The threat to the UK from terrorism remains at SEVERE meaning that ‘an attack is highly likely’. While there is currently no specific threat, the recent terrorist attack on the football stadium in Istanbul, following on from last year’s Paris attacks at the Stade de France and Bataclan Theatre, was a timely reminder. As a result, law enforcement and private security patrols and activity at sports stadia, shopping centres and other crowded places must continue to be vigilant throughout the Christmas period.
In response, the National Counter Terrorism Office (NaCTSO) recently launched a new publication ‘the National Stakeholder Menu of Tactical Options’. The guidance document is the result of several months of consultation with the security industry and other business sectors and sets out a range of considerations and tactical responses to the private sector both in planning for and reacting to a terrorist incident.
Visit the NaCTSO website to download the National Stakeholder Menu of Tactical Options and other resources from the GOV.UK website.
This easy to read document includes a series of links providing access to further tactical advice e.g. developing dynamic lockdown procedures, robust visitor and entry processes and searching buildings and other areas. Undoubtedly, businesses and individuals who consider and respond to the NaCTSO menu of tactical options will be in a better position to safeguard themselves and reduce injuries and fatalities should a terrorist incident occur.
Thousands of security operatives and hundreds of security businesses have already undergone Project Griffin or Project Argos training and further information about this initiative is available on the GOV.UK website.