The Perimeter Security Suppliers Association (PSSA) plays a significant role in the field of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM). Many of its members are specialists in developing and supplying HVM products and systems, contributing crucially to the advancement and implementation of security measures. The expertise provided by PSSA members encompasses a wide range of solutions, including vehicle security barriers (both passive and active), bollards, and other innovative technologies designed to protect against vehicle-based threats. Their involvement is critical in ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of HVM strategies.
Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) is an increasingly critical area of focus in protective security, particularly in light of the growing threat of vehicle-based attacks in recent years. HVM encompasses a range of strategies and measures aimed at reducing the risks associated with vehicle-borne threats, which can include terror attacks and criminal activities.
The types of attacks that HVM seeks to address include Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), where explosives are transported to a target using a vehicle, and Vehicle as a Weapon (VAW) attacks, where vehicles are deliberately driven into crowds or used to damage infrastructure. Layered Attack Vehicles, which combine different types of attacks, are also a concern. These methods are particularly challenging because they often require minimal planning, are low-cost, and have a lower risk of detection compared to other forms of attacks.
To counter these threats, HVM involves a combination of security processes, procedures, and physical measures. These can include deterrent communications, security awareness programs, incident response planning and training, operational security measures, traffic management, and the use of physical obstructions like vehicle security barriers (VSBs).
VSBs are a key component of HVM, providing perimeter protection and controlling vehicular access. They are categorised into passive and active barriers. Passive VSBs are used for perimeter protection and include bollards, fences, walls, and other stationary objects. Active VSBs, on the other hand, are used at Vehicle Access Control Points and include retractable bollards and various types of gates that can block unauthorised vehicles while allowing authorised ones.
The implementation of HVM measures, especially in densely populated urban areas, is complex. It involves balancing security needs with the aesthetics and functionality of public spaces. This includes ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users and prams, managing traffic flow, and integrating HVM measures discreetly into the environment.
Overall, the approach to HVM is multifaceted and must constantly evolve to address the changing nature of vehicle-borne threats. The focus is on integrating security measures seamlessly into the public domain, ensuring safety without compromising the quality of urban life.
The Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Installers Scheme (HVMIS), an initiative by the Perimeter Security Suppliers Association (PSSA), represents a significant advancement in the field of hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM). The HVMIS is designed to ensure high standards in the installation and maintenance of HVM systems, which are critical for modern security against vehicle-led threats.
Key aspects of the HVMIS include:
Implementation and Process: The HVMIS outlines a comprehensive process that includes stages like the general tender stage, preparation stage, and the site works stage. Each of these stages involves crucial steps such as risk assessments, inspections, health and safety checks, and training. This structured approach ensures that HVM installations are carried out with precision and adherence to safety standards.
Quality Assurance and Compliance: A critical feature of the HVMIS is the emphasis on third-party verification and compliance with standards. This aspect underscores the scheme’s commitment to maintaining consistent quality across installations, thereby enhancing the reliability of HVM systems.
Mandatory Maintenance and Training: The scheme also mandates maintenance and operational training, which is integral to ensuring that the installed systems are not only effective but also well-managed and understood by the clients and installers.
Future Launch and Importance: The launch of the HVMIS is anticipated to be a significant event in the industry, marking a milestone in the evolution of security strategies. With vehicular threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, the HVMIS is seen as a crucial step in bolstering defence capabilities.
Advocacy for Legislative Support: The PSSA is advocating for the HVMIS to be reinforced through formal legislation, emphasising the need for a legally mandated initiative to ensure effective HVM installation and operation. This move would enhance the scheme’s effectiveness and ensure strict adherence to the high standards set by the PSSA.
The HVMIS by the PSSA is a comprehensive, well-structured scheme that aims to elevate the standards of hostile vehicle mitigation installations. Its focus on process rigor, compliance, and mandatory training reflects a deep commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of HVM as a critical component of modern security strategies against evolving vehicle-based threats.
Lone wolf actors in terrorism
In addition to the technological aspects of HVM, there is also a growing concern about the rise of lone wolf actors in terrorism. Such individuals, acting independently of larger groups, are more difficult to detect and prevent due to their often unpredictable and self-
radicalised nature. This evolving threat landscape highlights an imperative need for broader engagement, particularly in areas of public education and awareness. The essence of this engagement extends beyond the responsibilities of security professionals to encompass the collective duty of event organisers, venue managers, and the general public. It’s not just about vigilance against suspicious behaviours or unattended items; it also involves cultivating a deeper understanding of effective response strategies in crowded spaces. This proactive approach aligns with the objectives of Martyn’s Law, a legislative proposal in the UK advocating for enhanced security measures in public venues.
Remarkably, the UK has experienced a 25% surge in intelligence related to terrorism and violent extremism, reflecting the public’s growing awareness and willingness to report potential threats. This change, extraordinary in both its speed and scale, signifies a heightened national consciousness, especially post-global events. Despite these advancements, the threat level remains acute, with concerns that the most likely perpetrator of an attack would be a lone actor, employing methods of low sophistication but potentially high impact.
This evolution in terrorist tactics highlights the importance of comprehensive and adaptive security measures, including those provided by members of the PSSA and other security experts.
To find out more about the PSSA and its members visit www.pssa.org