Enhancing Security with Lockdown: Guidance for Marauding Terrorist Attacks
In an era of evolving security threats, preparedness is key to mitigating risks and protecting lives. The Supplementary Guidance: Lockdown document, developed by the UK’s Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), provides critical insights on how organisations can implement lockdown procedures to prevent and delay Marauding Terrorist Attacks (MTAs).
This is highly relevant for New Zealand and Australia in the wake of the Bondi Westfield terror attack in 2024, the New Lynn Auckland stabbings in 2021 and the Christchurch, New Zealand Mosque shootings in 2019.
In this article, Nextro summarises the key takeaways from the UK guidance, and explores the considerations businesses, security teams, and PCBUs must take into account when planning for an emergency lockdown at their site or crowded place.
Understanding Lockdown and Its Importance
What is Lockdown?
Lockdown refers to the practice of securing entry points by locking doors and barriers to restrict access. It is a strategic response to prevent or delay attackers from reaching potential victims. The document also refers to this as “dynamic lockdown”, as it involves rapid implementation depending on the situation.
Key characteristics of a lockdown:
- It can be applied to an entire site or specific zones.
- It involves physical security measures such as locked doors, turnstiles, and barriers.
- It aims to minimise casualties by slowing down or deterring attackers.
Why is Lockdown Important?
Data from previous terror incidents, such as the 2017 London Bridge and Borough Market attacks and the 2019 Christchurch Mosque shootings, have shown that most fatalities occur within the first few minutes—before law enforcement arrives. Implementing a well-planned lockdown can reduce casualties significantly by:
- Preventing attackers from entering a secure zone.
- Keeping people from running into danger unknowingly.
- Buying critical time for emergency responders to arrive.
However, lockdowns must be implemented with caution. A poorly planned lockdown can increase risks, especially if it traps victims with attackers or creates dangerous bottlenecks.
Planning for an Effective Lockdown
Key Considerations
Before implementing a lockdown plan, organisations should assess:
- The effectiveness of lockdown – Will it delay the attacker and protect people?
- Potential risks – Could it unintentionally trap people in danger?
- Lockdown feasibility – Are existing security systems capable of enforcing lockdown?
- Triggering conditions – What circumstances should lead to a lockdown?
- Infrastructure investment – Do additional security measures need to be implemented?
Implementation Methods
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to lockdowns. The guidance outlines multiple methods:
1. Centralised Lockdown Management
- Utilises an Automated Access Control System (AACS) to remotely lock and unlock doors.
- Can be controlled from a Security Control Room (SCR).
- Provides a coordinated, immediate response.
2. Automated Lockdown
- Uses attack detection systems (e.g., gunshot detectors) to automatically trigger lockdown.
- Minimises human intervention, but requires a highly reliable system to avoid false alarms.
3. Manual Lockdown
- Relies on security personnel or staff to physically lock doors using keys, panic buttons, or chains.
- Best suited for smaller sites but can be slow in execution.
4. Partial Lockdown
- Locks only specific entry points, leaving some exits open for evacuation.
- Useful for shopping centres, offices, and large venues where full lockdown may not be practical.
5. Two-Way Lockdown
- Doors are locked from both sides, preventing entry and exit.
- Can be dangerous if people need to evacuate quickly.
6. One-Way Lockdown
- Doors can only be opened from one side, allowing people to escape but preventing entry.
- A safer approach that ensures emergency exits remain accessible.
Empowering Security and Front-Line Personnel
Lockdown procedures are only effective if security and front-line personnel are trained and prepared. The guidance emphasises:
- Empowering staff to initiate lockdowns without waiting for approval.
- Installing panic buttons for immediate response.
- Monitoring lockdown integrity to prevent breaches.
- Using public address (PA) systems to announce lockdown status.
Common Planning Challenges and Solutions
When designing lockdown strategies, several challenges arise.
The guidance provides recommendations for handling these scenarios:
|
Challenge |
Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
|
Large crowds running towards a building |
Decide whether to grant them access or maintain lockdown to prevent attackers from entering. |
|
Attack happening near the site |
Establish a clear proximity threshold for initiating lockdown. |
|
Attack occurring inside the site |
Consider locking down specific zones rather than the entire site to allow safe evacuation. |
|
People wanting to leave a locked area |
Establish protocols for controlled exit in extreme circumstances. |
|
Fire emergencies during lockdown |
Ensure fire safety compliance and integrate lockdown with fire evacuation plans. |
|
Police and emergency services access |
Create clear procedures for law enforcement entry without compromising security. |
Final Thoughts: Preparing for the Worst-Case Scenario
The Marauding Terrorist Attack Lockdown Guidance provides a comprehensive roadmap for organisations to plan, implement, and refine their lockdown procedures. While lockdowns can be an effective life-saving measure, they require careful planning, training, and legal consideration to ensure they don’t create new risks.
For businesses, security teams, and public institutions, this guide serves as a reminder that preparedness is key. By understanding when and how to use lockdown effectively, organisations can significantly improve their resilience against terrorist threats.
Key Takeaways
✔ Lockdown is an effective security measure but must be tailored to each site.
✔ Poorly planned lockdowns can increase risks rather than reduce them.
✔ Training and empowering personnel is crucial for effective lockdown implementation.
✔ Legal compliance is essential to avoid conflicts with fire safety and human rights laws.
✔ Regular testing and drills should be conducted to refine procedures.
By following these guidelines, organisations can develop robust lockdown strategies that save lives in the event of a MTA.
See source material
See further insights