Firearms & Explosives
When you work in a Security Control Room (SCR), one of the most serious and high-stress situations you may face is a threat involving firearms or explosives. These incidents are rare in the UK, but when they do happen, they are fast, violent, and dangerous. As an SCR operator, your calm actions, sharp eyes, and quick decisions can save lives.
Why Firearms & Explosives Matter in Security Control Rooms
You might think firearms and explosives are mainly an issue for police or the military, but the truth is, the first signs of danger often appear on your screens in the Control Room.
You might notice a suspicious bag on CCTV before anyone else does.
You might hear panic in a radio call and need to coordinate the response.
You might be the one to make the crucial call to police within seconds of spotting a weapon.
Your role is not about confrontation, it is about control. By detecting early warning signs and guiding the right response, you give your team and the public the best chance of safety.
Think of it this way: while others see only chaos, you provide the calm voice and the clear instructions that save lives.
How Threats Can Appear in Everyday Workplaces
Firearms and explosives are not just issues in crowded public areas like train stations or arenas. They can appear in all types of workplaces:
Office Buildings: A disgruntled former employee returning with a weapon.
Shopping Centres: An abandoned backpack left in a food court.
Industrial Sites: A delivery vehicle carrying dangerous or concealed items.
Event Venues: An individual trying to sneak past checks with suspicious clothing or bags.
As a Control Room Operator, you are often the first person to spot something unusual. Recognising that a normal-looking workplace can become a high-risk scene in seconds helps you take your role seriously every shift.
Understanding the Threat
Firearms and explosives are not everyday risks for most security officers, but they can appear in different ways:
Firearms incidents: An active shooter, armed intruder, or someone threatening staff with a weapon.
Explosive incidents: A suspicious package, an abandoned vehicle, or even a person carrying an improvised explosive device (IED).
Combination threats: An attacker may use both weapons and explosives to cause maximum disruption.
The most important thing to remember is that these threats develop quickly, often without warning, which is why constant vigilance is essential in the Control Room.
Real-World Scenario
Imagine you are monitoring CCTV during an evening shift. You spot a person entering the site wearing a heavy coat, even though it is a warm summer day. The individual avoids security checks and places a backpack under a bench before walking away quickly.
What would you do?
Stay calm and keep observing through CCTV.
Immediately log the incident with time and location.
Notify ground officers to keep a safe distance.
Escalate to emergency services without delay.
Secure CCTV footage for evidence.
In this scenario, your fast thinking could prevent a serious tragedy.
Warning Signs to Look Out For
Firearms and explosive threats are not always obvious, but some red flags include:
Nervous or agitated behaviour, especially around checkpoints.
People wearing bulky clothing inappropriate for the weather.
Individuals trying to avoid CCTV or access controls.
Unattended bags, boxes, or packages left in public or restricted areas.
Vehicles parked in unusual places or left running for long periods.
Tip: Never dismiss something because it “might be nothing.” If in doubt, act.
Your Role in the Control Room
You are the nerve centre during these incidents. Ground officers rely on your guidance and emergency services depend on your accurate reporting.
Your key actions include:
Detecting: Spot suspicious behaviour or items early through CCTV and alarms.
Recording: Log everything, including times, descriptions, and locations.
Communicating: Give clear, short instructions to officers, and pass accurate information to police or emergency services.
Coordinating: Support lockdowns, evacuations, or diversions as directed.
Remember: you are not expected to tackle the threat yourself. Your job is to control the flow of information and guide the right people.
Consequences of Failing to Respond
If firearms or explosives are not spotted or handled properly, the outcome can be severe:
Loss of life: Seconds matter, and hesitation can cost lives.
Injury and panic: Explosions or gunfire cause chaos, fear, and injuries that can overwhelm staff.
Damage to property: Explosives can destroy infrastructure in moments.
Loss of trust: Staff and the public will lose confidence in security if incidents are mishandled.
Pro Skills for SCR Operators
Working in the Control Room during a firearms or explosives threat is about staying sharp and leading from behind the screens. Here are key pro skills to master:
Eyes like a hawk: Don’t just watch screens, scan with purpose. Switch your viewing pattern often so nothing slips past you.
Talk like a leader: In emergencies, use short, sharp, and clear radio calls. For example, “Suspicious bag, main lobby, officers keep clear” is more effective than lengthy explanations.
Practice under pressure: Treat every drill like the real thing. Muscle memory from training will kick in when stress levels are high.
Protect the evidence: Secure CCTV footage as soon as you spot a threat. It could be the most important piece of evidence for police or investigators.
Trust your gut: If something feels wrong, raise it. Acting early is always safer than ignoring a red flag.
Fast Facts to Remember
A few quick facts show why your role matters so much in firearms and explosives incidents:
Thousands of cases: The UK records several thousand firearms offences every year, with a small but dangerous number linked to organised crime or terror activity.
Not always a hoax: Around 1 in 3 suspicious packages reported in the UK is a real threat, meaning every call must be treated seriously.
Training saves lives: Security teams who drill regularly can cut their emergency response times by up to 40 percent, giving people precious seconds to escape or take cover.
Staying Calm Saves Lives
Firearms and explosives incidents are among the most serious threats you may ever face as a Control Room Operator. They are rare, but when they happen, they demand calm, professional, and immediate action.
Your role is not to confront the danger, but to spot it early, report it clearly, and guide others safely. By doing this, you protect not only your team but also every person inside your site.
In short, your vigilance and quick decisions can turn a potential disaster into a controlled response.
