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Back to main news pageHampshire businesses experience simulated terror attack
The full horror posed by a terrorist bomb attack on a crowded shopping centre was experienced by business and security managers in a role-playing event organised by Reliance Security Services and Hampshire Police on November 6th.
The seminar was designed to prepare the commercial sector in the event of such a terrifying incident
Amid video and audio of explosions, terrified shoppers and the chaotic aftermath, delegates were asked how they would cope in such a situation. The immediacy of the process was aimed at giving participants first-hand experience of how events might occur – and how they might best respond.
A two-hour presentation was given by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NCTSO) as part of the Project Argus initiative, which aims to demonstrate, through an interactive approach, the host of problems a bomb attack can present, particularly in a crowded environment. An audience of around 100 regional business and security experts, drawn from the Hampshire area, had been invited to participate.
On hand too, were senior representatives of the police, fire, ambulance and NCTSO, who interspersed the presentation with their own responses to developments in the ongoing emergency as it played out.
The opening video sequence showed a typical shopping centre on a busy day. Suddenly, an explosion extinguished the screen and the action switched to audio, with the sound of broken glass, shouting and screaming. At this point, the NCTSO moderator began the process of engaging the teams of participants.
To further underline the reality of such a scenario actually occurring, the session concluded with real-life testimonies from survivors of civilian bomb attacks. The seminar then shifted its attention to how to cope post-attack with staff, customers and suppliers.
Closing the day, the NCTSO presenters stressed that vigilance was essential in the fight against terrorism and that great strides were already being taken in utilising the public to deter potential attacks. Through initiatives like Project Argus, the hope was that such moves would continue and make an even greater impact.
For further information contact:
Oona Rosser
Tel: 01895 205000
email: oona.rosser@reliancesecurity.co.uk