In this article, Peter Jackson, Managing Director at Jacksons Fencing, emphasises the significance of implementing and upholding robust security measures, highlighting their role in safeguarding national and public events.
In light of a number of tragic incidents, safeguarding public venues has become increasingly prominent in recent years. Despite ongoing threats from terrorism and spontaneous acts of violence, it is imperative that government entities, local authorities, and venue operators take measures to ensure the safety of attendees, staff, and participants, enabling them to enjoy events without risk.
Robust security measures are essential to ensure the safety of those involved in the King’s Coronation. In recent years, the UK government has implemented new legislation, such as the Protect Duty, to enhance security measures and protect public locations.
Protect duty is a new legislation
The Protect Duty is a new legislation that places a legal obligation on public places
The Protect Duty is a new legislation that places a legal obligation on public places and venues to assess and mitigate the risk of terrorism. It requires those responsible for public places and spaces to take steps to prevent terrorist attacks and protect those who use them.
Given the unpredictable nature of terrorist attacks, any publicly accessible area can become a potential target. Those responsible for such places must be equipped to act appropriately at any given moment. To ensure preparedness, venues must establish a robust security framework that assesses the adequacy of security measures, systems, and processes. The aim of legislation like the Protect Duty is to foster a secure environment for the public and safeguard vulnerable locations, including those with significant historical and cultural importance, such as The King's Coronation.
Assessing the risk
Responsible protection of public locations involves a multi-layered approach that includes physical security measures, access control, and the use of surveillance measures including CCTV.
The first step in responsible protection of public locations is to conduct a thorough risk assessment. This will identify any potential threats and vulnerabilities and help to determine the most effective security measures to implement.
Implementation of security measures
CCTV cameras help to monitor the event and identify any potential security threats
Robust security measures, such as CCTV, temporary fencing, bollards, and access control, are essential for ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the coronation event.
CCTV cameras help to monitor the event and identify any potential security threats. Temporary fencing and bollards can be used to control access to the venue and prevent unauthorised entry. Implementing access control measures, such as ID checks and bag searches, will help to ensure that only authorised personnel are allowed into the venue.
Security-conscious culture
It is crucial to view security measures not only in terms of physical aspects but also from a behavioural perspective. Apart from installing physical security measures, promoting and maintaining a security-conscious culture is also essential. All personnel involved in organising and managing the event should be trained appropriately and encouraged to remain vigilant.
Contingency plans, training exercises and drills, and ensuring that all the emergency responders are equipped with the necessary resources and kit are crucial to ensure the smooth running of a national event.
Potential security threats
Being alert and knowing what to look out for is essential for identifying potential security threats
Being alert and knowing what to look out for is essential for identifying potential security threats.
This includes being aware of any suspicious behaviour or activity and reporting it immediately to the authorities. Signs to look out for include unattended bags or packages, people acting suspiciously, or anyone attempting to gain unauthorised access to the venue.
Emergency responses to events
Emergency responses are of utmost importance during a national event like the Coronation of the King, they can help ensure the safety and security of the public if any security incidents or emergencies arise.
Effective coordination among these agencies is also imperative to provide a unified response
Reacting promptly and efficiently during emergencies can significantly reduce the risk of harm to the public and prevent the escalation of the situation. Adequate preparation is crucial to facilitate a swift and effective response from the authorities, which may involve deploying emergency services like the police, fire, and ambulance services, and implementing contingency plans to manage the situation. Effective coordination among these agencies is also imperative to provide a unified response.
Security solutions for commercial or personal property
If you own personal property or commercial premises that will be empty on the day of the coronation, there are several effective security solutions to consider to help reduce the risk of theft, damage, or other security incidents on a day when emergency services will be stretched.
These include ensuring all doors and windows are locked and secured before leaving your property unattended. If you have a security system, ensure it is armed and being monitored. Installing CCTV cameras in the key areas of your property, such as entrances and exits can help deter criminals and provide valuable evidence if a security incident does occur.
Providing valuable evidence
To ensure peace of mind, it's essential to have financial protection in the event of security incidents
If you have valuable items or aspects of your property that are at risk of theft, consider removing these items from your property and storing them in a secure location. If this isn’t possible, could you hire security personnel to guard your property and do regular patrols during the event? This can provide an added layer of protection and deter potential criminals.
To ensure peace of mind, it's essential to have financial protection in the event of security incidents. Check that your insurance policy is current and covers any damages or losses that may occur
Collaboration is key
For mass events such as this, collaboration is key. The public, emergency services, event managers and all those involved must work to help each other throughout the event to ensure safety is upheld.
Assessing the risk, implementing robust security measures, and promoting a security-conscious culture are all crucial steps in keeping the public safe. Abiding by these measures will ensure those involved can enjoy the event with peace of mind, knowing that their safety and security are a top priority.
