Responding to Suspicious Behaviour and Threats
1. What to do if you spot a potential threat
Assess the Threat Quickly
Security officers must remain vigilant and act swiftly when identifying a potential threat. The first step is to assess the level of risk without causing panic.
🔹 Is the threat immediate? (e.g., an unattended suspicious package, an aggressive individual, or a visible weapon)
🔹 Is the behaviour unusual? (e.g., someone conducting hostile reconnaissance, avoiding security checks, or acting nervously)
🔹 Does the object or person fit the surroundings? (e.g., oversized clothing in warm weather, leaving a bag unattended in a high-risk area)
Take Immediate Action
Suspicious Items (e.g., Unattended Bags, Packages, or Vehicles)
✅ Apply the H.O.T. Protocol:
- Hidden – Has the item been deliberately placed out of sight?
- Obviously Suspicious – Does it have visible wires, batteries, or unusual smells?
- Typical – Is it normal for this environment?
✅ Clear the Area: Ensure a minimum safe distance (100m for small items, 200m for larger objects).
✅ Do Not Touch: Avoid handling the object or allowing others to interfere.
✅ Report Immediately: Call 999 for urgent threats or 0800 789 321 for non-urgent suspicious activity.
Escalate If Necessary
🔸 Immediate Threat? Call 999 for police assistance.
🔸 Potential Terrorism-Related Suspicion? Contact the Anti-Terrorism Hotline: 0800 789 321.
🔸 Need to Report Online? Visit www.gov.uk/report-terrorism.
By staying alert, assessing threats effectively, and taking the correct actions, security officers play a crucial role in preventing incidents and ensuring public safety.
2. Communicating with supervisors and emergency services
The Importance of Effective Communication
Security officers play a critical role in maintaining situational awareness and ensuring that threats are reported promptly and accurately. Effective communication with supervisors and emergency services helps to prevent escalation, protect the public, and coordinate emergency responses.
Reporting to Supervisors
Security officers must immediately inform their supervisor if they identify any potential threats, security breaches, or unusual behaviour.
Key Information to Include in Reports:
🔹 Who? – Description of the person(s) involved (appearance, clothing, behaviour).
🔹 What? – Details of the suspicious activity or object (e.g., unattended bag, aggressive behaviour).
🔹 Where? – Exact location of the incident (e.g., main entrance, car park, restricted area).
🔹 When? – Time the incident was observed.
🔹 Why? – Explain why the situation appears suspicious.
💡 Tip: Use clear, concise, and professional language when reporting to supervisors. Avoid assumptions and provide only factual observations.
Contacting Emergency Services (999 and Anti-Terrorism Hotline)
🚨 If the situation is an immediate threat to life, such as:
✅ Armed individuals or violent attacks.
✅ Bomb threats or suspicious packages.
✅ Hostage situations or acts of terrorism.
When calling 999, clearly state:
🔸 Your name and security position.
🔸 The nature of the emergency (e.g., “Suspicious package found at the main entrance”).
🔸 The exact location (building name, street, or landmark).
🔸 Any descriptions of suspects, objects, or incidents.
Non-Urgent Reports (Anti-Terrorism Hotline & Online Reporting)
If the situation is suspicious but not an immediate threat, contact:
📞 Anti-Terrorism Hotline: 0800 789 321
💻 Online Report: www.gov.uk/report-terrorism
Use this for:
✔️ Individuals conducting hostile reconnaissance.
✔️ Suspicious behaviour that may indicate planning of an attack.
✔️ Concerns about radicalisation or extremism.
Communicating with Emergency Responders on Arrival
When emergency services arrive, security officers must:
🔹 Direct them to the incident location quickly and safely.
🔹 Provide detailed information about what has occurred.
🔹 Assist with crowd control and evacuation procedures if required.
🔹 Follow instructions from law enforcement and emergency personnel.
💡 Key Tip: Stay calm, professional, and alert during all communications to ensure accurate information flow and effective coordination.
By maintaining clear and efficient communication, security officers help protect people, secure locations, and support emergency services in crisis situations.
