Major events can be the target of criminal and terrorist activity due to high-density crowds and media interest. Attacks are rarely announced and therefore come as a surprise when they occur. The very surprise and shock that occurs as a result of an attack is compounded further where there is a lack of preparedness for such an attack. This was unfortunately the case in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, which killed 22 people and injured hundreds more. An inquiry into the attack found numerous missed opportunities to intercept the threat, enabling the terrorist to carry out his attack with tragic consequences. The inquiry emphasised, above all, the need for a cultural shift in the security sector to result in sharper awareness to potential threats, regardless of the perception of likelihood, and for enhanced alertness of suspicious behaviour.
The Manchester Arena bombing proved that current major event security infrastructure alone is inadequate to identify and deal with the threat at hand. Whilst venues can mitigate some threats by applying airport-style screening within public spaces, it’s essential that security officers are effectively trained to handle potentially dangerous situations.
There is a need for security and event staff to be trained in Behaviour Detection Awareness as a non-invasive and effective method of identifying suspicious, and potentially criminal, activity, without impacting the attendee experience. It equips staff with the confidence and competence, appropriate
to their role, to act and escalate as required, ultimately better preparing the venue to deal with an emerging threat as it happens.
Taking into consideration the fact that terrorists often visit sites multiple times to identify vulnerabilities and test the robustness of security measures, there are many opportunities to act before the crime itself occurs, and staff must be aware of such behaviour in order to intervene as soon as possible.
The low cost and easy access of Redline’s Behaviour Detection Awareness training means it can be easily rolled out to all staff, including ushers, marshals and cleaners, expanding the scope of interception by ensuring vigilance across all roles. Higher levels of behavioural detection training can be provided to key personnel to act upon reports of suspicious behaviour and escalate the situation if appropriate, whilst ongoing quality assurance means that all personnel undergo rehearsals and observation during live events to embed these skills that are crucial to the reduction of risk.
The implementation of effective, quality-assured Behaviour Detection Awareness training for security staff is a key tool in the arsenal of security preparedness. Although it may not be able to fully stop terrorists’ attempts to identify and exploit vulnerabilities, it is a necessary step to ensure event staff are equipped to intercept at the first possible instance, avoiding potentially devastating consequences.
About Paul Mason
Paul Mason is Managing Director for Redline Assured Security, part of Air Partner Group, a Wheels Up company. With over 25 years of aviation experience, Paul has been at the helm of Redline from inception in 2006 through to the internationally acclaimed security training, consultancy, and quality
assurance company that it is today.
About Air Partner Group, a Wheels Up Company
Founded in 1961, Air Partner Group is a world-leading international aviation services group providing aircraft charter, aviation safety and security solutions, and managed services to industry, commerce, governments, and private individuals, as well as civil and military organisations.
The Air Partner Group has two divisions: Air Partner Charter and Air Partner Services (previously Safety & Security). Air Partner Charter comprises of group charter, private jets, cargo, and specialist services. Group Charter charters large airliners to move groups of any size. Private Jets offers the
Company's unique pre-paid JetCard scheme and on-demand charter for up to 19 people. Cargo charters aircraft of every size to fly almost any cargo anywhere, at any time.
Air Partner Services comprises Baines Simmons, Redline Assured Security Ltd, Kenyon International Emergency Services, and Managed Services. Baines Simmons offers aviation safety management and fatigue risk management. Redline Assured Security delivers government-standard security training,
consultancy, and solutions to regulated, high value and high threat environments. Kenyon International Emergency Services is a world leader in emergency planning and incident response.
Air Partner works with Climate and Development experts Climate Impact Partners, to allow clients to offset carbon emissions in support of projects that not only cut carbon but also alleviate poverty and improve lives.
Air Partner Limited is a Wheels Up company, the leading provider of on-demand private aviation in the U.S. and one of the largest private aviation companies in the world. Wheels Up is headquartered in New York City and operates in 25 locations across three continents and employs 2,700
professionals globally. Air Partner Group is ISO 9001:2015 compliant for commercial airline and private jet solutions worldwide. More information is available on the company's website (www.airpartnergroup.com)