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The threat of terrorism is going to be a reality of American life for the foreseeable future. Public venues are likely to become the new soft targets. Facilities that accommodate large numbers of people must respond to this reality, especially shopping centers, hospitals, entertainment venues, and high-rise buildings. It seems less likely that the threat will come from above.
SMSI recently participated in a Security Symposium in New York City sponsored by the American Society of Landscape Architects. This meeting was attended by a diverse mixture of disciplines, including architects, FEMA representatives and the Army Corp of Engineers, and other security professionals. There were also representatives from the CIA and Homeland Security. The prevailing consensus was that no enterprise can afford to ignore this reality. Although threats may emanate from many sources, the predominate view is that the automobile or truck bomb is still a credible threat.
We know from recent history the mere potential of a terrorist event can produce serious eco-nomic impact. Look at the shutdown of airports over the past year or the shut-down of Greyhound. Something that has always been with us, bomb threats, are now taking on added dimension. We also must be prepared for business disruption and the hands of copycats and those who may choose to use the ruse of terrorism. Public perception will also play a major role in the severity of economic impact resulting from a real attack, or the greater likelihood, from a ruse.
How can an enterprise secure its facilities and engender the confidence of the public that they will be safe?
The answer is not always easy. When it comes to the public, consider perception to be reality. Public facilities must not only be reasonably secure, but the public must perceive them to be safe.
Let us offer some fundamental considerations.
The way to maximize facility security is to establish a predicate to build on by having a qualified security professional objectively assess where you are now. If this approach is not taken, you may be throwing good money after bad.
You must plan responses now for real events and warnings. Both have economic consequence. What are the likely soft and hard targets in your locale? What is the capability of local law enforcement given that they may be otherwise preoccupied? What is your capability to sustain a secure environment, lacking effective law enforcement help? What is your plan to filter a real threat from a ruse? If you are using contracted security, what is the vendor's capability in an emergency, given they may have competing clients to serve? Do your polices, procedures, and training meet present day challenges? Does your present and future architectural design consider these new and diverse threats?
As we have said in the past, the events of 9/11 have moved the bar that determines a reasonable standard of care. This fact will surely affect the viability of future premises liability lawsuits.
There are prudent and reasonable approaches to all of these challenges. There are many opportunities for significant improvement without large financial sacrifice. There are ways to involve existing employees and tenants without a great deal of cost. Once the public, rightly or wrongly, loses confidence in your facility and generally feels unsafe, it is difficult to win them back. SMSI advocates milking maximum benefit out of existing resources before investing in less than effective imprudent remedies, which, in the long run, may exacerbate the public safety. |
