Alfie Hosker, Technical Manager at Secured by Design explains why counter terrorism extends far beyond incident response.
For many people, counter terrorism is synonymous with the police infiltrating organised networks, responding to major incidents or preventing attacks in public spaces.
While these are key, they represent only one part of a much broader protective framework.
The likelihood of any individual being directly affected by a terrorist attack remains low; however the threat is complex and evolving.
Attacks may involve vehicles used as weapons, coordinated or lone attacks on foot, explosive devices or cyber-attacks targeting critical systems or infrastructure.
The challenge for organisations and businesses is not only how to respond to an incident, but also how to mitigate risk, limit vulnerabilities and reduce opportunities.
A proactive multi-layered approach combining the built environment, certified security products, operational security and public engagement is essential to combat terrorism.
The built environment has a direct impact on public safety and crime levels.
Physical security measures form the foundation and can be incorporated into the planning and design stages of a new development, applied during regeneration projects or retrofitted into existing buildings and public spaces.
Secured by Design (SBD), part of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI), provides nationally recognised guidance and standards for crime prevention and protective security in the built environment.
Specialist UK Police Designing out Crime Officers (DOCOs) are trained to apply these evidence-based principles, working with planning authorities, architects, developers and facilities/ security managers from design through to project completion.
They assess risks, advise on site layout, including car parks, access routes, natural surveillance and boundaries, alongside recommendations for CCTV, lighting, doors, windows and locking systems.
If a terrorism risk is identified, DOCOs work alongside specialist Counter Terrorism Advisers (CTSA) who provide expert guidance for higher-risk locations or crowded public spaces such as transport hubs, shopping centres, sports stadiums or entertainment districts.
CTSA’s also advise local authorities, businesses and organisations on broader counter terrorism measures.
The Security Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work is another important resource.
Developed by The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and Police CPI, it helps identify risks and conflicting building requirements, provides guidance on appropriate security and highlights when specialist security advice is required.
It also emphasises the importance of planning, collaboration and partnership between emergency services, security specialists, architects and engineers.
Adopting a Plan of Works can also be financial beneficial, reducing delays and costly design changes later in the project.
SBD has also produced a series of Design Guides to assist with incorporating security measures into developments and advise on design and layout.
Selecting the appropriate security products can be complex, particularly where threat levels and operational requirements vary and the key is that any security product or service must be fit for purpose.
SBD recommends products that have undergone rigorous testing and are third-party certified by qualified bodies.
For example, where a high-security perimeter is required for a government building, data centre or sensitive site, fencing certified to LPS 1175 C5 (SR3) may be specified, demonstrating it can withstand a sustained attack using tools such as bolt cutters, crowbars, drills and angle grinders.
Hostile vehicle mitigation products, such as bollards, are tested against defined vehicle weights and speeds, while walling systems for high-profile individuals meet strict standards to resist forced entry or ballistic threats.
Design and physical protection are critical layers of counter terrorism, but effective protection also relies on operational security, meaning the ongoing policies, procedures, behaviours and management practices used to protect people and buildings from terrorism and other forms of crime.
Organisations responsible for public accessed spaces, such as shopping centres, leisure or entertainment venues should follow the latest counter-terrorism guidelines and maintain up-to-date procedures.
This includes business continuity plans, incident reporting, risk management, staff training, alarms and access control, security patrols, visitor management and cybersecurity measures.
These should be reviewed regularly by a qualified security professional.
Public engagement is also a vital element of counter terrorism.
The UK Government’s national campaign, Action Counters Terrorism (ACT), encourages the public to be vigilant and report suspicious activities such as unusual behaviour around buildings, vehicles observing entrances and exits or individuals taking an unusual interest in security measures.
Project PREVENT is aimed at preventing individuals from becoming radicalised or supporting terrorism, involving local authorities, education establishments and community organisations.
The Police Crime Prevention Academy delivers a range of counter terrorism eLearning CPD courses, alongside more specialist training and qualifications.
The police cannot tackle terrorism alone.
Prevention is a shared responsibility beginning with design and planning, reinforced through physical security measures and maintained by operational security measures and public engagement.
When these layers are aligned, they form a comprehensive, proactive response that strengthens resistance to terrorism while creating a safer day-to-day environment for everyone.
Download The Security Overlay to RIBA Plan of Work here.
Alfie Hosker is the Technical Manager with Secured by Design.
Prior to joining Secured by Design, Alfie served in the UK Police Service for over 20 years across a number of disciplines, including CID, Stolen Vehicle Squad, Public Order, Neighbourhood Policing, Licensing and Crime Prevention.
He also spent several years within various Planning, Highways and Building Control Departments advising on designing out crime and crime prevention through environmental design, counter terrorism, enforcement, planning policy and applications.
This article was originally published in the March edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.
