Hostile Reconnaissance: Learning the lessons The information gathered and gained within the hostile reconnaissance (HR) process is the key to the success of a threat. We must apply a mix of knowledge, skill set, and professional bravery to understand, prevent and, most importantly, learn from those that carry out HR. As a practitioner in all things ‘hostile’, I believe it’s important to separate the theoretical understanding of hostile reconnaissance (HR) and move it into the realm of reality. It’s my view that we often fail to see the true reality of the ‘opposition’ threat and fail to preven ..read more

Four easy ways to reassure your customers that safety is a top priority from Counter Terrorism Policing Your business plays a vital role in encouraging your customers to be vigilant and by doing so, you could prevent hostile reconnaissance and terrorist incidents. Communicating protective security measures can act as a free and highly effective layer of security, but will it scare or reassure your customers? Evidence suggests that by publicising or talking about protective security, you can provoke positive emotional and behavioural responses and ultimately deter potential hostiles. Here are f ..read more

Infiltration insiders and terrorism In his 2004 treatise “The Management of Savagery” Abu Baku Naji  (the jihadist ideologue) advocated the infiltration of “the police forces, the armies, the different political parties, the newspapers, the Islamic groups, the petroleum companies, private security companies, sensitive civil institutions etc.” In a new wave of radicalisation, driven by events in the Middle East and elsewhere, we would do well to consider this specific aspect of terrorism – the use of insiders. The concept of infiltrating the enemy is nothing new. Terrorists have used this ..read more

Balancing security with community London is renowned for its vibrant and dynamic public spaces. The city is home to some of the most exciting and diverse mixed-use environments that blend residential areas, offices, retail outlets, and cultural hotspots. When designing security solutions for these spaces the primary challenge lies in establishing robust security measures that do not detract from the welcoming and open atmosphere these areas provide. The goal is to ensure the security, safety, and well-being of everyone, from residents and commuters to tourists, without imposing an overbearing ..read more

Counter terrorism training – keeping up with modern threats The unpredictable and devastating nature of terrorism means that we always need to be a few steps ahead of rapidly evolving terrorist threats. This is why counter terrorism training should be constantly evolving in the learning syllabus for security apprenticeships. Whilst the current Professional Security Operative (PSO) Level 2 apprenticeship programme provides comprehensive and practical counter terrorism training in line with existing industry guidelines, there is still a need to continuously evaluate existing counter terrorism tr ..read more

Martyn’s Law – time to get it done – Figen Murray Sir David Amess MP was the last person in the UK to have tragically lost his life because of terrorism when he was murdered in a Methodist church hall on 15 October 2021. Whilst there hasn’t been a fatality because of terrorism in the UK since then, we cannot become complacent and ignore the ongoing and evolving nature of the terrorist threat we’re facing. Since March 2017, two months before my son Martyn Hett and 21 other people died in the Manchester Arena bombing, the UK’s intelligence and security partners have disrupted 39 late-stage terro ..read more

The City Security Council 2024 The upcoming year, 2024, is poised to be both exciting yet challenging for the City Security Council.  We anticipate significant changes in our operating model, including a shift towards regional leadership teams to spearhead national initiatives. Establishing a new-look London leadership team for 2024 was the obvious first step in this transformation process, given the success seen to date in the City. It is a privilege to be appointed to the position of Chair for the London region and work has commenced developing the regional strategy, vision, and key obj ..read more

How the best security starts with understanding an organisation’s culture and operation Allied Universal provides bespoke, intelligence-led security solutions to protect the people and assets of London from evolving threats. In this article, Managing Director, Johnny Rose  outlines how the company collaborates closely with clients, immersing itself in the organisation’s culture and operation to deliver a bespoke security solution backed by global resources and knowledge. The role of the security provider has developed significantly over recent years. Alongside advances in technology and i ..read more

Winners of City Security Article of the Year Award 2023  Congratulations to the winner and runners up of this year’s Article of the Year – announced at the City of London Crime Prevention Association (CoLCPA) March meeting at Draper’s Hall. In first place: The Risk Management Process – 5 Key Steps by Jon Felix BSc (hons) MDIP MBCI MSyl M.ISRM – CIS Security Limited Congratulations to the two runners-up: Focus on a security team: The South Bank Patrol by Graham Bassett MSyI, FREC, FInstSMM and Addressing current new labour challenges in the security sector by Christian Berenger – TEAM Soft ..read more

Focus on a security professional Philip Grindell MSc CSyP CEO & Founder, Defuse My career in security started way back in 1986 when I joined the Grenadier Guards. My first posting was to Northern Ireland as part of the security forces. On reflection, I learnt a great deal about security from those days: from the role of static guards and patrols to searching and intelligence gathering. I don’t think I consciously chose ‘security’. I chose careers where I could fulfil what I consider to be my purpose in life, which is to make a difference by helping people feel safer. That wasn’t always a c ..read more