusual vehicular activities outside the premises

• Activities unusual with the nature of the location

These are some of the many instances which can be considered as suspicious activities. The security staffs of an establishment must keep an eye for these activities. These activities can be sign of potential terror attack. If identified in the early stage, these attempts can be thwarted successfully.

Security measures as a counter-terrorism strategy

The business establishments must be aware of the terrorism threats all the times, as crowded areas are one of the primary targets of the terror activities.

In order to keep the premises safe, the establishment must take concrete step to strengthen the security systems. Well planned security measures can be a deterrent for the security systems. It will definitely ensure the safety of the premises.

The measures to be taken

There are a number of security measures suggested by the experts in order to have an effective counter terrorism mechanism. They are as follows:

• A CCTV system can act as deterrent as well as can be source of evidences for the investigations.

• Proper search procedures at the entrance are definitely a welcoming step. If they are in place, it can minimize the chance of terror attacks, and can be helpful in apprehending the miscreants before something bad happens.

• A vigilant door supervisor course is a key to effective counterterrorism methods. If they are active enough to keep an eye on identify suspicious behavior major incidents can be thwarted before it takes place. They must trust their instinct, and must raise alarm at the hint of probable trouble.

These are the very basics of what a door supervisor training can do in case of a potential terror threat. Identifying the terror threat levels is very important for proper assessment of the situation. MI5 are responsible for setting the current threat levels which can range from low to critical. The door supervisors must always keep updated about the current threat level that can help them to have a great preparation to tackle these attempts.

Responsibilities of a door supervisor in case of a terror attack

Though UK has a strong security system, this cannot guarantee a hundred per cent safety when it comes to terror attacks. That is why the door supervisors must understand their responsibilities and roles in case of a terror attack in the premises. The first and foremost priority of a door supervisor is to preserve the lives of the staffs and customers in case of a terror attack. They need to vigilant and act in the first sign of a disturbance. If a danger becomes imminent the police must be notified immediately without any delay. The terrorist activity must be immediately informed to the anti-terrorism hot-line immediately. A door supervisor course must not lose nerves and must never become aggressive in these kinds of situations. Similar measures should be observed in case of any bomb threats. The actions of the door supervisors can play a defining role in resisting terrorism. They must act by the books and must not be over-adventurous. If the steps are followed carefully the terror threats can be dealt with much efficiency.

DOs and DON’Ts for door supervisors in case of bomb threat warning calls

DOs-

• Remain calm

• Enquire the caller properly about the threat

• Take notes of the key points

• Inform the management and emergency services immediately

• Seal the area and evacuate everybody from the area

DON’Ts-

• Become hypertensive

• Neglect the call as prank

• Use your mobile phone unless authorized

• Cause panic when raising alarm

• Evacuate general area until authorized

Role of up-skilling Door supervisor course

The counter-terrorism module of the up-skilling course gives the basic idea about the roles and responsibility of a door supervisor in case of terror situation. The threat of terrorism is increasing worldwide in this century. To deal with that effective training is necessary for the door supervisors. The security Industry authority acknowledges the fact. That is why they have made it mandatory to successfully complete the up-skilling course in order to renew the door supervisor and the security guard license. This will definitely help the counter-terrorism mechanism in the country. In future, this step can make our facilities safer and be helpful in thwarting terror attack situations.