By-lined by Kevin O’Connor, Risk Director, G4S Cash Solutions As incidents of violence continue against couriers of cash and valuables, the cash in transit (CIT) industry is moving towards the adoption of robust body armour to provide physical protection against violent attacks. G4S knows that the investment in this technology is proving its worth. Just this year we saw a case in London where the body armour worn by a crewman prevented a potentially fatal attack. Two individuals threatened the crew member with a gun and screwdriver before repeatedly attempting to stab him in his stom...

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has supported the work of the Riots Communities and Victims Panel including providing interviews with officers involved in the policing of the disorder and MPS review of it. The Panel has made a number of findings and recommendations - some of which relate to the police. The MPS response to these is: The scale of the disorder in August was unprecedented in London and nationally. In light of this the police faced exceptional challenges. In order to ensure the police response is fit to respond to any such situation in the future the MPS has been conducting...

The UK Cyber Security Strategy outlines proposals for how the service will continue to develop e-crime capabilities through the new National Crime Agency, as well as supporting the service through improved training to officers and staff to help combat the problem ACPO lead on e-crime Deputy Assistant Commissioner Janet Williams said: “Law enforcement is well aware that e-crime is a large and growing problem in the UK and the challenges for police is to ensure that we can work effectively with the private sector to ensure we have the best capabilities to tackle cyber criminality. “Throug...

Robust arrangements are in place to maintain the security of the border ahead of planned strike action on 30 November. Over the last weeks and months the UK Border Agency has undertaken significant work, including: training managers, staff and contractors to the high standards needed to carry out secure border checks; asking staff from foreign posts to provide additional cover on the day; and working with travel partners like airlines and port operators to identify potential pressure points. Suitably-trained staff Preparations are focused on ensuring every option has been consid...

New measures to protect the public and businesses from cyber attacks and promote economic growth were published as part of the UK Cyber Security Strategy. The Strategy, led by the Cabinet Office, sets out a programme of work over the next four years to bolster our cyber defences underpinned by £650m of investment. The Home Office, which received £63m under the programme, will lead the work in the Strategy on tackling cyber crime through: expanding the use of ‘cyber specials’ (volunteer police officers with specialist cyber skills) to help tackle cyber crime creating a new cyber...

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) hosted a lively roundtable meeting in the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday (22nd November), bringing together Parliamentarians from across the political spectrum to discuss the future of policing and the role of the private sector in delivering essential services. Chaired by Aidan Burley MP, the discussion generated a lively debate that took into account the benefits and perceived drawbacks of increased partnership working between the Police and the private security industry, and raised important questions about the impact of next year's Olympi...

Theresa May arrived in Pakistan today to begin her second visit to the country as Home Secretary. Speaking at the start of the trip, the Home Secretary highlighted the connections of 'travel and trade, family and culture' linking the UK and Pakistan, which she described as 'the bedrock of our partnership'. Shared interest A joint statement issued following a meeting with Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik stressed both countries’ commitment to cooperate on matters of shared interest, including trade, economic stability and development, cultural co-operation, security, illegal i...

Officers from across the Metropolitan Police Service attended Hendon Police College today where they were commended by the Commissioner in front of their friends and families. In the ceremony, the Commissioner, Bernard Hogan-Howe, commended officers for their bravery throughout the disorder in August. Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, said: "Today I have presented Commissioner Commendations to the police officers who were courageous and professional during the riots and disorder in London, they put themselves in danger to protect the public, London Fire Brigade and colleagues. I am very ...

Following the latest reports regarding two incidents in Ashford and Snodland, Kent, where criminal gangs employed mini diggers to rip out ATMs, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) warns construction sites, plant hire companies and insurance providers of the importance of keeping costly machinery secured at all times. In the UK, stolen equipment such as plant and construction machinery is increasingly being caught up in the wider web of organised crime, being used as a means to break into buildings to commit robberies, or to rip ATM machines straight from the walls of banks and su...

Exactly one year before Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) take office, the Policing Minister has called for all dynamic and driven individuals to come forward as candidates. One year to go Speaking at the Institute for Government, Policing Minister Nick Herbert said: 'One year from today will be the eve of a new era in policing. The most significant democratic reform of policing in our lifetime will be about to come to life as 41 elected Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales take office. 'Police and Crime Commissioners will need to be outstanding leaders. They will...