News

2 June 2008
SCOTTISH POLICE HOST EXERCICE ON COUNTER-TERRORISM PROTECTIVE SECURITY

How to incorporate counter-terrorism protective security in the concept design of buildings and new developments will be the focus of a ‘table top’ exercise at the Scottish Police College tomorrow (Tuesday 3 June).

The Scottish Business Crime Centre (SBCC) in partnership with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) are hosting Project Argus ‘Professional’,  a National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCSTO) initiative, aimed at encouraging architects, developers and designers to consider counter-terrorism protective security in the concept design stage of projects. 

It will achieve this by taking delegates through a scenario-based multi-media simulation exercise that illustrates how to design-out terrorism threats.

The scenario, in line with Lord West’s Report, will help to identify the measures that will lead to the creation of new developments, including the regeneration of areas, that are more resilient and less likely to suffer from a terrorist attack.

“This table top exercise will provide delegates with a unique opportunity to contribute to public safety by demonstrating how resilience can be built-in to new developments to protect the places where the public live, work and socialise,” said Chief Inspector Brian Connel, head of the Physical and Social Crime Prevention Department at Strathclyde Police. 

Alan Dobie, SBCC Executive Director said, “Today’s event illustrates the important role architects, developers and planners can play in minimising the effects of terrorism within the Scotland’s built environment.  Like many other aspects of crime, partnership between law enforcement and business is the key to successfully tacking these challenges.”   

During the event, delegates will work in small syndicate groups with other professionals to develop responses to a series of questions and challenges that will be put to the groups.