Rail industry safeguarding requires various levels of security to safeguard passengers, staff and the general public. It can be an intricate industry to safeguard for those that do not understand the threats and incidents relevant to the rail industry and it’s partners. This article explains the approaches, methods and services that CTR can offer rail based clients.
Rail Industry Accreditations
Our aim is to better understand rail industry safeguarding and this is why we strive to be as qualified as possible. This includes gaining accreditations relevant to the rail industry. We have gained the following accreditations:
- RISQS accreditation
- CIRAS membership
- Constructionline Gold Member
- SafeContractor accredited
- Acclaim and SSIP accredited
Securing Rail Platforms
Stations and platforms have a high footfall and encompass a multitude of different people as part of that footfall. From people commuting to and from work, to people trespassing and committing crime, to vulnerable people that need safeguarding. There are threats associated with platforms and stations which require a dedicated security and safeguarding presence, of similar nature to a Public Safety Officer. Our safeguarding staff are trained to deal with every type and level of situation that may arise. They are trained internally on:
- Situational Awareness
- The Public Safety Environment
- Public Safeguarding
- Health and Safety
- Legal and Regulatory Factors
- Communication and Reporting
- Customer Engagement
- Dealing with Vulnerable People
- Conflict Resolution
- First Aid
These are just some of the skills our officers possess to ensure that they can deal with the range of threats, issues and incidents arising from rail platforms and stations.
Unattended Items
Train stations by their nature have a high footfall of members of the public and can be a crowded environment. This in itself means that a station or platform can be a target for terrorist or criminal activities. The HOT protocol is a simple yet effective method to establish whether an unattended item is suspicious or not.
The protocol involves:
Hidden?
- Has the item been deliberately hidden, or has a deliberate attempt been made to conceal it from view?
Obviously suspicious?
- Could it be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED); for example are there wires, circuit boards, batteries, tape, liquids or putty-like substances visible?
- Has the item been found after seeing suspicious behaviour? Check with others in the area and use CCTV, if available.
- Based upon what you can see, do you think the item poses an immediate threat to life?
Typical of what you would expect to find in this location?
- Most lost property is found in locations where people congregate or wait, so ask if anyone nearby has left the item or saw who did. Check and see if maintenance staff have been working at the location.
- If the item is assessed to be unattended rather than suspicious, then examine further, paying particular attention to the contents, before applying lost property procedures. However, if you believe the item represents a possible risk to life, then follow the protocol as follows.
Securing Rail Assets
In addition to safeguarding services which involves reducing crime and dealing with a variety of the public, we can provide solutions to protect rail based assets. These solutions include (but not limited to) intelligence based solutions, specialist security and vehicle patrols. Assets could include cable, track, plant and machinery and various metals. The damage alone caused by criminal activity can be life threatening, highlighting the importance of securing rail assets.
For industries we have:
- Designed and manufactured bespoke CCTV systems to help combat theft and damage
- Designed and implemented a dedicated intelligence and reporting online system
- Provided overt and covert security officers to safeguard assets (especially those of critical nature)
- Liaised with external agencies and contributed to dedicated working groups
- Pioneered the way in which security services and products are implemented
Summary
This article has only broken the surface of what is needed to secure the rail industry and partners. Like any industry, it is vital to understand the base elements of the rail industry and to identify the threats and subsequent risks. There are many aspects and considerations associated with the rail industry and as with other industries and clients, we strive to work with this industry to reduce risk and create safe environments.
