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Scotland Regional Counter Terrorism Protective Security Update

Posted: 25th May 2017

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has raised the international terror threat level in the UK to  CRITICAL. This means that their assessment is not only that an attack remains highly likely but a further attack may be imminent.

 

The investigation into the terrorist attack in Manchester is large scale, fast moving and making good progress. There has been an arrest and there are currently multiple searches and other activity taking place. At this stage however, it is still not possible to be certain whether or not a wider group was involved in the attack; 24 hours in we have a number of investigative leads that we are pursuing to manage the ongoing threat.

 
This concern led, last night, to the independent Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre to raise the threat level to “critical”. This means that their assessment is, not only that an attack remains highly likely, but a further attack may be imminent.

 
Businesses would expect the police to do everything possible to prevent further attacks and keep them safe. We are flexing our resources to increase police presence at key sites (such as transport and other crowded places) and we are reviewing key events over the coming weeks.
We need businesses to continue to support this effort by ensuring your own staff and buildings are prepared to deal with an attack:

  • We continue to offer support through Project Griffin and Project Argus
  • Where you have them, we encourage your security staff to be vigilant and proactive in monitoring your business areas for suspicious activity.
  • Where businesses are co-located, we recommend that you work together to ensure your shared areas are protected.
  • Try and minimise crowds at your business and make sure you are aware of who is coming in and out of your premises.
  • Keep buildings secure where appropriate.
  • Pay attention to areas around exits, especially when large numbers of staff and customers are due to leave

From a Police Scotland perspective, the public can expect to see armed police officers deployed at certain locations. At this time we are asking the public to remain calm but alert. If you see anything that causes you concern, then let us know immediately, if you have suspicions about someone’s behaviour call us.
Look out for anything that seems out of place, unusual, or doesn’t seem to fit in with day-to-day life. It may be nothing but if you see or hear anything that could be terrorist related trust your instinct no matter how small then ACT and call 999.
Other key points include:

  • You should also review your building and business continuity plans in the light of this attack. You should ensure that first aid points are fully stocked and the location of key equipment is made clear to all staff.
  • We also recommend that staff are directed to the Citizen Aid app and Run, Hide, Tell on YouTube. The number of casualties successfully treated by the public after recent attacks highlights the importance of understanding first aid.
  • NaCTSO has refreshed its latest guidance on recognising the terrorist threat and we would recommend you access this at www.nactso.gov.uk

 

The following links provide additional useful information that may assist when deploying the tactical options;

 
http://www.cpni.gov.uk
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/stay-safe-film
http://www.cpni.gov.uk/advice/physical-security/cctv
http://www.nactso.gov.uk
http://www.mi5.gov.uk
http://www.gov.uk/government/collections/crowdedplaces#sector-specific-guidance

 
You will also be carrying out your own reviews of security levels and some of you will have innovative and new ways of delivering protective security, which you may wish to share with other partners. If you deploying such tactics and are willing to share them, please forward them to NaCTSO.

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Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.
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