Introduction
Effective command and control is critical to mitigating the impact of terrorist incidents.
Information on this page is intended to enhance the capability of Security Control Room (SCR) operators to respond to the immediate impact of an incident.
Guidance
Effective Command and Control (in simple terms, effective management of all necessary resources to achieve a particular goal) is essential. Every second counts during an attack and every second that passes is an opportunity to keep the threat as far away from people as possible, assist those who need urgent help and assist the emergency services.
Sites are unlikely to provide an effective response to a terrorist incident unless:
- Security Control Rooms are provided with the appropriate equipment, policies and procedures
- Operators are given the necessary training and time to practice and exercise the response.
CPNI’s research has shown that SCR operators are often unclear on what tasks need to be completed and whose responsibility each task is, resulting in duplication of effort and essential tasks.
To assist an organisation produce response plans that are fit for purpose and can be implemented by SCR staff, you should have an understand of the following:
- The key features of a terrorist attack
- The crucial role of the SCR in responding to a terrorist attack
- The tasks to be completed
- The importance of prioritising the tasks undertaken by SCR operators
- The importance of communication within the SCR
- The need for effective training and ongoing rehearsal of the key tasks
- The detailed actions required to complete each of the priority tasks which can be found in CPNI Marauding Terrorist Attack guidance.
Responding to Terrorist Incidents – Developing Effective Command and Control guidance provides information on how to prepare those working in an SCR for dealing with a terrorist incident. It is focused on the period where an attack has been discovered and the immediate aftermath of the attack (i.e. Incident Response and Incident Management).