Haines Security Solutions
The short answer is, “YES!”
In order to defeat terrorism we must first admit that we can’t defeat it. Say what? The reason I say this is because, terrorism is actually criminal activity, albeit more perverted. The Oxford’s dictionary definition of terrorism is, “The use of violence or intimidation for political aims.” I think we can take that a step further and say, “Any use of violence or intimidation for economic, political or social aims” to be more accurate. That said, “One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.” For this reason, “Terrorism” in all of its distorted forms will continue. And we’re not going to be able to prevent it. There are just too many forms of criminal activity that it can take and too many soft targets or victims.
Over the course of the last few years, terrorist tactics have evolved to the point that low sophistication attacks are prevalent and have become the “norm.”
So with that in mind, I suggest we concentrate our efforts on reducing the effects of this type of criminal activity. If we concentrate on reducing the effects instead of the why, we might actually be able to achieve some level of victory.
One of those low-sophisticated style events is the use of a vehicle as a weapon in driving over pedestrians. The events in Nice, London, Stockholm, Berlin, Edmonton are just the beginning. There will be others unless we start thinking about high occupancy built-up spaces in a different way.
This next statement will cause a little controversy but I’m okay with that. Terrorist attacks by a single culprit wielding a knife is okay by me as we will never be able to control all of the knives in the world. Admittedly, one injury or death is one too many, but in the context of risk management, I suggest instead, we focus on preventing mass casualties, by starting with spaces that are frequented or used by large numbers of people.
First we must establish effective perimeters. We can do this by using shallow-mount “street furniture,” barriers that look innocuous to the individuals using the space but in reality are effective barrier systems.
After Barcelona, Jersey barriers started popping up in pedestrian zones and near sidewalk cafes. This use of concrete barriers systems is extremely unsightly and only limitedly effective. Instead of using barriers that worsen the quality of the space, we should think about the quality of space we are protecting and integrate aesthetically pleasing barriers into the environment that actually blend in and keep it picturesque – complimenting instead of spoiling. Remember, no one wants security to be a tax, even if it’s only a visual burden. Having ugly concrete Jersey barriers right next to you while sipping your Brunello di Montalcino at an outdoor café table doesn’t project the atmosphere we are trying to achieve; however, flower planters, benches, light poles, bicycle racks, trash bins and the like that have been crash tested and proven effective against vehicle-ramming threats can enhance the atmosphere instead of hindering it.
Recently, Stefano Boeri, Architect1 was cited by Dezeen Magazine as saying, “Cities should be redesigned to include trees with bulky planters rather than concrete barriers to prevent vehicle attack.” He went on to say, “A big pot of soil has the same resistance as a Jersey (modular concrete barrier), but it can host a tree – a living being that offers shade; absorbs dust, CO2 and other subtle pollutants; and provides oxygen and a home for birds.” We agree.
Additionally, a different mindset is needed for spaces were pedestrians and “authorized vehicles” circulate. Besides having effective perimeters that control access to “authorized” vehicles we need to go beyond the secured perimeter concept and create spaces within these zones that allow for people walking to jump out of the way and seek refuge behind a rated vehicle barrier (bench, planter, etc.) when they see an errant vehicle.
So, yes we can defeat attacks by redesigning the space to keep mass casualties to a minimum.
Footnotes:
1. Boeri is known throughout the architecture world for his “plant and tree” covered buildings.
Doug Haines, MPSE, is owner/CEO of Haines Security Solutions, Ventura, Calif.
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