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errorist threats have changed significantly over the last 10-15 years,


and the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York was a prime example of the devastation that can be created by modern terrorism.


The threat and consequences of terror attacks are becoming increasingly dangerous. Terrorists aim to make as many casualties – and often fatalities – as possible in order to gain the most impact and attention. Advances in technology are allowing terrorists to become more effective in carrying out hostile reconnaissance, which facilitates terror attacks and leads to greater risks for the public.


recorder. If a subject is using recording tools such as these, it can help identify them as a potential threat.


Acting on instincts


Remember, no two terrorists look the same, and it would not be appropriate to stereotype potential threats by age, gender, race, or religion. So security providers have an incredibly difficult task of identifying those carrying out hostile reconnaissance, and will often have to rely on their skills and instincts to make a judgement call.


Nine times out of ten a person who may seem suspicious will be completely innocent, but it’s


rh o s t i l e e conna i s s anc e Spotting a threat


Hostile reconnaissance is where a person or group of individuals set out to gather information – usually via photograph or video – about the security levels of a building to identify weak points, with a view to planning a successful terrorist attack on a building and the people in it.


Areas that may come under scrutiny include the location of CCTV cameras, access control security, the fire exit points, car park locations, and the level of manned guarding in a building. A more alarming reconnaissance point is the identification of possible assembly areas where people would be evacuated to, which out in the open create a separate target all of their own.


Guards should look out for anyone asking out of the ordinary questions about a building’s security measures, querying its manned guards’ shift patterns, any parked vehicles in unusual locations, or people taking pictures or filming CCTV camera or access points. They should be able to differentiate between a picture being taken by a tourist and one being taken with more menacing intentions.


Extra care should be taken with people who, when questioned, have no valid reason for being in a location, especially if they are unauthorised to enter the area they are discovered in. When questioning, guards should take note of anything that seems suspicious, such as the subject being nervous and on edge, or wearing inappropriate clothing such as casual dress in an office environment.


People carrying out hostile reconnaissance will usually have some form of recording system such as a camera or mobile phone that features a camera, a note book, or a voice


16 © CI TY S ECURI TY MAGAZ INE – S P RING 2014


worth determining either way to ensure the complete security of the building and the safety of the people in it. It is a delicate balance for security guards to know how to approach and respond to situations such as these, and the legal restrictions on the action they can take.


Although police officers are legally allowed to stop a suspicious person and ask to view any footage they have recorded on a camera, a security guard does not have the same rights. But they are allowed to question an individual to determine why they are there and what they are taking photos for.


If a person is completely innocent they will most likely offer this information freely, and have a valid reason for their actions. However if a guard’s questioning did lead them to believe the person has ulterior motives for being in that location, they should alert the police and try to use assets such as CCTV to try to identify the person.


Official guidance


In July 2010 the Home Secretary reviewed counter-terrorism and security powers, with the aim of finding a way to restore and safeguard civil liberties in a manner consistent with the security needs of the country.


Although the research concentrated on police use of counter-terrorism powers to prevent photographers from legitimately taking photographs, it also uncovered concerns about security guards attempting to take action against photographers.


When the findings of the review were released in January 2011, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) created photography and hostile reconnaissance guidelines to advise guards on the best


The BSIA guidance includes these recommendations:


Although an individual may be using a large or professional-looking camera, it is not an indication that they are doing so for malicious purposes, and attachments such as lenses and tripods are not a sign of suspicious activity.


Security guards have no legal right to prevent a person from taking photographs or recording video footage whilst they are in a public place, even if the subject of the images is a private building.


A security guard is able to prevent a person from taking photographs while on private property, if the activity is prohibited, or requires a permit and the individual cannot produce one. Guards are advised to alert the person politely to the restrictions and request he/she stops the activity, and reasonable force can be used if the person refuses to leave the premises.


Guards are not permitted to seize any photographic equipment, delete images or videos from cameras, or obstruct individuals in any way from taking pictures or video footage.


Permits are not required for individuals to film or take photographs in public places, even if the subject of their photos or footage is of a private location or building.


Landlords of private land wishing to forbid the taking of photographs must clearly state that the activity is prohibited and that a permit must be granted..


course of action with reference to photography and security.


One of the main concerns that is addressed within the document is that, although guards may be politely trying to seek out information from members of the public, their questioning could be viewed as an unwanted intrusion.


So, what is the key guidance for guards? Changing face of terrorism


As the techniques that terrorists now employ are far from predictable and often varied, it is hard to know when, where and how attacks will occur.


Relying solely on either manned guarding or security technology is not the answer, and in fact the best approach will involve a combination of the two to create a bespoke provision where personnel and electronics complement each other intelligently.


First, security providers need to identify the potential threats to a building, in order to


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