So how should a Security Guard handle a suspected Bomb?

Kia Ora,

Many in NZ ask why does a Security Guard need to know what to do if told there might be or is a bomb nearby?

Well first they will often be first point of call & also if they don't  know it is possible to tie up all the other emergency services by overwhelming the system.

Experience shows that having people properly trained  can immediately cut out most calls. It doesn't mean being Rambo, just carrying out some commonsense checks that will cut down the work of the emergency services & will likely save lives.

When dealing with a bomb threat real or potential there are the four C's to follow.

First is Confirm: That can be anything from  confirming it is suspicous enough to call in the authorities to something actually going bang.

Next we have Clear: That just doesn't mean the area of the device, but area where responding services will set up, & choice of areas where people will be moved too.

Not as, in at least one major site & one government department here, where clearance drill is hit the fire alarm (many are wireless & bombs are set to often go off on frequencies) or just one normal evacuation place,same as for their fire drill.

It is a common tactic of terrorists to call in a false bomb alert or even fire drill to see what reaction is then set one in place responders will head or evacuees will gather.



The next C is Cordon:  Yes the police will put a cordon in but someone has to take up a cordon at least until they arrive in force & even assist in the manpower they require on their cordon. There maybe a requirement for an inner & outer cordon or several
 cordons for different reasons.

The last C is Control: That is not just control of the people being evacuated, but control of the incident prior, during & after an incident & who is in control at what stage.

As one British consultant said, when visiting NZ & asking some people in the NZ security industry, they didn't even know what their role was, little lone what to do in the event of a bomb incident.

At best at present most are likely to just get them out & then leave people to their own devices.

An IED is just a booby trap with explosives added for all intent purposes.

On my booby trap course the definition of a booby trap was given roughly as this "a cunning contrivance to catch out the unwary or those committing a 'safe' act."

With out the right mindset then every act taken in the NZ security industry is a safe act.

It is not being about living in constant fear but being aware & preparing properly.

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