SJUK hears exclusively from Daniel Meeajane, Business Development Director of Clearway about how Martyn’s Law will help to transform security procedures in stadiums.
The landscape of public safety in the UK is about to see a transformation with the introduction of Martyn’s Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill.
This ground-breaking legislation is set to be implemented soon and is designed to significantly change how we approach security in public spaces.
Martyn’s Law, named in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, aims to bolster the UK’s readiness for and protection against terrorist threats:
• It creates a common set of security standards that all public spaces must follow
• It provides clear accountability as to who is responsible for implementing the security measures
• It will act as a deterrent, if legislation is in place attackers will be aware that there are robust security measures in place
• It aligns with evolving threats. As terrorist tactics evolve, specific legislation allows the government to adapt security requirements
Martyn’s law will introduce a tiered approach to security measures, affecting venues of various sizes across the country. The tiers include:
Stadiums across the UK are therefore set to undergo significant security enhancements under Martyn’s Law.
This legislation will have a profound impact on how large-scale sporting and entertainment venues approach public safety.
Most stadiums will fall under the Enhanced Tier of Martyn’s Law due to their large capacity.
This means they will need to conduct comprehensive risk assessments that thoroughly evaluate potential terrorist threats specific to their venue and events.
They will also need to implement advanced security measures such as upgrading CCTV systems for improved surveillance, install physical barriers to control crowd flow and protect against vehicle attacks, as well as increasing the presence of trained security personnel.
Additionally, stadiums will need to develop detailed security plans for managing and responding to potential terrorist threats in line with Martyn’s Law.
Additional practical implications for stadium operations includes staff training that will see all stadium staff being trained in emergency procedures, including evacuation, in-vacuation and lockdown protocols.
There will need to be enhanced access control systems that will require monitored and controlled entry points, with the possibility of also having advanced screening technologies.
Stadiums may also have to implicate robust communication systems that will allow staff to quickly disseminate information to other staff members and spectators in case of an emergency.
At Clearway, we understand that there is a balance between security and in the case of stadiums, fan experience.
We can support stadiums facing this challenge by helping to design security measures that blend seamlessly with the stadium architecture, implementing efficient screening processes to minimise entry delays and using technology like AI-powered analytics to enhance security without being intrusive.
We recognise that many of our clients across the sectors will already have best-practice security policies, advanced surveillance systems and are proactive in protecting the public from all manner of threats.
However, many others may need to make changes to their security, as measures previously thought to be sufficient will no longer meet the legal minimum standards.
CCTV is a great example. Thousands of venues and facilities use commercial CCTV cameras, but they focus primarily on entrances and exits and don’t have a way to monitor footage or identify unusual behaviour 24/7 to act before a threat materialises.
Our recommendations always depend on each organisation or venue’s nature, location and risk profile.
There are multiple ways to utilise existing CCTV coverage and expand the field of vision and responsiveness, perhaps by adding AI-enabled CCTV technology that can scan even large crowds to determine whether movements and patterns are normal or whether any behaviours require immediate investigation.
Another way is by updating standalone systems to create an integrated approach where access controls work concurrently with CCTV surveillance and implement body heat detection, facial recognition and automated vehicle number plate scanning.
Finally, by accessing our around-the-clock monitoring solutions, provided by our NSI Gold Cat II Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
This facility operates continually, with military-grade defences and monitors all alarms, CCTV and surveillance systems to prompt decisive action in the event of a potential threat or emergency.
CCTV surveillance is also suited to temporary festivals and events and can be adjusted according to any issues or gaps in your current security identified during your risk assessment.
Wireless, mast-mounted and mobile tower CCTV units are available nationwide.
At Clearway, we have long advocated for the assurances AI security offers. Here’s why:
• Capabilities such as real-time threat detection means suspicious movements or objects are flagged and investigated well before an attack might otherwise occur
• Machine learning can recognise normal patterns and detect anything anomalous, such as a person loitering without reason, movements against the usual flow of traffic or indications of stress
• Crowd analysis is equally valuable and can provide security personnel and emergency responders with advance notice of a possible threat, including over-crowding or bottlenecks, which can be resolved without allowing the situation to escalate and threaten public safety
As Martyn’s Law comes into effect, stadium operators should review current security measures against the new requirements; consult with security experts to identify gaps and solutions; begin staff training programmes; develop a phased implementation plan to ensure compliance by the deadline.
By embracing Martyn’s Law, stadiums can not only comply with legal requirements but also to set new standards in public safety.
This proactive approach will help ensure that fans can enjoy events with greater peace of mind, knowing that comprehensive security measures like Martyn’s Law are in place to protect them.
This article was originally published in the June edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.
