Best Practices and Emergency Contacts for Terror threats
📢 Note: At the bottom of this topic, you will find downloadable PDF resources | Essential guides for security officers. Be sure to check them out!
1. Summary of key learning points
Security officers play a crucial role in maintaining public safety, preventing security threats, and responding effectively to emergencies. This summary highlights the key takeaways from this training, ensuring that security personnel are well-prepared to handle various situations with confidence and professionalism.
- Understanding Threats – Be aware of terrorism risks and potential targets.
- Vigilance & Reporting – Identify suspicious behaviour, unattended items, and report threats immediately.
- Threat Levels – Adjust security measures based on UK terror threat levels.
- Suspicious Packages – Use H.O.T. (Hidden, Obviously Suspicious, Typical) protocol and avoid touching unknown objects.
- Emergency Response – Follow Run, Hide, Tell in an attack situation.
- Security Patrols – Maintain regular patrols, access control, and CCTV monitoring.
- Evacuation & Lockdown – Know when to secure people inside (lockdown) or evacuate safely.
- Public Safety Campaigns – Promote vigilance through “See Something, Say Something”.
2. Best practices for security officers in preventing and responding to terror threats
1. Stay Vigilant and Informed
- Keep up to date with current terrorism threats in the UK.
- Recognise high-risk locations and potential terrorist targets.
2. Effective Surveillance and Patrols
- Conduct regular, unpredictable patrols to deter threats.
- Monitor CCTV systems actively for suspicious activity.
- Enforce strict access control procedures.
3. Identifying Suspicious Behavior and Packages
- Use H.O.T. Protocol to assess Hidden, Obviously Suspicious, Typical items.
- Be alert for unattended items, unusual behaviour, or reconnaissance activity.
4. Emergency Response: RUN, HIDE, TELL
- Run: Evacuate to safety if possible.
- Hide: If evacuation is not possible, find a secure location.
- Tell: Call 999 and report the threat with details.
5. Evacuation and Lockdown Procedures
- Know when to lock down a site (invacuation) versus evacuating to safety.
- Follow site-specific security policies for responding to threats.
6. Encourage Public Vigilance and Reporting
- Promote “See Something, Say Something” campaigns.
- Report non-urgent threats to Anti-Terrorism Hotline: 0800 789321.
3. Important Contact Numbers:
- Emergency Services (999)– For immediate threats or incidents
- Anti-Terrorism Hotline (0800 789 321)– To report suspicious activity
- Crimestoppers (0800 555 111)– Anonymous reporting of crime or threats
- Security Supervisor/Control Room– Site-specific emergency contact
- Local Police (Non-Emergency – 101)– For reporting non-urgent concerns
📢 Downloadable PDF Documents:
Be sure to check out the following essential guides for security officers:
