SMT Online End User News

With 2011 already a distant memory, what does 2012 have in store for security professionals? Well, there’s IFSEC International, of course, and the all-new Global Security Summit… and likely a few threats in cyber space, too.

The New Year has begun brilliantly for MITIE Group, where CEO Ruby McGregor-Smith was awarded the CBE by Her Majesty The Queen. Congratulations, Ruby, on a tremendous achievement.

Also kicking off January in style is London Mayor Boris Johnson who, on Monday, took up residency as head of the UK’s first Office for Policing and Crime. Ensuring our capital city has enough front line police officers on the streets will be a key priority.

In another ‘UK first’, the City of London Police-run Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department has opened for business. Good job, too, because fraud’s increasing in scope. Thankfully, David Green CB QC will be doing all he can to arrest that trend.

In tandem with the latest court statistics supporting the Government’s case for justice reform, the BSIA has been lobbying HM Courts Service on the vital subject of data destruction.

It’s also great to see the Victims Services Alliance now forged by more than 30 charities and organisations.

Sadly, the cost of crime in the retail sector has soared to £1.4 billion, but there’s light on the horizon in the shape of Cardinal Group’s National Business Crime Solution.

Physical Security Information Management

We’ve a new blogger for you this year: CornerStone director Jon Roadnight will tackle a number of topics from the consultant’s perspective, and begins with an overview of Physical Security Information Management (or PSIM).

If you missed our recent webinar on this subject click here to view retrospectively, and do take a look at the integrator’s view of PSIM through the eyes of recognised subject expert Peter Houlis.

Speaking of blogs, be sure to check out the latest opinions from The Security Analyst and The Training Platform.

In the security solutions space, Key Note reports good times ahead for CCTV, the all-new ASIS-ISAF research suggests a continuing trend towards security convergence and BRE Global has issued a handy guide to systems procurement.

Additionally, make time to check out the new kit being offered by Axis Communications, G4S Technology, Samsung, CBC, American Dynamics and Human Recognition Systems.

You’ll also be interested to learn that Bowman Capital has backed a £32 million management buy-out at alarm specialist CSL DualCom.

Guarding and lone worker issues

In the guarding sphere, both G4S and ISS have recently energised substantial contracts… but the news isn’t so good for an unlicensed security director following an investigation by the Security Industry Authority.

Interestingly, a study by the Royal College of Nursing reveals the “true benefits” of lone worker solutions in the healthcare sector. UBM’s Security Portfolio will be focusing on this essential topic at the NEC in May.

Speaking of shows, event security organisation Showsec aired its highly professional opinions at the UK Festival Conference here in London.

Last but by no means least, the IFSEC International Security Industry Awards 2012 are now open for entries. Check out the categories and then take part!

Until next time!

Brian Sims
Editor
SMT Online

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SMT Online End User News

Well this is it, folks… The final edition of SMT Online End User News for 2011 before the Info4Security team members at Ludgate House – all of whom are already busy with preparations for the inaugural Global Security Summit – head home to enjoy the Festive Season

Speaking of the Christmas holidays, if you want to avoid being hoodwinked by the counterfeit present sellers this week make a point of absorbing the latest advice from the UK Border Agency

Many security officers and guarding companies will have been pleased to learn that the Security Industry Authority is bestowing a present of its own by reducing fees for individual licences and Approved Contractor Scheme membership. 

Meanwhile, The Security Institute is freezing its membership rates for the New Year. 

Subsequent to a National Day of Action aimed at tackling the scourge of metal theft, the Metropolitan Police Service has now launched a dedicated unit to combat would-be thieves

At the Home Office, Theresa May has announced that new powers are in place to nullify the threat of terrorism following Royal Assent for the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Act

Following on from this news, it’s fair to say that optimising the security screening process is always crucial. What part, though, does 3D imaging have to play in this arena? 

Maintaining the technology theme, AMG Systems is branching out into the world of network camera manufacturing. Assess the British-designed and made PanoCam360 models unveiled by the AMG Panogenics sister company. 

It’s also well worth reading the video surveillance trends predicted by IMS Research for 2012. The findings could be pivotal to your own buying decisions for next year.

Convergence and Physical Security Information Management

One trend capturing the zeitgeist is convergence, of course, and if you missed our recent webinar on Physical Security Information Management fear not… You can retrospectively view the content

Professor Martin Gill would be extremely grateful if you could take part in a major study of the UK’s security sector, while the BSIA has formed a dedicated Training Providers Section

Last Thursday, Info4Security revealed that Cardinal Group had acquired the ORIS Partnership. That’s a big deal, and so is the fact that SOCA’s chairman Sir Ian Andrews is to give a keynote speech at next year’s ASIS European Security Conference

On the appointments front, there’s a new president at ADS and Marcus Kneen has taken over as CEO at IndigoVision

By the way, you can read all about addressing employee references if you peruse the wise words of Clive Day. Alternatively, if protecting business information falls under your remit take stock of what Matthew Welch has to say on the matter. 

And don’t forget to appraise Adam Bernstein’s excellent discourse on business continuity for smaller companies

Another ‘must read’ is our list of the Top 20 stories on Info4Security during 2011. 

On a note of great sadness for me, my esteemed colleague Anthony Hildebrand – the hugely talented Editor of Info4Security – leaves us this week for pastures new. Anthony is a genuine pleasure to work with (aside from being one of the nicest people you’re ever likely to meet). May I take this opportunity on behalf of myself and his many colleagues across the security world to publicly wish him all the very best for his next career move. 

OK. That’s your lot for 2011. Thank You for continuing to read and engage with SMT Online’s End User News. It just remains for me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

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The UK Government has just published its all-new Cyber Security Strategy. There’s talk of a “more trusted and resilient” digital environment, but what does the industry think about these plans? 

There’s certainly plenty going on in cyber space. PricewaterhouseCoopers’ latest report suggests that global spending for the year on cyber deals will hit the $60 billion mark before the month is out. Not a small amount of cash, then. 

Returning to the political theme, the BSIA recently hosted “thought-provoking” cross-Parliamentary discussions on the subject of policing while a £4.9 million cash injection is designed to help in realising safer communities across the UK. 

Meantime, new European legislation is set to close US Patriot Act data access loopholes. 

Much activity at G4S of late, with the company focused on ‘working prisons’ and forging another successful partnership with Remploy

Congratulations to Sodexo Justice Services and the Secure by Sodexo team at Johnson & Johnson on their latest award wins

Also in the guarding world, Steve Greenaway becomes the new director of Unipart Security Solutions’ Security Guarding Division, Peter Honnan has joined Axis Security to cover Scotland and Northern Ireland and AP Security is now accredited to both ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001. 

If it’s education you’re after then look no further than The Training Platform. This month, the focus is all about study skills.

Global Security Summit London 2012

Here at United Business Media we’ve launched a brand new exhibition for end users in the shape of the Global Security Summit London 2012… and there’s plenty of education in store. 

Speaking of UBM initiatives, the next live event in Info4Security’s series of webinars takes place on Thursday at 3.00 pm GMT. This time, the topic up for discussion is Physical Security Information Management… and it’s not too late to register for free

How to win the anti-counterfeiting war is the subject of market analyst Frost & Sullivan’s current White Paper. 

As you’ll recall, there were riots on UK plc’s streets back in August, but ADT supported its customer base admirably thanks to a determined focus on business continuity

To its great credit, the British Oil Security Syndicate continues to combat the forecourt criminals. Also worthy of much praise is the excellent Gate Safe campaign which has now issued new safety guidelines for all security professionals involved with automatic gate systems. 

On the technology front, network camera specialist Axis Communications recognised the outstanding performance of its partner organisations at a VIP event. In parallel, Inside Secure has ‘opened the door’ to HID Global’s iClass credentials on new NFC-enabled smartphones. 

Lest I forget, do make a point of checking out the best read stories on I4S for November… You can watch CCTV footage of a cyclist who, somehow, emerges alive from a frightening encounter with oncoming traffic!

Until next time

Brian Sims
Editor
SMT Online

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SMT Online End User News

The Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition certainly isn’t letting the grass grow under its collective political feet. In the wake of a bold £250 million plan to boost sector skills, business secretary Vince Cable has targeted radical reform of employment law

In addition, the Home Office is calling for “dynamic and driven” candidates to fill the new Police and Crime Commissioner roles. 

To continue the policing theme, much credit must go to the National Policing Improvement Agency for its eForensics pilot project. In the latest blog from ACPO, Rob Beckley focuses on ‘The Big Society’ (and how support roles are helping the police service apprehend members of the criminal fraternity).

Focus on the international stage 

On the international stage, Europol and Interpol are determined to tackle transnational crime. Along the same lines, Frost & Sullivan’s new report focuses on airport security. Here, it would appear new technology is needed to combat evolving threats. 

Yet more success heads the way of MITIE Group: CEO Ruby McGregor-Smith deservedly won the Leader of the Year Award at the 2011 National Business Awards just prior to announcing strong financial results for the company. 

In judicial circles, minister Crispin Blunt has visited a ‘payment by results’ pilot in operation at Peterborough Prison. Pleasingly, criminal sanctions are on the rise for those who commit assaults on NHS staff. Meantime, punishments continue to be administered for those convicted of Cash-in-Transit criminality

In relation to the latter, stolen industrial diggers are being used on a regular basis to rip out ATM machines… The message from the BSIA is simple: ‘Secure your construction machinery’.

Of late, the Trade Association has also been busy explaining why CCTV remains crucial to community safety in the wake of last August’s disorder.

Security guarding… and blogging 

In the guarding sector, First Security’s inaugural Security Forum was a huge success (so too The Security Institute’s Remembrance Lecture for 2011) and AA Security has attained another milestone. 

You can also check out Showsec’s exemplary stewarding and security operation at the recent MTV Europe Music Awards

In their latest blogs, The Networker appraises the HDTV market and The Security Analyst examines security for the rail network (the latter complete with an assessment of video analytics). 

In an excellent article, Infinova’s Mark Wilson warns against using ‘Joe Trunk Slammers’ – or uncertified integrators – for your systems installation projects. 

It’s also well worth reviewing the benefits of LPS 1277 and, in parallel, taking stock of what was said at the recent CSL DualCom Insurance and Senior Risk Surveyor Forum

By the way, do sign up for December’s webinar on Physical Security Information Management… but don’t be caught out by rogue apps currently affecting some smart phone users!

Until next time

Brian Sims
Editor
SMT Online

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In the wake of our massive news item concerning the G4S plan to buy ISS – which, not surprisingly, was one of the best read stories on Info4Security during October – came the equally big news that the deal had been abandoned

Speaking of deals and money, is security a forgotten part of the economy? Read the views of ACPO Secured by Design director and general manager Alan McInnes and let us know what you think

There’s plenty of video content for you to view just now, with stories on the Government’s policy shift in relation to armed guards on ships, footage from the National Security Inspectorate’s 40th Anniversary celebrations and MITIE’s launch of its MobileTech service aimed at retailers and property owners. 

Sticking with the governance theme, the Ministry of Justice has announced that the scope of Freedom of Information is being ramped up while border screening procedures have resulted in 10,000 arrests

In addition, Justice Secretary Ken Clarke is adamant that new sentencing structures will ‘restore clarity and common sense’ across the judicial process. 

In the regulation arena, Ian Fox has questioned the very point of it all. At the same time, the Security Industry Authority continues with its enforcement procedures

Background checks on personnel scheduled to work at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games have begun. In addition, a new guide for businesses is now available such that they can prepare for ‘the greatest show on Earth’.

The BSIA is presently urging all householders to ‘keep the burglars out’ by way of simple security solutions. For good measure, the Trade Association has also published an excellent guide to access control for the utilities sector.

Focusing on surveillance-related issues

Focusing on surveillance, did you remember to clock your CCTV system? It’s also worth checking out the results of some real world systems testing conducted in South Africa. 

Policing performance is under the spotlight once again as communities can now compare forces. In parallel, ACPO has joined forces with NHS Protect and the Crown Prosecution Service in agreeing the need for a stronger response to violence against NHS staff

It’s not too late to register for tomorrow evening’s Remembrance Lecture organised by The Security Institute. Neither is it too late to view our recent webinar on network video in the retail sector

On the education front, The Training Platform blog assesses how you can make the most from training. 

At the same time The Security Group (National) officially opens for business, Graham Le Fevre joins ASIS UK’s Committee with a special remit to look after Armed Forces liaison. 

If you want to check out some “revolutionary” web-based alarm receiving software, read our article on the work of VDT and the University of Leicester.

Until next time

Brian Sims
Editor
SMT Online

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Many people in the 1,000-strong audience at London’s Hilton Hotel on Park Lane last Wednesday evening told me they felt the 2011 Security Excellence Awards were the best yet. Well, they were! 

For those of you who couldn’t attend, you can read all about our worthy winners and take a look at the glamorous gallery of what was truly a fabulous event. 

The Security Industry Authority held its Commitment To Regulation Conference in Sheffield on 12 October. There was an excellent Keynote Speech courtesy of Baroness Ruth Henig, detailed presentations from Hazel Russell and Steve McCormick and an extremely interesting discussion on the future for the Approved Contractor Scheme

No doubt the Regulator will have seen that G4S has bought FM specialist ISS in a deal worth £5.2 billion. This news was swiftly followed by G4S Technology’s certification to ISO 27001

Elsewhere in the guarding space, Sir Robert Fulton KBE has taken on the president’s role at Corps Security while Pilgrims Group recently held its own Security Guarding Awards.

Have your say in the Tilley Awards 2011

At the Home Office, the public voting process in relation to this year’s Tilley Awards submissions is now live. 

For its part, the BSIA is proudly launching the Business Crime Conference but, at the same time, the Trade Association reports a worrying disregard for Best Practice in confidential data disposal.

In the world of retail, the British Retail Consortium has called for more support in the fight against criminality. Pleasingly, the Facewatch initiative continues to go from strength to strength, but it seems businesses are still losing billions to retail crime and error. 

Don’t forget that, between 3.00 pm and 4.30 pm today, Info4Security will be running a webinar in conjunction with Axis Communications on the subject of… retail security. You can register here for the live broadcast. 

Two reports of much interest have been published by Frost & Sullivan (on the subject of systems integration) and ADS (about the value realised for the UK economy by the security sector). 

The latest ACPO blog – courtesy of Humberside Police chief constable Tim Hollis – responds to the UK Drugs Policy Commission report on ‘Drug Enforcement in an Age of Austerity’. Hopefully, the ‘Talk to Frank’ campaign will help in the battle against drug abuse. 

Consultant Derek Maltby voices an eloquent opinion on CCTV. In parallel, Dr Steffan George tells UK practitioners why the MLA believes locksmiths must have a nationally recognised qualification and apprenticeship framework in place sooner rather than later. 

Speaking of qualifications, the first student cohort has joined the crowd safety degree course at Buckinghamshire New University. 

Last, but by no means least, check out the detail from this year’s International Professional Security Association AGM.

Until next time

Brian Sims
editor
SMT Online

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The Security Industry Authority’s next Stakeholder Conference takes place tomorrow in Sheffield, and the Regulator has once again been busy enforcing the Terms and Conditions of the Private Security Industry Act 2001

These are also busy times for the SIA’s partners in law enforcement, what with the Metropolitan Police Service’s e-Crime Unit proving its worth, a new leader for the National Crime Agency and the West Midlands Police Authority planning on increasing private sector partnerships (a move welcomed by the BSIA). 

In addition, Secretary of State for Justice Ken Clarke used the recent Conservative Party Conference as a platform to call for “prison with a purpose”

Given that online scams and specific types of fraud are on the rise, and concerns over August’s riots continue, it’s clear that further steps must be taken to deter the criminals

We’re never short of opinion on Info4Security, and our regular bloggers – including The Networker – are making their mark. Read the latest contributions from The Security Analyst and The Training Platform.

Major contracts for G4S and MITIE 

Both MITIE and G4S have recently won major contracts with the Government. The former is also working on a business education programme for managers and has just won a prestigious Supply Chain Diversity Award

Expanding the education theme, Skills for Security and ADS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing the quality of security training. In parallel, Industry Qualifications has strengthened its Board by inviting Dr Tony Breslin to join the ranks.

Speaking of appointments, the new Board is now in place for ASIS in 2012, while Sodexo security specialist Simon Pears joins the International Council and Management Board at IPSA. 

On video, why not check out Information Commissioner Christopher Graham’s recent speech concerning the transparency agenda

The latest edition of The CSR Chronicles witnesses Nick Ball of G4S Technology outline how end users might encourage their suppliers to add to their own Corporate Social Responsibility values. Meantime, the push for security convergence continues. 

Focus on the topical security subjects

If you want to know what topics are grabbing readers’ attentions just now you’d be wise to view our best read stories for September

With only a few days to go before the 2011 Security Excellence Awards Ceremony, we’ve begun to preview the finalists (and we’ll be doing so each day between now and the ceremony itself). 

By the way, there’s still plenty of time to register for our forthcoming webinar on retail security which we’re running in conjunction with Axis Communications. Click here and prepare to engage in the debate.

Until next time

Brian Sims
editor
SMT Online

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Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at concerts in terms of security and Health and Safety management? If so, wonder no more by reading an exclusive two-part report courtesy of Info4Security on how Showsec approached the recent Iron Maiden gig at Nottingham’s Capital FM Arena. 

Speaking of major events, the 2012 Olympics aren’t too far away now. How will business security regimes in the City of London be affected during Games time? 

2012 is also the launch year for United Business Media’s Global Security Summit (a specialist end user-focused exhibition in the heart of the Capital). 

In the more immediate future, Info4Security is soon to begin a new webinar programme with the initial online seminar focused on network video in the retail arena. Register for free here

The Security Industry Authority is set to host several Future of Regulation Roadshows, and has just announced the full programme for next month’s Commitment to Regulation Conference.

One guarding company that’s most certainly committed to regulation is BSIA member Securitas who – in partnership with SMT Online – has just bestowed the Good Customer Award for 2011. 

Looking at the policing world, ACPOS is actively supporting justice secretary Kenny MacAskill’s plans for a unified force in Scotland while ACPO comments on August’s civil unrest across England.

Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill: Royal Assent granted 

Royal Assent has now been granted for the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, but sadly the law enforcement world has lost two champions as Baroness Browning and Ian McPherson leave office.

An excellent array of speakers has been brought together by the ASC for this year’s Consec. For their part, ASIS UK Chapter 208 members are soon to debate healthcare security challenges

In that space we call ‘cyber’, according to Chatham House the threat of attack on CNI installations demands an urgent response

Arrest successes have sparked calls for more client organisations to join the Business Crime Intelligence Bureau. On a less positive note, it would appear the financial crisis has seen anti-money laundering descend the priority list of topics for Boards of Directors. 

At the same time Home Secretary Theresa May reflects on the changing terrorism threat post-9/11, Dr Jurek Tolloczko examines Best Practice techniques for thwarting today’s potential dangers

Integrated security and urban surveillance

The Security Analyst asks: “Should we be banking on integrated security?” It’s a fair question, as is the one posed by Peter Houlis in relation to urban surveillance systems

If you’re into gadgetry, check out the latest developments at the EMC Corporation, Kings Security Systems and Reveal Media

If you can spare a moment or two, please do respond to our SMT Online Security Management Survey – we really value your thoughts. 

We’re only three weeks away from the 2011 Security Excellence Awards. If you haven’t already done so, book your place now as we’re nearly sold out!

Until next time

Brian Sims
editor
SMT Online

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SMT Online Editor’s View: 9/11 – the day that changed security (and the world)

The 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre shook America to its core and wrought fundamental change in the world order. Ten years on, Brian Sims considers what security lessons have been learned.

On Sunday evening, after a day spent remembering those who so tragically lost their lives on September 11 2001, US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama attended ‘A Concert for Hope’ at the Kennedy Centre in Washington DC along with vice-president Joe Biden and his wife, Dr Jill Biden.

At the event, the President spoke eloquently – as always – about how that terrible day changed Americans as individuals and the nation as a whole. Tellingly, he also boldly described what has not changed Stateside in the past decade.

“Our character as a nation has not changed,” he stressed. “Our faith – in God and in each other – has not changed. Our belief in America, born of a timeless ideal that men and women should govern themselves, that all people are created equal and deserve the same freedom to determine their own destiny… That belief, through tests and trials, has only been strengthened.”

President Obama continued: “These past ten years have shown that America doesn’t give in to fear. The rescue workers who rushed to the scenes of devastation, the firefighters who charged up the stairs of the North and South Towers, the passengers who stormed the cockpit of United Airlines Flight 93: these patriots defined the very nature of courage.”

He went on to say: “Over the years we’ve also seen a more quiet form of heroism – in the ladder company that lost so many men and still suits up and saves lives every day, in the businesses that have been rebuilt from nothing, in the burns victims who have bounced back and the families who press on.”

Defining a generation of Americans 

On Sunday, the President and the First Lady also visited each of the three memorials that have been erected on the sites where the commercial planes crashed.

In his remarks at the concert, the President spoke of how these tributes will help “define this generation” of Americans, and symbolise the lasting legacy of both those who died at the hands of the terrorists in the States and those who gave their lives since by fighting in the two wars waged in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Decades from now, Americans will visit the memorials to those who were lost on 9/11,” explained President Obama. “They’ll run their fingers over the places where the names of those we loved are carved into marble and stone, and they may wonder at the lives that they led.”

He added: “Standing before the white headstones in Arlington, and in peaceful cemeteries and small town squares in every corner of the country, they will pay their respects to those lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. They’ll see the names of the fallen on bridges and statues, at gardens and in schools.”

In strident tones, President Obama outlined: “And they will know that nothing can break the will of a truly United States of America. They will remember that we’ve overcome slavery and Civil War. We’ve overcome bread lines and fascism, recession and riots, communism and, yes, terrorism.”

Concluding his remarks, the leader of the free world explained: “They will be reminded we are not perfect but that our democracy is durable, and that democracy – reflecting, as it does, the imperfections of man – also gives us the opportunity to perfect our union. That is what we honour on days of national commemoration: those aspects of the American experience that are enduring, and the determination to move forward as one people.”

As far as President Obama’s concerned, more than monuments it is that which will be the legacy of 9/11: a legacy of firefighters who walked into fire and soldiers who signed up to serve, of workers who raise new towers, and citizens who faced down their private fears.

“Most of all, of children who realised the dreams of their parents. It will be said that we kept the faith, that we took a painful blow and emerged stronger than before.”

Desire to slay the American people 

Prior to 9/11, Osama Bin Laden – the now deceased leader of the Al-Qaeda terror movement – had expressed his desire to slay Americans. As a consequence, substantial intelligence efforts were already being focused on him and his cohorts.

Following the attacks, and despite much chatter of immediate retaliatory strikes by the might of the American military, many senior individuals across the globe came down heavily in favour of the notion that terrorism is prevented through political and economic means rather than by taking up arms and boosting intelligence (though the latter is nonetheless important for that view).

On the flip side of the coin, dozens of commentators – and, surprise, surprise, the national media here in the UK – became gripped by the so-called ‘War on Terror’.

In reference to this, Eliza Manningham-Buller – speaking recently as part of the 2011 Reith Lectures at the BBC – suggested this phrase was never apt.

“For one thing, it legitimises the terrorists as warriors,” said the former director general of MI5. “For another thing, terrorism is a technique, it’s not a state. Moreover, terrorism will continue in some form whatever the outcome – if there is one – of such a ‘war’. For me, what happened on 9/11 was a crime and needs to be thought of as such. What made it different from earlier attacks was its sheer scale and audacity, not its nature.”

Post 9-11, anything was possible as far as the terrorist factions were concerned. That was certainly my immediate thought process. Nobody in the security services could ever have imagined passenger airliners being used as guided missiles to kill, destroy and destabilise.

Bin Laden must have fully realised these audacious, chilling attacks on America – and, by extension, the Western World in general – would force a reaction. A reaction that, in turn, would render it far easier for him to persuade others of his without foundation argument that Islam was under severe attack from the West.

Put simply, it suited a wholly twisted Al-Qaeda agenda for all Muslims to be viewed with suspicion. Of course they should not be viewed as such. We must never fall into the trap of tarring any band of people with the same brush based on the actions of a perverted minority.

Economic impact of the terror threat 

There was also an economic impact underpinning Bin Laden’s actions. In essence, he wanted to rack up security costs for host nations right across the Western World and disrupt – as much as humanly possible – our everyday way of life.

As Eliza Manningham-Buller rightly states: “9/11 was a cruel crime on a vast scale. It propelled Bin Laden and his supporters into the consciousness of the whole world. It altered our perception of what terrorism could achieve. It led to the recruitment of like-minded terrorists across the globe from Spain to Indonesia, from Kenya to Canada and from Pakistan to the Netherlands. It led to massive expenditure by the West as it sought to defend itself.”

The impact has certainly been massive. In the aviation sector alone, to this day the airlines are still recovering from a huge loss of business and ongoing mistrust concerning the safety of passenger flights. Thousands of jobs have been lost as a direct result.

Here in the UK, we’ve seen plenty of anti-terror legislation introduced. The all-new Prevent programme, for instance, will deal with all forms of terrorism and target not just violent extremism but also non-violent extremism (which can create an atmosphere conducive to terrorism and popularise views which terrorists then readily exploit).

Critically, as Dr Tobias Feakin of RUSI has pinpointed, that programme is designed to ensure Government funding and support cannot reach organisations with extremist views who do not support mainstream British values and challenge the ideology that supports terrorism and those who promote it.

It will support sectors and institutions – including universities and prisons – where there are risks of radicalisation and draw on existing programmes to protect vulnerable individuals from being drawn into terrorism.

However, all of this comes at a time when Army and police service resources are rocking in the face of monetary cutbacks proposed by the coalition Government to claw back the aftermath of the economic profligacy – not to say recklessness – of the previous Labour administration.

How to square those two political circles is the $64,000 question dominating Westminster’s agenda.

Not the end of the saga 

Largely thanks to 9/11, the last decade’s political landscape has been dominated by the terrorism issue in much the same way that the Cold War pervaded the 1980s.

What we must always remember is that the death of Bin Laden is not the end of the saga. Yes, he was Al-Qaeda’s talisman, but there are plenty of other figures willing to carry on his philosophies as part of the new terror regime.

Indeed, some would say that finding and killing such an iconic figure might well stir the hornet’s nest still further.

Is the Western World now smothered in a proverbial security blanket? Can we really hope to answer the question: ‘Are we safer as a result of measures put in place since 9/11?’

In the States alone, according to a Congressional Research Service report an estimated $1.8 trillion has already been spent on beefing up security post-9/11. Those funds have been spent not just on airport security upgrades, but also – among other things – on police training.

Meantime, anecdotal reports suggest that America’s key crime-fighting and intelligence bodies – among them, of course, the CIA and the FBI – are now working in far greater harmony, sharing ‘Watchlists’ of suspected terrorists and other elements of vital information.

There is also far greater international co-operation on this level. That co-operation must surely have gone some way towards last year’s interception of toner cartridges packed with explosives at East Midlands Airport.

Are we really any safer today? 

Perhaps in some ways we are safer as a nation and as a world, then, but certainly not in others. There remains much work to be done.

Positively, both at home and abroad we’ve seen a discernible shift away from pure disaster preparedness to what might best be termed ‘disaster management’. On the wider stage that’s such an important step forward.

On an equally positive note, it’s altogether possible that the death of Osama Bin Laden, the ‘excitement’ of the Arab Spring – which has taken Al-Qaeda by surprise and bypassed much of its ideology – and the distinct possibility of a new and more enlightened generation of Muslim leaders coming to the fore may mean that we see less Al-Qaeda related terrorism.

The investment in intelligence and its successes, the attrition the terrorists have suffered and the changing politics of the Middle East for the better all give at least some cause for optimism.

Most political, economic and business commentators refuse to give the victory to the terrorists either by being intimidated or supporting the diminution of civil liberties.

Ten years on from 9/11, then, it’s arguably fair to say the sheer scale of the fear that gripped us then has now faded.

However, in no sense can we say that it has disappeared. With the ‘biggest show on Earth’ just around the corner, it would be nothing less than crass stupidity to suggest as much.

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SMT Online End User News

Early last evening, Home Secretary Theresa May announced that Bernard Hogan-Howe will be the next Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service

The former chief constable of Merseyside – whose Total Policing concept generated superb crime-fighting statistics – has certainly beaten three top candidates for the job, but now faces a tough task to rebuild the force’s image after the riots that have affected businesses so badly (not to mention looking after next year’s high profile Olympic Games). 

No doubt the new Commissioner will be interested to read the findings of the latest Policy Exchange report on ‘the real cost of the cops’. 

Sticking with the business theme, magistrates are urging member companies within the Retail Loss Prevention Fashion Forum to report the full facts of all crime at their premises and thus positively impact on successful convictions. 

Alongside practitioners operating across other verticals (including healthcare), retailers are also strongly advised to attend the fifth Annual Conference run by the London Fraud Forum

Moving on to regulation and licensing comment, Ian Fox of National Doorwatch has asked whether or not there’s a solid future for the door supervision sector

There has certainly been much success in the events sector of late, with honorary degrees bestowed and tactical support teams securing the recent V Festival in Staffordshire.

Developments at MITIE TSM and G4S Cash Solutions UK

Following on from this, the past fortnight has once again been a busy period for the guarding world. MITIE’s Total Security Management Diploma, for example, represents a further success for managing director Bob Forsyth and his team, while the parent MITIE Group plc also continues to thrive.

If you want to know what’s happening at G4S Cash Solutions UK, read the exclusive SMT Online interview with managing director James Dinsdale

Interestingly, London’s City University is now tackling cyber security threats by opening its Centre for Cyber and Security Sciences

Has the development of new technology rendered face-to-face learning obsolete? Read The Training Platform and find out, while another of our regular bloggers – The Networker – highlights consumer electronics and how they’re driving video surveillance

Check out the free-to-use security toolkit just launched by Perpetuity – it’s a great guide for the buyers and vendors of solutions.

Security Excellence Awards 2011 

Although spaces are selling fast, there’s still time to book your place for the 2011 Security Excellence Awards. On the night, we’ll be featuring the Wilf Knight Award and the 100 in 100 campaign

Please take a moment or two of your time to fill out our SMT Online Security Management Survey – your opinions are vital to us! 

Ten years on, it’s time to pay fulsome tribute to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre. We will never forget the victims of 9/11…

Until next time

Brian Sims
editor
SMT Online

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