SAFECROWDS has become the first security company in the UK to offer spiking substances detection as part of our K9 capabilities, launching the new service during the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) National Week of Action on Spiking (16-22 September).
Spiking has become a significant issue for the night-time economy, with difficult to detect substances putting people at risk of assault and exploitation due to having their drink spiked on a night out. According to government statistics, more than 500 spiking incidents are reported to police every month, and the reality is that the real figure is probably much higher, because the symptoms of spiking are often similar to drunkenness.
As a company, we offer drug, expo and pyro detection services, with NASDU certified dogs and handlers, along with general purpose security dog services. Our Head of K9 Training and Operations, Wayne Gell, is the first detection dog trainer in the UK to have develope
Why a joined-up approach to counter terrorism protection matters as we await Martyn’s Law
Jonathan Neal, Head of Counter Terrorism and Risk at SAFECROWDS, discusses the importance of a joined-up approach to counter terrorism (CT) risk assessment and planning, along with the need for professional expertise to ensure measures are proportionate and appropriate.
Following a seven-year campaign, Martyn’s Law is anticipated to become legislation after its inclusion in the King’s Speech in July. Since, there has been discussion about potential costs and operational demands on the events industry and venues. However, at its heart, Martyn’s Law principles emphasise preparedness and resilience: identifying risk and taking steps to mitigate it.
We live with risks daily, and no law can prevent them. However, there are steps we can take to reduce our vulnerability, many of which are straightforward and low-cost. As a CT professional who has studied risk mitigation failures, worked in CT intelligence, and served as a Counter Terrorism Security Advisor (CTSA) delivering SCaN (See, Check and Notify) training, I’m passionate about communicating that keeping people safer starts with not with what you do, but with what you know.
Your awareness is your lifeline
Preparedness isn’t just about specific actions to mitigate risk but also about adopting a culture of vigilance.
Terror attacks are unexpected, and while they are relatively rare, there is no excuse for complacency. Another sombre anniversary has recently passed for the 9/11 attacks; an incident that changed the way we perceive terror risk forever. I wrote my dissertation on intelligence failures leading up to 9/11. It was an unprecedented and audacious approach, and one of the things I hope the world has learned from it is to expect the unexpected and be as prepared as possible.
Recent global events highlight the value of knowledge and robust counter terrorism plans, regularly tested and updated through scenario exercise, can save lives. Effective planning isn’t about predicting the exact location or method of an attack but about acknowledging the threat and preparing for what to do, whether as an organisation, a team, or an individual.
First response
Incidents like Vehicle as a Weapon (VAW) attacks or Marauding Terror Attacks (MTA) can result in complex injuries. The Manchester Arena attack, which led to the campaign for Martyn’s Law, showed that emergency services may not always be on hand immediately to protect victims and provide first aid. Even when they arrive quickly, their focus is often on stopping the attack and preventing further casualties rather than providing immediate medical care.
In those critical moments after an attack, those present must effectively become their own emergency services. That’s why all SAFECROWDS staff are first-aid trained and have completed ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) training. We also use RAPAID emergency bleed kits in our Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) and security deployments. This preparation means our teams are ready to help the injured if the worst happens.
Planning for the unexpected
Having plans in place increases the likelihood of taking effective and decisive actions in the vital moments after an attack begins. Most people haven’t had their fight, flight, or freeze responses tested to extreme levels, but research shows that those who can think clearly and objectively are more likely to save lives. Effective response improves when staff know there is a plan and understand the actions required.
While a plan cannot predict every detail, it provides a starting point for response, reducing panic and giving people confidence. At SAFECROWDS, we’ve translated this principle into a practical tool with our resilience lanyards, which serve as quick reference guides for teams on all deployments. Each lanyard has colour-coded sections detailing hazards and the corresponding actions, providing vital information in emergencies.
Developing a preparedness culture
Focusing on knowledge as the cornerstone of preparedness changes the perspective on Martyn’s Law from a ‘burden’ to a necessity. Being ready for the unexpected isn’t a burden; it’s essential for saving lives.
Consider the safety briefings on air travel, despite the very low odds of a crash, passengers receive emergency instructions every time they fly. Most of us will never need to use this information, but it’s standard practice because of the potential vulnerability. So, the question is, why should preparing for worst case scenario not also be a routine part of security and terrorism?
Practical steps
There is support available for developing preparedness as part of planning for Martyn’s Law, and implementing the proposed recommendations should be accessible for any size of organisation.
While the final requirements of the bill are not yet known, this should not delay planning. Preparation now will be helpful when the legislation comes into effect, and reviewing, adapting, and testing plans is crucial for genuine preparedness. Protect UK has created templates for each tier that cover most sectors and enable compliance for most organisations within the anticipated Standard Duty tier.
Businesses in the Enhanced Duty tier can also find free support and guidance from the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), which offers comprehensive guides on security in the public realm, personnel security, and advice on HVM. A network of Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs) is available to provide advice on topics such as protecting crowded places and delivering ACT and SCaN training.
Free risk assessment tools are available from Protect UK, but those wanting a thorough review, particularly in the Enhanced Duty tier, should seek professional risk assessment advice with Threat Vulnerability and Risk Assessments (TVRA) and, if necessary, Vehicle Dynamics Assessments (VDA). These tools provide a holistic overview, considering various attack methodologies, enabling CT professionals to advise on proportionate, justifiable, and sustainable mitigations. It’s crucial to check the credentials of those conducting the assessments, as the risk assessment is only as reliable as the individual carrying it out.
An integrated approach
For those in the Enhanced Duty tier, integrated security measures can ensure a business achieves the security principles of Deter, Detect, and Delay. The goal of any security operation is to deter potential attacks.
At SAFECROWDS, we deliver a comprehensive approach to counter terrorism and security through a range of specialised services. These include TVRAs and VDAs conducted by myself and our specialist teams and the specification and installation of HVM systems.
Our team also includes behavioural detection specialists with police or military backgrounds, trained to identify suspicious behaviours that could indicate threats. We also provide certified K9 detection dogs and handlers, skilled in detecting explosives and other dangerous substances, serving both as an effective detection method and a visible deterrent.
By working collaboratively, our security teams, CT advisors, and behavioural detection specialists can ensure that we deploy the ‘power of hello’ to identify and deter potential threats, helping to improve clients’ resilience to attack.
No one size fits all
The terror threat is constantly evolving, and every environment has a different risk profile, so there is no single solution to protect people. But, by focusing on planning, training, and risk assessments, and adopting an integrated approach to risk mitigation, we can be better prepared to implement the swift, effective, and potentially life-saving changes Martyn’s Law will bring.
