Lee Dover

In recent news, trucks, lorries and vans have been the weapon used in terror attacks around the globe, and other sources suggest that autonomous vehicles, particularly self-driving trucks and lorries, could be a reality sooner than we think. It poses the question: How can we prevent autonomous vehicles from being used as weapons in terror attacks? Accessories for terror attacks We already have ‘self-driving’ technologies in the cars which are on our roads today, from lane-departure warning systems, cruise control and active park-assist, but just how far are we from introducing fully-autonomous vehicles onto our roads? As Google tests its own self-drive vehicles, clocking more than 200,000 miles in a fleet of self-driving cars retrofitted with sensors, it seems we are not far from seeing fully-autonomous vehicles on our roads at all. As reported by The Guardian, law-makers have warned that autonomous vehicles must have secure and safe technology to prevent use as an accessory in terror attacks in the future. VW dealership, Vindis, investigate further. Developments in self-driving technology In-car technology is constantly developing to make the driver’s life easier and enhance the driving experience. Developments with semi-autonomous technology suggest that we are significantly close to rolling out fully-autonomous vehicles. Many drivers are progressively trusting their vehicles to carry out tasks which previously would always need to be done manually. We already have systems which keep us in our lanes on dual carriageways and motorways, systems that can parallel park our vehicles for us, and software that automatically maintains a safe, steady speed on the UK’s roads – with some even advanced enough with automated braking systems when tracking the vehicle in front. Self-driving technology is revolutionising the driving experience. We may not be far from seeing fully-autonomous vehicles on our roads But what needs to happen next? For fully-autonomous vehicles, manufacturers need to converge sensor-based technologies and connected-vehicle communications, so that they can deliver safer self-driving techniques than what each approach could ever deliver on its own. As lorries and trucks are forecast to be some of the first fully-autonomous vehicles to be rolled out onto the roads, there are many jobs that could be at risk if the need for human driving is eliminated. Low-end estimates suggest that over 1.7 million truckers could be replaced by self-driving counterparts – which could rise to as high at 3 million, ridding trucks of their manual drivers. Cybertechnology aims to make it incredibly hard to hijack a vehicle, to prevent terrorists from using autonomous technology as an accessory Risks of autonomous-vehicle terror attacks Everyone is aware of the horrendous terror attacks that have taken place recently around the globe, using trucks and lorries as the main weapon. Trucks are chosen for their size and anonymity, and have been used to drive into crowded pedestrian areas at high speeds, causing devastating results. It’s predicted that these vehicles will be amongst the first fully-autonomous vehicles on our roads, and officials worry they could play a crucial role in mitigating their use as rolling weapons.  If autonomous trucks are to pose a real threat, we need to have a prevention. Thankfully, legislation has been passed to say that all autonomous vehicle will be armed with cybersecurity technology so that they can’t be used as an accessory in a terror attack. The cybertechnology aims to make it incredibly hard, if not impossible, to hack the vehicle for hijack, meaning potential terrorists can’t use autonomous technology as an accessory in an attack. In recent attacks, hire vehicles have been the weapon used to cause mass disaster. Further regulations and restrictions will also be put in place with hire and rental companies. It has been suggested that companies should have access to a wider database that reveals more sensitive information in the future, so that companies are aware of individuals that are suspect. Whilst databases currently check against identity, credit and insurance, the threat of terrorism may lead to a more detailed and sensitive database. Trucks are chosen for their size and anonymity, and can cause devastating results in crowded pedestrian areas Educating drivers on preventative measures TRIP is the UK’s first Terrorism Risk and Incident Prevention suite of products and training to support fleet operators that has been developed by a leading provider or training and auditing services for the road transport industry, Fleet Source. Its aim is to reduce the risks of commercial vehicles being used as a weapon in terror attacks. The products and services serve to educate fleet operators, managers and drivers of the risks of terrorism, the nature of the threats and safety precautions that can be implemented to reduce the possibilities of their vehicle being hijacked, stolen or used in a terrorist incident. Further prevention development is expected from the government, who hope to develop geo-fencing systems to prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering particular areas of a city – the system will slow down vehicles and control the speed as soon as they enter the sensitive area, through the use of satellites. The system would automatically connect with the vehicle and retain control, so that the vehicle only travels at a safe speed within the area. As lorries and vans continue to be used as terror weapons, perhaps it is time to implement some of the prevention strategies sooner rather than later.

Crime is preventable and safeguarding your businesses through the use of technology is essential. Whether you want to avoid burglaries or common vandalism, you need to comply with the General Data Protection Regulations to protect your brand’s identity. Security should be one of your main focuses and with the help of 2020 Vision, providers of access control systems, we look at some of the most efficient items that you need in place to protect your property. 1) Deploy CCTV effectively across your business A shocking statistic that you might be unaware of is that for every 100 crimes, an average of 16 are prevented using CCTV. If a business hasn’t already installed a CCTV system, it is already at risk and criminals who want to commit horrendous crimes against that business can instantly spot vulnerabilities. It is also known for crime rates (burglaries and vehicle crimes) to reduce in areas that have active CCTV systems.  The benefit of CCTV is that any footage recorded can be used by a police force. For example, if there was no CCTV in place, it could take longer to catch the criminal as detectives would have to search for CCTV in the local area, obtain that footage and then look through it. If a business has been victim to a crime, but has CCTV, it can be a much quicker process; although active CCTV can deter criminals completely from attacking a business. 2) Use CCTV across perimeters It is vital to think on your feet when it comes to placing CCTV around your perimeter. It is important to be able to identify people who come and go from the business daily. From this, you can use the high-quality footage to identify an individual and this will allow police to pick up on certain characteristics that may lead them to the culprits. It may also be necessary to capture vulnerable points to make sure all areas of a business are covered. 3) Hire guards for empty buildings Businesses that handle money should be aware that they could be at risk. These types of companies should create a procedure that is tested and carried out regularly regarding transferring money from one location to another. A security prospect that businesses should be looking into is hiring guards when a commercial building is empty. It’s also worth looking at hardware security systems that can help prevent any cyber threats. 4) Seek out neighbourhood watch groups in your area There are a few ways that local communities can help prevent crime in their local area — and this is something that most residents want to achieve to reduce risk and worries. Neighbourhood watch schemes are common methods to prevent crime in the home but can also be beneficial to businesses in the same area. Another surprising statistic is that an average of 26 crimes out of every 100 is prevented through schemes like these. Neighbourhood watch programmes work by ultimately getting the local community involved and promoting a safer area to live. Usually, those who have enrolled onto a scheme usually help by assisting people who are detecting crime in that area, although there are some things that businesses can do to encourage more action. 5) Engage with staff and neighbours It is important to engage with and encourage your staff and neighbouring businesses to report any suspicious behaviour on their premises. Communication is key, and this is something that could have a great impact and prevent any type of potential crime. Becoming familiar with other businesses and their staff is important. Organise regular social events that all can participate in to further develop relationships between the companies whilst also allowing your staff to become more familiar with who they could potentially be communicating with when it comes to reporting any type of suspicious behaviour. 6) Engage with local police force Create a stronger relationship with the police force that operates within your area. This will encourage a greater flow of information and intelligence between your employees and the police. 7) Improve street lighting If your business operates in a dark area with little light, whether this is due to no streetlights or blocked by trees — you need to improve on this. If your building is lit, it can be easier to identify people who have been captured on CCTV — but it could also put people off committing that act completely as there is a greater chance they could be caught in action. It is beneficial to know that when it comes to violent and property damage, crime dropped by 21% in areas that were properly illuminated compared to areas that were not.

After a lot of studying and getting ready for what seems like an endless stream of exams, teachers and students alike will enjoy having some much-needed time off — whether it’s just for a weekend, a break during the school year or the long summer holidays. Schools that are left empty for a sustained amount of time obviously increases the risk of arson attacks, thefts and vandalism. Staff members at an establishment should therefore work through this checklist before they leave the classroom on the last day of term — as well as throughout the new school year heading into weekends: Checks around the school’s perimeter Before looking at the school itself, there are a few aspects that should be checked around the perimeter of the education establishment. Report any large or overgrown trees or shrubbery both inside the school grounds and around the perimeter. These can make access to the grounds easier, as well as lead to unnecessary blind spots of CCTV coverage. Ensure all locks have also been checked to make sure they are still fit for purpose, as well as that the access control features on gates are functioning properly so that trespassers cannot gain easy access to a school’s grounds. It is wise to have a look that all of the fencing around a school is fully intact too, with no damage or footholds that allow for simple access into the grounds. Security measures to be checked It is important to review a school’s maintenance programmes to ensure everything is in working order before leaving an establishment empty. This will ensure that fire alarms, intruder alarms and sprinkler systems are all operating properly. Cloud CCTV means that a space can be monitored without the requirement of being on site at all times Are there any areas around the school which are in need of additional alarms or security? Look out for areas that do not have adequate surveillance currently but house many pieces of expensive equipment and technology. Cloud CCTV should also be considered when enhancing security, as it means that a space can be monitored without the requirement of being on site at all times. If set up in a school, make sure that security shutters and grills are operating correctly. Damage to the fittings or bulbs of any external lights should be reported as soon as the issue is seen. So that they cannot be used as an accessory to gain access to a school, make sure that bins and skips are also stored within a secure part of the grounds and at least eight metres away from any building. Checks inside the classroom Before leaving a classroom at the beginning of a weekend or a school break, check to make sure that all windows have been closed and locked, and that all electronics have been switched off at the mains. Ensure all valuable equipment has been kept out of view, by locking it away in a secure place. Throughout the term, any breakage or deterioration to doors, windows, roofs, wall cladding, ceiling tiles, alarms and locks need to be reported upon being discovered. That way, there should be enough time to get them repaired before the weekend or holidays begin.

It seems schools still need to be alert when it comes to the risk of terrorism. Following a recent security threat, Bury College has set an example that schools across the UK need to be aware of the threat of terrorism. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, the incident at the Great Manchester college saw the facility being put in lockdown as a precaution before an evacuation took place. Hundreds of staff and students were caught up in the event. Bury College released a statement following the threat: “Staff at Bury College reacted swiftly today in response to a potential threat. Working closely with exceptional support from the police, the college quickly instigated its well-rehearsed lockdown procedures. A safe evacuation of the college was taken as a precautionary measure.” 2020 Vision has constructed this guide that details what members of staff at schools must consider in the result of encountering a similar security threat: Recognising a terrorism threat The National Counter Terrorism Security Office has several procedures set in place for recognising a terrorist threat, as detailed by this GOV.UK publication. The following points are especially important for schools. Identifying the level of threat Threats are measured on the likelihood that a terrorist attack might take place in the UK. They should be constantly monitored by those concerned about security at schools. Find the country’s most up-to-date threat level on the MI5 website. How to approach suspicious items Suspicious items might raise concern, especially in a school building. This is the protocol that you should follow as a member of staff: 1. Use the following HOT protocol to confirm if the item exhibits suspicious characteristics Is the item HIDDEN? Is the item OBVIOUSLY suspicious? (Be aware of any batteries, circuit boards, liquids, putty-like substances or wires that are visible.) Is the item TYPICAL of what you would expect to find at the location where it’s been found? 2. If the HOT protocol has made you more suspicious, the next step is to clear the immediate area. Take these actions to do so: Do not touch the suspicious item. Move people at least 100m away from the suspicious item, starting from the centre and moving out, so that they are at a safe distance. Ensure both you and others are kept out of the line of sight of the suspicious item. Avoid positioning yourself or others near glass — this includes skylights and windows. Set up a cordon around the area. 3. Call 999 to alert emergency services of the suspicious item, as well as inform any relevant member of staff at your establishment. However, avoid using radios within 15 metres of the suspicious item. 4. Monitor access to the area that has been cordoned off around the suspicious items, continuing to do so until it has been deemed safe. 5. Ask eyewitnesses to stay at the scene so that they can communicate to the police about what they have seen. There are many ways you can quickly identify if a delivered item should raise suspicions How to approach suspicious deliveries or mail Daily mail and deliveries are as standard for any educational institution. However, how do you establish if a piece of mail should raise suspicion or not? Here is a list of pointers so that you can quickly identify if a delivered item should raise suspicions: Has the item been delivered unexpectedly? (Such an item been delivered by hand is also a cause for concern) Has the item been delivered in a padded envelope, a Jiffy Bag or another form of bulky package? Is there an additional inner envelope or other contents that is difficult to remove? Has the labelling or sealing been applied so excessively that it encourages opening at a particular end or in a specific way? Is the item oddly shaped or lopsided? Is the envelope flap stuck down completely? (There are slight gaps at the edges of normally gummed envelope flaps) Has the item been marked with phrases such as “To be opened only by…”, “Personal” or “Confidential”? Has the item been addressed to an organisation or a title as opposed to a specific individual? Is the origin of the item unexpected or unusual? (Look at the postmark and the return address where this matter is concerned) Is there no postmark? Is there no return address on the item? Is the return address unable to be verified? Has the address been printed poorly, inaccurately, unevenly or in an unusual manner? Is the writing unfamiliar? Is the style of writing unusual? Are there more stamps on the item than is required for its size and/or weight? Are there any greasy or oily stains which emanate from the item? Are there any odours which emanate from the item? Following the checklist, if your concerns are heightened or not put to bed, there is an emergency response plan that you can follow. It is outlined here: 1. Do not engage in unnecessary handling and X-raying of the suspicious delivered item — The item should be put down on a cleared flat surface and kept separate from other items so that it can be identified easily. No attempts should be made to move the item, even for the purpose of X-raying it. 2. Clear the area — The immediate area where the suspicious item is should be cleared immediately, which includes all adjacent rooms including spaces both above and below the room where the suspicious item can be found. Once cleared, ensure no one is able to approach the area until it is safe to do so and make sure that no mobile phones or two-way radios are used within 15 metres of the suspicious item. 3. Inform the police — During this initial conversation, let the police know if the suspicious item has been opened. Any informants and witnesses to the suspicious item should remain in contact so that they can brief the police once they begin carrying out their investigations. Clearly define a school’s boundaries, such as by placing fencing around the grounds or displaying clear signs that indicate when an individual is about to trespass External and internal evacuations: The differences It is important under any potential threat that you direct individuals to a safe location, whether it is a school-related threat or a public place. There is a difference between external and internal evacuations, and you must establish the difference so that you can make sure you safely move pupils and staff to a safer location as quickly as possible. When the building is deemed safe to leave, an external evacuation will be used. Those familiar with a school’s evacuation points and assembly points should be appointed as marshals to assist with this procedure, with at least two assembly points set up in opposing directions and at a minimum of 500 metres away from the scene of the suspicious activity. If there are risks externally, it might be deemed safer to remain in the venue. This is an internal evacuation — sometimes referred to as either inwards evacuations or invacuations. For example, it may put people in greater danger if an evacuation procedure inadvertently takes individuals past the suspicious item. People are kept away from any external windows and walls and aim to move all parties to an internal safe area that is found within the same building. Heightening security No one wants to have to implicate an evacuation or encounter a terrorism threat – so there are ways to improve your security at your school to reduce the likelihood of a threat developing: Set up visitors’ access control systems around all entrances to a school, so that every individual is checked and identified before they are allowed into the establishment. Clearly define a school’s boundaries, such as by placing fencing around the grounds or displaying clear signs that indicate when an individual is about to trespass. Have one main entrance to the school, which should be visible from the reception area and the only way for individuals to access the establishment during hours of study. Separate entrances are fine to have around a school, but only open these when pupils are arriving or leaving the building. Secure all doors and windows around a school. For this, fit alarms to exit doors so that people can be warned of unauthorised use, as well as applying locks to windows and having strict control over who can gain access to the keys for opening them. Set up CCTV systems so that surveillance can still be granted in sections of a school which are not often monitored by staff, and the entire establishment can be monitored at times when it is sitting empty. {##Poll39 - What element is most important when securing an educational facility?##}