EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: TERRORIST THREATS

 

Terrorism is a major concern in society today. Although the level of risk can vary greatly depending on the type or location of the premises. Remember all licensed premises could be a target. Identifying potential risk is everyone’s responsibility.

 

1. ACTIONS FOR DEALING WITH TELEPHONE WARNINGS/THREATS

 

If you receive a warning that your building or any other building is at risk you must try and obtain as much information as possible. If necessary keep the caller talking, apologise for a bad line, etc.

 

Remember to remain calm, be courteous, listen to and not interrupt them. Write the exact words used & the nature of threat.

 

The following questions should be asked and the answers recorded:

· When will it explode? At what time?

· Where is the bomb? Floor? Room?

· What does it look like?

· What kind of bomb is it, ie. postal bomb, vehicle bomb, incendiary device etc

· What will set it off?

· Why are you doing this?

· Who are you?

 

TRY TO TAKE NOTE OF OTHER DETAILS AS FOLLOWS:

· Take a note of the voice, is it clean, distorted, loud, muffled, nasal, its pitch, pleasant, raspy, smooth, soft, squeaky, unclear, Is the caller a man, woman or child

· Is their speech accented, deliberate, distinct, fast, hesitant, lisp, slow, slurred or stuttered.

· Is their language, educated, foreign, foul, intelligent, irrational, rational, slang, uneducated, or unintelligible?

· Is their behaviour, agitated, angry, blaming, calm, fearful, laughing, nervous or righteous?

· Try to take account of background noises such as trains, planes, traffic, conversation or music, etc.

· Keep the line open even after the caller has hung up

· If possible use the 1471 system to identify the caller’s number to inform the police.

· Even if it is a hoax, it is a serious offence that will need to be investigated.

 

 

 

 

2. ACTIONS FOR DEALING WITH ONLINE THREAT/WARNING

 

Online threats are now being used more often to deliver messages warning of potential terrorist activity. Email, social media and even youtube have been used to deliver these messages. Using these methods can make it more difficult for the individuals to be identified.

 

If you receive an Email threat you should treat in the same way as you would a telephone threat;

· Take note of any slang used in the message

· Take note of the email address the threat came from.

 

If you receive a threat via social media, it is very important to hide the post from public view (if you are able to);

· Take note of the senders identification

· Take note of any slang terms and the phrasing of the message

· Take a screenshot of the message (press “Print Scrn”, then “Ctrl” + “V” to paste into a word document), so you have a copy if the message is removed by the sender.

 

3. CONTACTING UNIVERSITY SECURITY

 

In any threat situation University Security should be contacted.

 

WHEN CONTACTING SECURITY PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU GIVE YOUR NAME, BUILDING, ROOM AND TELEPHONE NUMBER

 

EMERGENCY CONTACT NO. 4444 on any university phone

 

Immediately report details of the call to the University Duty Security Officer on emergency contact number *4444

 

4. BEING VIGILANT

 

· Report suspect packages, suspicious, unusual behaviour or suspect vehicles to the University Security Officer on emergency contact number 4444

· For indications of a suspect package see Appendix 1

· For indications of suspicious activity see Appendix 2

· If a suspect bag/package is discovered it should be treated as an imminent threat.

o Ask if anyone owns the bag or package.

o Do not touch the package

o Clear the area

o Call the police using 999

o Do not use radios or mobile phones within 15 metres of the package.

o Any obvious signs of wires

o DO NOT put yourself in danger but try to get as much info as possible.

· Do not evacuate the building until requested to do so, you may be evacuating into a dangerous location.

 

5. EVACUATION PROCEDURES

 

If you are requested to evacuate the building in the event of a Terrorist Threat, a decision will have been made as to the location of the muster point, this will have been decided once the situation has been assessed and the safest location ascertained. This information should be passed to every customer and staff member.

 

The following section outlines the roles and responsibilities of all venue staff in the event of an evacuation, Note that it is preferred that all customers are evacuated through the main entrance doors, but due to numbers of customers that may not be possible without creating a bottle neck effect, the decision therefore could be made to use all fire exits, be mindful though that some routes may lead through an area of higher risk of attack, such as past an area with substantial covering or past buildings with glass frontages:

 

· THE DJ OR MANAGER will announce “Due to circumstances beyond our control tonight’s session must come to a close. Could you please leave the building by the nearest fire exit and make your way to the allotted muster point. Do not collect your belongings from the cloakroom. Thank You”

 

· BOX OFFICE Proceed to the main exit and hold open helping direct people out of the building until relieved by a member of door staff, management or if in immediate danger. Proceed then to the muster point for role call.

 

· CLOAKROOM STAFF Proceed to the main exit and hold open helping direct people out of the building until relieved by a member of door staff, management or if in immediate danger. Proceed then to the muster point for role call.

 

· DOOR STAFF Door staff will be directed by the head of security to fire doors around the venue, directing customers to the allotted muster point, keeping them as calm as possible during the

evacuation. They should stay at their allotted fire door until directed to proceed to the muster point for role call.

 

· BAR STAFF Do not serve any more drinks. Proceed to the nearest exit, hold doors open helping direct people out of the building until relieved by a member of door staff, management or if in immediate danger. Proceed then to the muster point for role call.

 

· BAR SUPPORT. Do not collect any more glasses. Proceed to the nearest exit, hold doors open helping direct people out of the building until relieved by a member of door staff, management or if in immediate danger. Proceed then to the muster point for role call.

 

· FOOD STAFF Do not cook or serve any more food. Turn off all equipment using the emergency shut off. Proceed to the nearest exit, hold doors open helping direct people out of the building until relieved by a member of door staff, management or if in immediate danger. Proceed then to the muster point for role call.

 

· MANAGERS, will be helping to evacuate the customers and calming hysterical persons. They will do the last evacuation check if feasibly possible to ensure all patrons and staff have left the premises. They will then proceed to the muster point for role call.

 

o If requested to, evacuated customers should be asked to take all personal belongings with them, eg. coats, bags, packages, briefcases etc. Although these should not be retrieved from the cloakroom.

o Do not re-enter the building until authorised to do so by the duty member of Executive or Senior Estates Manager.

o Do not speak to or provide information about the incident to the media. A statement would be made in conjunction with the emergency services.

 

6. ACTION IN THE EVENT A DEVICE HAS BEEN DETONATED WITHIN THE PREMISES.

 

· KEEP CALM, do your best to calm the customers and staff. Utilise security staff to help keep calm.

· DO NOT EVACUATE until any further threat has been assessed.

· Each venue has been supplied with a Situation bag. These will contain useful items to aid in dealing with an emergency situation, such as a torch (with spare batteries, emergency contacts, water, glucose bar, first aid kit, cable ties, etc)

· Assess any further threat:

o Search the building for signs of structural damage.

o Signs of additional devices that may yet detonate.

o Suspicious vehicles or persons located around the building or near any usual evacuation locations.

· Collect statements from colleagues and customers, try to identify any suspicious activity either prior to the event or afterwards.

· Only evacuate the building if it is deemed to be the safest option.

 

 

7. ACTION IN THE EVENT OF EVACTUATION DUE TO NONE EXPLOSIVE DEVICE THREAT.

 

Several other potential threat situations are possible within a university environment. These could range from a Knife attack, gunman/gunmen situation on campus to biological contamination. In these situations, it would be advisable to avoid raising any alarm as any evacuation could lead people to a more hazardous situation. In this event you should;

Under immediate GUN FIRE

· Take cover initially.

· Leave the area as soon as possible, if safe to do so.

Nearby GUN FIRE

· Leave the area immediately, if possible and it is safe to do so.

• Leave your belongings behind

• Do not congregate at evacuation points.

REMEMBER - out of sight does not necessarily mean out of danger.

IF YOU CAN’T ESCAPE

· Consider locking yourself and others in a room or cupboard.

· Barricade the door then stay away from it.

· If possible, choose a room where escape or further movement is possible.

· Silence any sources of noise, such as mobile phones, that may give away your presence.

 

Appendix 1

 

Indicators to Suspicious Deliveries/Mail

• It is unexpected or of unusual origin or from an unfamiliar sender.

• There is no return address, or the address cannot be verified.

• It is poorly or inaccurately addressed e.g., incorrect title, spelt wrongly, title but no name, or addressed to an individual no longer with the company.

• The address has been printed unevenly or in an unusual way.

• The writing is in an unfamiliar or unusual style.

• There are unusual postmarks or postage paid marks.

• A Jiffy bag, or similar padded envelope, has been used.

• It seems unusually heavy for its size. Most letters weigh up to about 28g or 1 ounce, whereas most effective letter bombs weigh 50-100g and are 5mm or more thick.

• It is marked ‘personal’ or ‘confidential’.

• It is oddly shaped or lopsided.

• The envelope flap is stuck down completely (a harmless letter usually has an un-gummed gap of 3-5mm at the corners)

• There is a smell, particularly of almonds or marzipan.

• There is a pin sized hole in the envelope or package wrapping.

• There is an additional inner envelope, and it is tightly taped or tied (however, in some organizations, sensitive or ‘restricted’ material is sent in double envelopes as standard procedure).

 

Appendix 2

 

Suspicious Individuals, What to look for.

• Significant interest being taken in the outside of your premises including parking areas, delivery gates, doors, entrances and queues.

• Groups or individuals taking significant interest in the location of CCTV cameras and controlled areas

• People taking pictures – filming – making notes – sketching of the security measures in and around your premises.

• Overt/covert photography, video cameras, possession of photographs, maps, blueprints etc, of critical infrastructures, electricity transformers, gas pipelines, telephone cables etc.

• Possession of maps, global positioning systems, (GPS), photographic equipment, (cameras, zoom lenses, camcorders).

• Vehicles parked outside buildings of other facilities, with one or more people remaining in the vehicle, for longer than would be considered usual

• Parking, standing or loitering in the same area on numerous occasions with no apparent reasonable explanation

• Prolonged static surveillance using operatives disguised as demonstrators, street sweepers, etc or stopping and pretending to have car trouble to test response time for emergency services, car recovery companies, (AA, RAC etc) or local staff

• Simple observation such as staring or quickly looking away

• Activity inconsistent with the nature of the building

• Noted pattern or series of false alarms indicating possible testing of security systems and observation of response behaviour and procedures.

 

 

What is Martyn’s Law?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, known as Martyn’s Law, will ensure the public is better protected from terrorism by requiring certain public premises and events to be prepared and ready to keep people safe in the event of an attack.

Certain larger premises will be required to consider and, where appropriate, take steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism. A tiered approach is established under the new Act, with those responsible for premises and events in scope required to fulfil different requirements according to the number of individuals it is reasonable to expect may be present.

Smaller premises where 200 to 799 individuals may be present will be in the ‘standard tier’. The requirements in this tier are centred on simple, low-cost activities designed to ensure those working at premises or events are better able to reduce harm, and save lives, in the event of an attack.

These activities could be as simple as locking doors, closing shutters, and identifying safe routes to cover. There is no requirement to put in place physical measures in the standard tier.

Larger premises – and qualifying public events – where 800 or more individuals may be present will be in the ‘enhanced tier’.

In addition to the requirements for the standard tier, these larger premises and events will have further requirements placed upon them. This includes having in place, so far as is reasonably practicable, appropriate public protection measures to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism and the risk of physical harm if an act of terrorism was to occur. Appropriate measures for enhanced duty premises and events could include bag search policies, CCTV, or other monitoring and vehicle checks.

Persons responsible for standard tier premises, that is qualifying premises where it is reasonable to expect that between 200 and 799 individuals may be present at the same time from time to time, will be required to:

  • notify the regulator, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), that they are responsible for their premises
  • have in place, so far as is reasonably practicable, appropriate public protection procedures that could be reasonably expected to reduce the risk of physical harm being caused to individuals if an attack was to occur there or nearby

Persons responsible for enhanced tier premises and qualifying events, that is qualifying premises and events where it is reasonable to expect more than 800 individuals to be present at the same time from time to time, will be required to:

  • notify the SIA that they are responsible for the premises or event
  • have in place, so far as is reasonably practicable, appropriate public protection procedures that could be expected to reduce the risk of physical harm being caused to individuals if an attack was to occur there or nearby
  • have in place, so far as is reasonably practicable, appropriate measures that could reasonably be expected to reduce both the vulnerability of the premises or event to an act of terrorism occurring, and the risk of physical harm being caused to individuals if an attack was to occur there or nearby
  • document the public protection procedures and measures in place, or proposed to be put in place, and provide this document to the SIA

For all premises and events, requirements relating to procedures and measures are subject to the concept of ‘reasonably practicable’. Reasonably practicable is a concept found in other regimes, such as fire safety and health and safety. In determining what is reasonably practicable, the responsible person will need to take into account their particular circumstances, including the nature of the premises and the resources available to them.

Ultimately, what is appropriate and reasonably practicable will be a consideration at each of the individual premises in scope. The particular procedures in place at one location may not be appropriate and reasonably practicable at another.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act requires the production of two separate pieces of statutory guidance, which are:

  • guidance from the Home Office for the public to understand how they might meet the requirements of the legislation
  • guidance from the SIA which will set out how the SIA will exercise its regulatory functions on Martyn’s Law including its investigatory powers

SIA statutory guidance

The SIA’s statutory guidance (also referred to as the section 12 or s12 guidance, after the section of the Act which requires it) will sit alongside the Home Office guidance and is advanced in its development. Once the statutory guidance from the Home Office on the requirements of the legislation is made available in 2026, the SIA will publicly consult on the SIA’s draft s12 guidance, encouraging feedback from the premises and events in scope, their membership bodies and others affected by the SIA’s regulation of Martyn’s Law.

What is the role of the SIA as regulator?

Martyn’s Law is intended to improve protective security and organisational preparedness at premises and events across the UK. The legislation establishes the SIA as the regulator of Martyn’s Law. The preparatory work required by the SIA to design and build the new regulatory functions, systems, and teams started in April 2025. The SIA expects this to complete in early spring 2027. Most of that work is happening in the background whilst waiting for the Home Office statutory guidance to be ready.

The role of the regulator is to provide advice on and ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements of the legislation, supporting those responsible for qualifying premises and events to meet their obligations and determine what reasonably practicable procedures and measures should be put in place.

The SIA is working closely with the Home Office on the preparation work for the new duty and its new role as the Martyn’s Law regulator.  Joint outreach and engagement with stakeholders, primarily premises and events in scope of Martyn’s Law, is already underway and will increase during this period as the preparation work progresses.

In the meantime, premises and events seeking to prepare for Martyn’s Law should access free technical guidance and operational advice on protective security on the National Protective Security Authority and ProtectUK websites.

Along with the Home Office and ProtectUK, the SIA does not endorse any third-party products or providers that claim to ensure a premises or location can comply with Martyn’s Law.

 

SECURITY GUIDELINES  

 

  • External security providers hired by the Staffordshire Students’ Union will supply the venue with a register of all contracted staff working within the venue.  This database will include all relevant details; Name, SIA Door Registration No. Contact Number, Address, badge start and renew dates.  This information will be held by the venue in accordance with the Data Protection Act. Regularly Checks will be made against the SIA website by the venues management team, to ensure all badges are valid.   

 

  • Security staff will sign in at the start of their shift in the appropriate form and sign out at the end of their shift. 

 

  • Shifts will be agreed with the contract provider with sufficient notice of any changes to requirements. 

 

  • Security staff will be in uniform, displaying SIA badge clearly. 

 

  • Prior to a shift commencing, door staff will undertake a briefing with the manager on duty.  This briefing will provide an opportunity for the manager to highlight any updates in policy or procedure, as well as any night specific areas for attention.  The briefing will also allow for the door team to inform the management of any relevant information regarding bans from other venues, etc. 

 

  • There is an expectation that customers will be greeted and dealt with politely.  This ensures a welcoming environment and is conducive to a pleasant atmosphere. 

 

  • It is paramount that any member of security always has their eyes on the activity within the venues, security staff should not be using their phones whilst on shift. Important personal calls can be made when authorised by the venue manager. 

 

  • The admissions policy is displayed by the entrance.  Security should check NUS cards, and guests’ supporting identification as well as undertaking the signing in process where possible.  Any customer wishing to enter the venue who appears to be under the age of 25 should be asked for authorised proof of age documentation, i.e. Photographic driving licence, passport, suitable PASS accredited identification.  A random search policy remains in place.  Frequency of searches will be discussed during each pre-shift briefing. 

 

  •  

  • It is expected that regular bag searches are conducted throughout any events, bags should be checked for any contraband such as weapons, drugs and alcoholic drinks. Failed searches will result in the offending items being confiscated. The venue manager will decide the appropriate following action. Anyone refusing to be searched will be refused entry. 

 

  • No further admittance will be permitted after 1am (LRV & Verve) 12am (Ember Lounge) as standard, although there will often be variations to this dependant on what night is taking place.  Door staff will be informed of these during their briefing at the start of their shift. 

 

  • Although the licensed capacity of the venues currently stands at 1487 LRV & Verve (LRV 1237 & Verve 250), 560 (Ember Lounge) persons, it is recognised that this number of people within the venue would not lead to a pleasant environment for staff or customers.  It has therefore been agreed that a comfort factor is required.  This is set at 90% of total customer capacity – not including members of staff on duty.  On club nights where capacity attendance is anticipated, measures are taken to account for the comfort factor by removal of furniture to free up space. 

 

  • Despite the comfort factor being in operation, situations of localised overcrowding may occur.  Door staff should be aware of this and disperse crowds which may result in discomfort, obstruction or disruption.  Should problem areas become apparent, management should be informed. 

 

  • On any occasions where queues form, door supervisors should be aware of the impact of these upon waiting customers.  Should door staff require assistance with signing in or other duties they should inform a member of management.  Furthermore, door staff should be conscious of queues forming within the venue and manage admission accordingly to ensure the bar does not become too overcrowded. 

 

  • On club nights, where appropriate and required, the queue will be separated into those that have purchased advance tickets and those that are required to pay on the door. The queues are allocated separate entrance points to the venues and are managed by the head door supervisor and the box office staff. Special attentional should be paid with regards to any requirement for additional security to manage the queue or box office staff to ease flow of entry. 

 

  • During instances of bad weather, umbrellas and/or Union gazebo’s will be available where possible for outside queues.  

 

  • The venue has a strict policy on over consumption of alcohol by customers.  Should anyone within the venue or attempting to gain access to the venue be seen to have be intoxicated they should not be served or given admittance.  However, the venue does hold a strong duty of care towards its customers and has a responsibility to ensure that they are safe from harm.  Staff are recommended to attempt to locate friends or family of the person in question to ensure they get home safely.  Where this is not possible, the customer should be given advice and assisted in calling a taxi, or where appropriate Union Angels. 

 

  • The Students’ Union has in place a zero-tolerance policy with regard to drugs.  This policy is displayed by the entrance to the venue.  Security staff are expected to remain vigilant in respect of the four main areas this concerns; customers bringing controlled drugs into the premises for personal use, persons inside the premises supplying controlled drugs to others, customers attending the venue having previously taken controlled drugs  and customers seeking to bring in “date rape” type drugs to spike other people’s drinks.  In addition to the search policy, examining customers for signs of substance (as well as alcohol) abuse and the crime prevention document, security staff should make regular checks of toilets and the venue in general for indications of drug taking or supplying.  Those found under the influence (or suspected of being so) should be treated with a duty of care as stated above.  Confiscation of controlled substances should be carried out in accordance with existing Contraband Policy. Please note that this policy also extends to so-called “legal highs”. 

 

  • Whilst it is acknowledged that a clear security presence is required on the door, staff members should maintain a clear line of sight throughout the venue where possible.  It is also expected that security make regular patrols of the venue, including the venues toilets.  This gives higher visibility for security staff and allows those staff to monitor potential issues.  Where possible and required security staff are asked to report, or deal directly with, breakages, spillages or a build-up of glassware, as well as any obstructions to movement throughout the premises.  It is important for reduction of harm regarding accidents or incidents, as well as providing an opportunity for staff to closer observe behaviour within the venue. 

 

  • With reference to the anti-theft and terrorist threat policies in place within the venue, security are asked to pay attention to unattended items and deal with/report any suspicious activity. 

 

  • Security staff are asked to complete an incident form as soon as practicable following any incident/accidents. 

 

  • Bans continue to be enforced across all our venues.  Bans should be passed on by the manager on duty.  Any ban will be recorded on the ban list by the venue management.  It should be stressed that the Data Protection Act applies to details regarding this information and therefore it should be treated carefully. 

 

  • Where qualified to do so, security staff are asked to assist with first aid and completing accident report forms. 

 

  • Regular briefings between sites are counted upon to ensure all relevant information is passed across the organisation.  If incidents occur venue or mobile phones should be used to inform or receive information from other venues as soon as possible.  This means relevant information is passed quickly and prevents possible further incidents occurring later in the evening. 

 

  •  All drinks must be consumed within 45 minutes from the time of the bar closing.  This extended drinking up allowance is to ensure a staggered dispersal and, as such, pressure should not be put upon customers to drink up quickly.  Customers should be politely asked to begin finishing their drinks as the 45 minutes approaches.  There should be nobody consuming alcohol beyond this point. 

 

  • Customers should be given the opportunity to call and wait for taxis or other forms of transport within the foyer area of the venue.  Security are asked to assist with any enquiries they may receive regarding methods of travelling home, including public transport and reputable taxi firms. 

 

  • Care should be taken regarding the impact customers travelling home may have upon the surrounding area and residents therein.  Open vessels should not be removed from the venue, and customers should be asked to be considerate in terms of noise and litter on their journey home.  Please also consider the safety of all customers when leaving the venue and once again remember the duty of care owed to our customers departing the premises. 

 

  • Security Reviews: Representatives from the venues team and contracted security services will meet regularly during term time (or more regularly if required) to discuss any issues or concerns, review recent incidents, pending or recent disciplinary progress. Incidents will be reviewed through individual reports and by utilising the mapping system on the Weekly Business Analysis to identify any problem areas. The outcome of these reviews may result in a change to current practice or relocation of security man positions. These meetings will be documented. In addition to this a security briefing will be held at the beginning of each clubnight shift with venue management and head of security.