We asked leading security thought leaders:


What can businesses do to help the security services and themselves to defeat terrorism? 


Don Randall, MBE Chair CoLCPA


There is an obvious business imperative for robust security provision against all


types of threat. We can see from the comments that follow, consensus is emerging on the most effective ways of implementing this provision.


The threat and reality of terrorism will never go away and we must continue to be vigilant, build resistance and recovery options. However, the threat from cyber crime is now top of the agenda for many businesses. We know that the proceeds from cyber crime can not only fund terrorism, but have the potential to make a catastrophic impact on an organisation.


In order for business to continue to prioritise cyber crime, board level focus is needed for this and all aspects of security. Understanding and commitment to security at a senior level is essential.


The role of partnership working has taken a significant step forward in the past decade. Since 9/11 the partnerships between law enforcement, the security services and business have grown in efficacy and influence and play a key role in defeating terrorism.


Project Griffin has reached its 10th year and has made a major contribution. It is public/private partnership at its best. The Cross-sector Safety and Security Communications (CSSC) initiative is now recognised as a significant advance in keeping business secure. The Building Security Accreditation scheme is another key initiative to encourage and recognise good security practices.


Clearly, there are practical steps that businesses can take. Timely and specific advice is available via your local police Counter Terrorism Security Adviser (CTSA) who provide a direct link to advice from the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office (NaCSTO).


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


S E C U R I T Y T H O U G H T L E A D E R S ’ V I E W S


Richard Morris Commander Metropolitan Police


Businesses can do a lot to help the security services and to protect and prepare themselves


to combat terrorism.


Many of the most effective protective security measures are the most simple to implement and instrumental in creating a healthy security culture.


First and foremost, to ensure that any security regime and contingency plans that are in place are regularly tested to ensure they are robust enough to cope with any anticipated incident or increase in threat.


Security staff, receptionists and front of house staff as well as all supervisors should recognise their role in deterring and disrupting the threat from both crime and terrorism.


Use team meetings to remind staff about the importance of being vigilant and reporting suspicious activity and behaviour and ensure they know how to do this. Also, ensure that each member of staff understands their specific roles in any security plan.


Simple good housekeeping always pays dividends – a thorough search of premises, both inside and out before, during and after opening hours can help to identify any issues, prevent false alarms and reduce the opportunity for any suspicious items to be left.


Regularly checking that all emergency exits are secured when not in use will prevent unauthorised entry and ensure no one is able to enter your premises bypassing any screening regime you have in place.


Remember that any evacuation routes and exits must be well defined, and evacuation plans should be exercised regularly.


CCTV can help clarify if any security alert is genuine and could be vital in any post- incident investigation. Ensure that the date and time stamps are accurate and the system you operate is well maintained. Check to make sure that the recorded images of people and vehicles are clearly identifiable and are retained for at least 31 days.


Further advice for can be found at www.nactso.gov.uk


Every Borough in London has a CT focus desk and it is the responsibility of officers who work within these desks to engage with their local businesses and, working together, deliver a range of CT protective security measures including Project Griffin, Project Argus, and arranging specialist advice when needed.


Wayne Chance Commander City of London Police


Engaging with readily- available services is key to businesses protecting themselves against


terrorism. In the City of London, as elsewhere, a dedicated, specialist team of police Counter Terrorism Security Advisers (CTSAs) delivers NaCTSO and bespoke advice, briefings and other products to all businesses who seek them. The aim is for businesses to understand the specific sources and nature of threat against them, and to help those businesses develop proportionate, realistic responses.


CTSAs work with the CPNI and other agencies and are key to the delivery of the UK’s protective security strategy on the ground. CTSA services are almost universally free of charge, and all are backed by many years experience of business needs, and the most up-to-date understanding of threats and how to mitigate them.


In the City of London, the CTSA team includes an Architectural Liaison Officer (ALO), advising developers, architects, and the City of London planning authority on crime and terrorism mitigation in the design of new developments. By engaging with the ALO early in the design stage of a new site, developers can promote the safety of future occupiers and the wider community in the most efficient and cost- effective way.


Email CTS@cityoflondon.police.uk to find out how your CTSAs can help your business remain safe and productive.


Sir David Veness, CBE, QPM Senior Advisor Pilgrims Group Limited


There has been a strategic shift in the balance between security provided by the public authorities and the


totality of private sector security delivered by the full span of industry. The critical importance of information technology is a key reason for the shift.


This provides an opportunity for greater mutual benefit between sectors.


The defensive concept of protecting critical national infrastructure (CNI), vital to national security, needs to be increasingly supplemented by greater proactivity to achieve resilience on a wider horizon.


The UK is well placed to achieve this. There are now more sectors of CNI. The National Counter-Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) does excellent work on an even broader agenda including crowded places. There


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