Security Expert Offers Tips To Help Safeguard Against Suicide Terrorism And Mitigate Blast Effects.

In light of recent statements regarding potential suicide bombings, the public, and building owners and managers, alike, are searching for answers on how best to protect themselves.

Admittedly and dishearteningly, suicide bombings are nearly impossible to detect or prevent. Even if, by chance, an attack were recognized, it would be practically impossible to thwart.

Suicide terrorism in not new. Methods, however, have been refined, and the 18th-century dagger has been replaced with high explosives packed with nuts, bolts, and poisoned nails. Commonly referred to as belt bombers or walk-in bombers, in reality, explosives are often concealed in hand-tailored vests, prostheses, or carried in handbags or backpacks.

In defending against bombings, motivation is inconsequential. Religious zealots and revenge seekers make little distinction in their modus operandi. With the frequency of bombings by professionals, heads-of-households, the educated and wealthy, and women, an accurate profile is hopeless. Thus, the security focus must be on detecting or deterring the surreptitious entry of an explosive device. This is made all the more difficult because the bomber has the advantage: knowledge and selection of time, place, and method.

Disguised as clergy, tradesmen, military and law enforcement authorities, or expectant mothers ? the predominant ruse of female suicide bombers ? attacks are designed to instill fear. It is impossible, perhaps even injurious, to try and predict specific US targets in the absence of real and credible threat information. The best defense is vigilance and heightened awareness, regardless of the location. There are no universal guidelines or predictors that will prevent an attack, but eyewitnesses and survivors routinely comment that the attacker appeared ?suspicious?. Trust your instincts. Look for the out-of-the-ordinary. The young, pregnant women ?who lacks a ?glow? of pregnancy?, carries no purse, enters, and walks directly to the center of a crowded restaurant. The lone male who fails to mimic the emotions shared by those around him, or otherwise react ?normally? for the situation, be it a celebration, solemn gathering, or other event. Or the man or woman that is overly dressed for the situation or weather conditions.

Suicide bombers operating within our borders are less likely to be Palestinian militants: They are more likely to be domestic terrorists or al Qaeda operatives. Exact methodology may vary, but basic security precautions remain standard.

Below, are ten strategies for helping to safeguard against and mitigate suicide attacks by walk-in bombers or car bombs. These can be applied to any facility, from offices and high-rises, to restaurants, stadiums, and nightclubs.

1. Ensure standoff distances of at least 100? between vehicles and facilities (300? or more is ideal) and control traffic by using bollards or reinforced planters.
2. Schedule, in advance, all deliveries and inspect trucks prior to entering a secured area. If possible, deliveries should be scheduled during non-business hours when the facility or establishment is not heavily occupied.
3. Maintain a high-visibility security presence with uniformed officers patrolling all perimeters and parking areas, varying their routes and frequency.
4. Inspect allowable hand-carried bags and packages, and require overcoats and jackets to be opened or removed when entering a facility or establishment.
5. Private and semi-private facilities should issue employee/tenant ID badges, and require visitors to sign in and out. A temporary ?visitor? ID badge should be worn, and hosts should escort visitors at all times.
6. Install adequate security lighting and maintain landscaping in a manner that will provide unobstructed lines of sight.
7. Remove outside trash receptacles in close proximity of facilities.
8. Be observant for potential surveillance of your facility (most attacks are pre-planned).
9. Report unattended packages, bags, and briefcases.
10. Use common sense and trust your instincts. This is your greatest defense against the most difficult type of attacks to prevent.

These steps may not prevent a suicide bombing, but they may reduce the extent of injuries and damage by stopping the bomber a far from the infrastructure and occupants as possible.

All facilities ? regardless of size ? should undertake an objective review of their security posture. Security experts can assess vulnerabilities and recommend best practices and accepted standards to safeguard people, property, and information.

Additional historical information regarding suicide terrorism, modus operandi, and other safeguards are available by contacting Ross Bulla.

Board certified in security management, Ross D. Bulla, CPP is President of The Treadstone Group, Inc., which provides security consulting and investigative services to corporations, law firms, government agencies, and private clients managing significant risks, worldwide. Ross is an expert on matters pertaining to physical security and terrorism-avoidance, and has overseen protection for many of the nation?s leading corporations and their people, property and information. He, too, has developed, implemented and managed the security measures utilized and currently in place at multiple entertainment and sporting venues, special events, and the Olympic Games. Formerly, he chaired the Uptown Crime Prevention Council (Charlotte, NC) and the Charlotte Chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security. Ross is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, with a BS in Criminal Justice and a second major in Psychology. Ross frequently presents at international conferences and appears regularly in print and on television. (He even has a credited appearance in a major motion picture.) Additionally, on the behalf of several publishers, he evaluates manuscripts and reviews newly published security trade books.

Accessibility is a unique and important aspect of Ross Bulla?s services. His expertise is available to media at any time. Such appearances and consultations are free.