Wednesday, September 29, 2010

So where are the explosives?

Kia Ora,

Some more coverage of the Commonwealth games in India & again I am concerned about something in pictures we are getting. There is something not quite right with all the security we see.

There was also a warning of a report that some explosives & weapons have been smuggled in already for terrorist attacks.

It shouldn't but that report got me chuckling.

Why chuckling over explosives & weapons been smuggled in?

Well with the concern over the state of some of the venues & the Games village as the pressure goes on I would expect that some of the security would of been relaxed to get the extra workers in.

That is where the fun begins. Have any weapons been smuggled in & left in dead letter boxes for uplift later?
Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Understanding Threats and Responses in the Post 9/11 World (3rd Edition)
Then there is the explosives.

In Iraq road workers were found to be laying IED's in the roads as they paved them. Many only discovered by the wires sticking out at the side of the road.

On at least one occassion an IED was placed in the gap between some blast walls.

Then the workers at at least one facility for making blast walls were reportedly found placing IED's in the blast walls.
Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Understanding the New Security Environment, Readings and Interpretations, Revised & Updated 2004 (Trade Edition)
Then how good are the bomb searches. Close to at least one check point to the Green Zone in Baghdad an IED was placed each night & removed each morning by US troops.

So what has Iraq got to do with the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India?

Terrorist tactics transfer quickly world wide, especially when they work. Already there have been a lot of similarities in tactics at times in Afghanistan & Iraq. With Al Qaeda established in Pakistan & groups fighting in Kashmir it would not take a lot for that information to be passed onto groups in India.
Debating Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Conflicting Perspectives on Causes, Contexts, and Responses
Or they can just get it off the internet.

So though not really an amusing subject you can just see it happening, especially as the pressure comes on to get the place up to scratch demanded by competing nations.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Lack of Leadership Exposed!

Kia Ora,

Well the blame game has started in India over the state of the Commonwealth Games in the lead up to the Games.

A lot of fingers were pointed at one official, Indian Media have pointed the finger also at the New Zealander who was CEO of games on behalf of Commonwealth Games.

To my way of thinking both of those fingered in particular but right the way down the chain there has been a lack of leadership. As is shown in the programme 'Undercover Boss' those up the top often have no idea or have forgotten what it is like at the bottom.
Leadership 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know
They don't always have to do the work but just get out & see those that are & ensure things are done. Though not like one security operations manager who thought he would visit sites & patrols & when having to help do some work or do something that was out of his league, never came back, but harrassed everyone else. He never learnt a thing.

Or as I found in Iraq, different nationalities have different ideas of leadership & what works. All had their good & bad points, but to motivate people some of the leaders have to get in & do some work themselves.

We had a situation where that arose & on the first day the local workers worked very hard & were great. On the second someone from a different nationality thought all they had to do was yell & scream & nothing much got done. The third day same formula as first was tried but the damage had been done.
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You
Funny thing is all the criticism pointed at India can also be pointed at New Zealand.

The day after the state of the games village was exposed it was revealed similar conditions where found in Auckland eateries.

Within the NZ Security Industry the lack of real leadership is rampant & would be sorely exposed in a real emergency at most big events.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Monday, September 27, 2010

New Zealanders just don't get it!

Kia Ora,

It seems everywhere I have looked today there is another New Zealand reporter or security commentator saying that New Zealanders shouldn't listen to the advice at the Commonwealth Games to hide their national colours.

Why was that advice been given?

Because it was believed Al Qaeda was looking to target countries with troops in Afghanistan.

So are they right?

Well really neither the New Zealanders were right or those offering the security advice but those offering were far closer to the facts.

At least one commentator mentioned the fact that the people of India were threatening to swamp Kiwis with kindness. That is most likely but it doesn't mean a terrorist will embrace them as New Zealanders.

Another said basically Kiwis should wear their colours as not a target.
The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to al Qaeda
What a load of rot!

First is if you use a New Zealand flag much of the world thinks you are Australian.

Second the likes of Al Qaida are not dumb. They do know who is who in the world. They do have people who read books like that by Sir John Keegan "The Iraq War" which says New Zealand he believes was part of the invasion of Iraq. Whether he is right or wrong it is a common belief in the Arab World.

Thirdly & where both parties are not right is the mindset of a suicide bomber or terrorists. All people are a target including Muslims for the Al Qaeda suicide bomber. Their aim is to achieve their mission which is likely to be take as many with them as possible.
Inside Terrorism
From the information I am receiving from people on the ground, pictures on TV, security is not as good as people say it is. It would be interesting to see the check points as earlier photos of a few years ago showed tourists getting checked whilst life carried on. That does not make a place secure.

Again it is that mindset of New Zealanders. New Zealanders believe they are one of the few countries that is have the ability to move anywhere. That is true to some extend & has been true over the years & why our passports have been so sort after.
Origins of Terrorism: Psychologies, Ideologies, Theologies, States of Mind
But the world has changed & some people don't care where you are from as long as they make their statement.

New Zealanders just won't get it until it blows up in their faces.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Why do they call it the good Drug?

Kia Ora,

Ever since I first became aware of Marijuana I have heard it called the good drug or words to that effect & that it needs to be decriminalized.

Having read a book about drugs early on at school I had no wish to partake. What I have learned since has made me glad of that. But still people insist on the myth that Marijuana is good for you. In some medical instances it maybe, but not in general use.

The information gained, first in the NZ military on the effects of drug use followed by the observations of the effects of drugs on people brought into hospital when security there, shows it is just people lying to themselves.

Having known a former (& current) drug addict or two the story was always the same. Marijuana is the most addictive & worst of the drugs & is responsible for a lot of crime to pay for the addiction.
Drugs and Society
So it is appalling to see the police are finding children as young as four years old smoking drugs & drugs also been used to keep babies quiet when they carryout their drug raids.

It has been shown that Marijuana alone harms peoples work ethic & motivation.

What chance to these kids have when starting on drugs so young?

We know there are so many issues connected to the legal drugs like Alcohol. So why do we continue to fool ourselves that Marijuana in particular is safe? It's not. The evidence is clear.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Friday, September 24, 2010

Fools Paradise! Commonwealth Games Security!

Kia Ora,

Well the on going saga of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi is playing out. With the concentration on the state of the Games Village & some of the other buildings security has been pretty much glossed over.

The news footage here has focussed on two security points. The person with the rifle & the car search.

The person with the rifle is in what in the army we would of called a 'caught unawares shot'where someone took the pose like they were actually working. No one would stay in that pose for their whole shift especially if they were weak in the upper body.

As to the car search. A suicide bomber would love that search as too many standing around the vehicle. But not a problem that could not be sorted with some quick training & leadership.
Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Understanding Threats and Responses in the Post 9/11 World (3rd Edition)
After my last blog on the security situation at the Games Village with comments based on the information from a security consultant who had been on the site, I have received a message through another social media forum. That message is from someone living close to the Commonwealth Games area & the comment was interesting. There is a lot of security but its only mission seems to be hassle the locals not protect anything.

They say the situation is a lot worse than the media is reporting.
Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Understanding the New Security Environment, Readings and Interpretations, Revised & Updated 2004 (Trade Edition)
A reporter was just on TV saying how many check points they had to go through.

Picture the other day showed an Indian check point several years ago checking all the tourists whilst the locals walked around the side. Pretty much the situation in one I came across after the suicide bombings in Amman, Jordan in 2006. At the hotel I was in, all tourists went through a metal detector & had their luggage searched whilst some who would be an odds on bet to be Jihadists were allowed around the side.
Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Understanding the New Security Environment, Readings and Interpretations, Revised & Updated 2004 (Trade Edition)
In another incident we watched as a bodyguard for an Iraqi politician handed his pistol to the politician as they were not checked.

You can have as many check points as you want, but if they do not apply to all then they are ineffective.
Debating Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Conflicting Perspectives on Causes, Contexts, and Responses
The same here recently in a dress rehearsal for the Rugby World Cup 2011 when people were walking past the alcohol searches & not been checked. Though I can't blame the security for that as no one expects a great threat. But as we focus on the issues in India, it is best to remember we will need to be much better than worrying about alcohol searches.

It can be fixed but time is running out for both the Commonwealth Games & the Rugby World Cup 2011. At present we are all in a fools paradise.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Police still Overwhelmed! What can be done?

Kia ora,

First I try to write this blog daily, but with the nature of the work it is not always possible. Last few days have been a little hectic.

Some time back I wrote a blog saying NZ Police are Over Whelmed. Well last night the police in one area came out on TV saying they were been over whelmed with lack of reources & manpower. I know an ex army mate has recently left the police in another area as it just got too much.
Prentice Hall's Test Prep Guide to accompany Proactive Police Management (Prentice Hall Test Prep Series)
So the first thing that needs to be done is more resources & manpower into policing. It is not a political football but a necesity as our society is becoming much more violent & crime is now out of control. It is also been reported less & less.

That can also be seen in the response to looting in Christchurch post the earthquake. Anecdotal evidence is that looting was actually widespread with people not notifying police as they just didn't think they would respond. As the comment from Justin shows security companies decided not to report crime as well as they thought the police were too busy.

What else can be done to help the police get back on top?

Good Private security. That is security companies carrying out security as it is supposed to be, not in the often fraudulant nature it is at present.

Security carried out properly has an impact on crime. Less crime then the police can get right on top & society will feel safer. It is taking that Broken windows policy of New York & using it to take our society back to where people feel safe at night. They definitely don't at present here in Christchurch & that has nothing to do with the earthquake.

Hitting things like last night where it appears a group of people went past here knocking over rubbish bins into the road. It was reported but police did not respond as no one was seen by time it was able to be reported.
Proactive Police Management (8th Edition)
Last of all society has to take some responsibility. They don't have to take the law into their own hands, but report or record details.

It is not on that we leave our police to deal with more & more issues without any real support.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Like Lambs to the Slaughter!

Kia Ora,

Well security at the Commonwealth Games have hit the headlines again with an Australian 'Expert' saying there is a huge chance of terrorist attacks outside the venues.

The Australian Olympic Committee has followed its New Zealand counterpart & hit out at him. Dismissing his claims & basically saying it is under control.

So was he on the button?

Well what he has forecast is a high likelyhood but his prediction shows that he is most likely out of step with what has been happening.

On the other hand the consultant I spoke of a few blogs ago seemed to be up with the methods that terrorists have been using in the last few years. His focus was more on the games village to be used by the atheletes & I could visualize what he was talking about quite easily from experience. Whats more the TV images so far have backed up what he was saying.
The Mind of the Terrorist: The Psychology of Terrorism from the IRA to al-Qaeda
Meanwhile what of the 'Expert'?

His predicitons are more in line with what would happen in conjunction of an attack on a venue or the games village. That or, as was set up to happen when the embassy next to our villa in Baghdad was targeted by a suicide bomber, a series of IED's aimed at the emergency services responding to the initial incident. On that occassion those IED's failed to detonate.
Origins of Terrorism: Psychologies, Ideologies, Theologies, States of Mind
Meanwhile the authorities continue to ignore Private security consultants whom might just know a lot more than the government lacky's.

That is not to say the games shouldn't go ahead, but there maybe needs to be a look at using the likes of PSD companies in conjunction with the authorities. In this situation experience is everything. Otherwise it really is like leading lambs to slaughter.

http://foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Friday, September 17, 2010

The Catch 22 that arises when the NZ Security Industry is stretched!

Kia Ora,

Since Christchurch was hit by the earthquake the NZ Security Industry in the city has been stretched. Stretched to the extent that anecdotal evidence from another city says two of the major players have been recruiting there for security guards.

It has led to a Catch 22 situation where companies just have no one spare to fill in if people can't make it & in one case led a company refusing to let a staff member attend a call out as a volunteer fireman.

The sort of people who join the military, police or work in the NZ Security Industry are likely to be the type of person who will either just go & help or be a volunteer.

At the lowest level a security guard is poorly paid but has to deal with some of the most dangerous situations in the community often by themself. Usually before the police become involved. Many stick at it because there is that feeling of service without the real down sides of been a police officer like telling a family someone has died.
Gear Keeper High Security Key Retractor Clamp-On Rotating Belt Clip Police Corrections Emergency Equipment Gear Guard Authorized Dealer GSA certified, RT3-5826 (28" Extension)
Interestingly the union has now jumped in to highlight the situation.

I take it that is the same union that was involved when I worked for a sub contractor. They negotiated a huge agreement which included a wage rise that only covered the union fees, a wage rise for those with NZQA level 3 qualification of which at the time I was one of only three with it & was not entitled to it as worked for the sub contractor. Worst of all they negotiated a protected wage for senior guards but a new lower rate for those joining the company. Everyone seen coming what happened next. All the experienced staff suddenly received less & less hours of work which went to those with no experience at all & generally no security background.Therefore the senior guards had to leave to find other work to live.
Security Wire Mesh Window Guard - Recessed 3' X 4'
In the current situation, & it is likely to go on for a while, there are a few people who need to look at the reality of the situation. This includes bureaucrats who quote their acts but don't look at the intent of the act when it was passed through the New Zealand parliament. Which is what the legal profession do if it goes that far.

The NZ Security Industry overall is of a low standard but at the moment at least in Christchurch it is stretched & doing what it can with the resources available. Some situations are a real catch 22 & the industry is just doing its best to make it all work.

Some staff are so worn out. I am aware of one trying to convince his missus to just get on a plane with him & move to Australia. They have certainly earned enough money of late to do so.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Thursday, September 16, 2010

How many layers does your Personna have?

Kia Ora,

The last two weeks have had me thinking about mindset as I have written.

But it has been more than that.

Several years ago I went to a personal development seminar & a few things came out of it.

First is the latin word Personna means mask. As we grow we build layers around us & call it a personality so we become acceptable to society.

Those with the least layers are children & so they tend to blert out honest brutal truths. The next in line to them with least layers were said to be soldiers & police officers. That sentence hit a cord with me as part of the profession of arms(soldiering) or the oldest profession(the second oldest developed following armies around) with offshoots evolving to be our police & security services, one thing that puts us offside when we leave the military is our at times brutal honesty.

Now part of that building of the layers of that personna today in society is the focus on things that are really not important. There are even books based on the belief that we should not focus on the small stuff.

Where as a New Zealand Vietnam Veteran told me when I was first promoted, focus on the small things that will build self discipline then the big things will take care of themselves.
The Profession of Arms (Il Mestiere delle armi [Non-US Format, PAL region 2])
By having less layers you are more like an animal so more in touch with the natural world.

That might seem bit out there but think of how many police or security go on their hunch or feeling that something or someone is suspect. Happens all the time.

It also gets you in touch with what is dangerous. In a dangerous situation it is not uncommon for you to instinctively know prior or during what is the right action.

Personally I have woken only to a few earthquakes, but they have been the big ones & have woken prior. Experience with earthquakes meant the mind/body is able to assess what is dangerous & what is not.

Animals don't have those false layers we build as people around us & it is known that when looking back animals had been acting in a way that should of sounded a warning. In fact a story out today was of worms coming out of ground & they took it so seriously in China they evacuated a city prior to an earthquake.
U.S. Army FM 1 Profession Of Arms Field Manual on CD-ROM
So how many layers do you have in your personna that stops you picking up those warnings from the energy that surrounds us?

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Has the West lost the will?

Kia Ora,

With the talk of mindset & how I have seen people react to what has happened here in Christchurch after the earthquake, it has reminded me of a conversation in Iraq.

The person who made the following statement had experience in several armies & a war or two.

They stated "the west will never beat these guys (Al Qaeda terrorists)as they are focussed, have a mission & are not waylaid by the false things in life" or words to that effect.

That is what I have seen over the last nearly two weeks(how time flies when you are having fun) on how by focussing on the false things in life, peole have not handled reality when it confronts them.

Don't get me wrong it has been traumatic for people, in particular those that have lost their houses, businesses or are in the worst affected areas.

But it could of been much much worse. The power of the earthquake could of levelled the city with many deaths. If people are not handling it now then what would of happened had it been worse?

That the city is mainly back on a relatively normal footing is mainly due to good building codes & luck.
Origins of Terrorism: Psychologies, Ideologies, Theologies, States of Mind
Although a suicide bombing does not have the power of an earthquake, its effects are more localized & much more traumatic. Bodies ripped apart, blood & bits of bodies everywhere to mention a few.

That requires a whole different mindset.
The Mind of the Terrorist: The Psychology of Terrorism from the IRA to al-Qaeda
Some people will say we just did after the earthquake what the British & Indian peoples did after their terrorist attacks.

No the British & Indian people been used to it, just wouldn't let it defeat them, where as what I saw even on the day of the quake was many in denial treating it like a family outing whilst the police & other services tried to get on top of the situation. Not to mention the good groups of volunteers & workers who have given a huge effort. But the wider good will in the community was a myth which had it been worse would of quickly turned to anarchy.

People ignored police requests to stay put & stay out of the worst affected areas as they were identified.
Inside the Mind of a Suicide Bomber (History Channel)
Had that been suicide bombings we know the usual tactic is one followed by a series of others targeting emergency services or bottle necks.

Many of those with issues here in Christchurch have had nothing more than putting up with a very violent earthquake (yes likely deadly & yes it felt like the buildings were going to collapse) & the aftershocks.

That is nothing to the fear you see when people have to deal with the prospect of dealing with suicide bombers everyday, sewage hardly ever working properly, power still not fully restored 7 years after an invasion yet everyday just getting on with life.
Inside Terrorism
Now the right mindset is what allowed the consultant to see the threats to the Commonwealth games village in India. It is how we see the threats to the Rugby World Cup 2011.

Unless people can understand the mindset of the suicide bomber or terrorists they will never see the threats. These guys are that committed, where as in the West we worry about false things.

What is your mission in life? Maybe if we all focussed on finding our mission in life to make this a better world, those who at present have a mission of death & destruction would change theirs.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Its that Mindset again!

Kia Ora,

Before the earthquake hit Christchurch & the surrounding areas there was a warning of boat people comming to New Zealand shores at this stage from Sri Lanka. Yet again though the New Zealand mindset is to the fore saying it could never happen!

This was not long after a ship full of illegal immigrants had made it to Canada from Thailand a trip that would be as long if not longer.

It seems that reality has no place in the decisions made by people when they comment on these things or burearcrats plans in many cases.
Illegal: Life and Death in Arizona's Immigration War Zone
So how could that effect the NZ Security Industry?

Well even the earthquake showed that New Zealand & in particular the NZ police, as good as they are, do not have the resources to carryout all their required tasks.

So private security could if properly trained provide good manned surveillance around our coastline. Technology is great but only ever an aid & can be suspect to some of the wild weather we get.

As a matter of fact I put a proposal in to various agencies shortly after beginning work in the security industry for myself to do just that. This was in response to the regular small paper clippings asking for people to watch out around the coastline for those involved in movement of firearms, drugs & wildlife.
The New Case Against Immigration: Both Legal and Illegal
Not long out of the NZ Army at the time, my rather direct military way of presenting the proposal did not go down well.

One police District commander asked what made me think that the police needed any help as they did not.

My reply was the fact it was well known in the army thanks to friends in low places that there had been a joint request from several government agencies including the police for that very help.

It was also was well known that some of our units assisted by way of training to carryout surveillance for agencies. This stopped when the formal request went in as it was a grey area for the military to be involved.
Illegals: The Imminent Threat Posed by Our Unsecured U.S.-Mexico Border
I looked at reviving it as part of a new army training requirement for my section I was responsible for by requesting could we help with surveillance. I was informed to try but it was unlikely to go ahead because of legal concerns.

But by contracting private security with the appropriate training, going on the PSD experience it would actually be cheaper & allow the likes of the police to concentrate on enforcement.
Illegal Immigration (Opposing Viewpoints)
For that to happen though needs a change in mindset across the board to understand that things like boat people are a reality. It also needs a change in mindset on how to use private security & what constitutes the training requirements.

You wouldn't want a doorman or normal security guard on these tasks. Then it is the decision if the police or military style surveillance is the most appropriate.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Can you trust the Information Governments give?

Kia Ora,

Why this question?

Security concerns have again arisen over the upcoming Commonwealth games in India.

Only saw a part of the coverage on TV last night but what I caught was the president of the New Zealand Olympic committee & chef de mission for our games team commenting. One comment I heard was about a security persons comment about poor security & the reply to the effect five governments were pulling together so don't you think they would know more?

I have had a similar question put to me when talking about possible terrorist attacks here during or prior to the Rugby World Cup 2011. "But the government would know."
The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to al Qaeda
Well from my experience no they wouldn't.

Governments have a poor track record of knowing the true story as they are 'advised' by bureaucrats who more often than not know even less. The new Security Personnel Bill springs immediately to mind. As does the debacle that has come out in recent days where the NZSIS has again botched a background check on someone appointed to a high position. This time as the defence forces advisor on science, so requiring security clearance to the highest level.

Then there is the question as too whether a government has given all or the correct information so as to mislead. Some would say this is the case with the weapons of mass destruction that led to the invasion of Iraq.
The Mind of the Terrorist: The Psychology of Terrorism from the IRA to al-Qaeda
Just today from a security consultant there was information which would worry any security professional on potential threats to the Commonwealth games atheletes residence. They wouldn't be a reason to stop going but they need to be dealt with & quickly.

What they talk about though needs a military or PSD(private security detail) background to understand, not a NZ police background only. This is a whole different ball game.
Inside Terrorism
Problem is until it happens most people will side with the President of the NZ Olympic Committee & chef de mission of the games team.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Will the Christchurch Earthquake change the New Zealand mindset?

Kia Ora,

Since I started this blog a common thread has been the New Zealand mindset to threats in particular terrorism.

Will that change now a disaster has hit? Frankly from what I am seeing no.

You are seeing people complaining of how the scientists have said consistantly that an aftershock of 6 is likely & that this was not the expected big one(earthquake) from the Alpine Fault line. In fact though many of us including myself thought that is what it was as we are been told a lot it is overdue.
Crisis Preparedness Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Home Storage and Physical Survival
People say they were scared at the time & I have no doubt most were, but myself I had two thoughts. First was Wow didn't know a tilt slab building could flex so much this is going to fall over. The second was for my father, wider family & our Marae as they are all very close to the Alpine Fault(within 100's of metres). So I am very aware of what can happen & have always taken a keen interest in this.

Having Knowledge can help you overcome the fear.

Too many are in denial. We should be using that knowledge to ensure the rebuilds are stronger, not delaying because someone thinks the historical look of Christchurch will be changed.

A comment by a person helping in the aftermath in response to complaints about bad building standards, was the standards were not designed to save the buildings but lives which is what they did or words to that effect. This means all buildings in the quake zone should be checked to see if they will stand up to another large quake. I know this has been done at least one shopping mall & it was rated to stand up to a specific large quake larger than the one that occurred.

But most people in Christchurch outside those who have been helping or worst affected still are in a form of denial. Even those badly hit think that nothing worse can happen despite the fact no one died. It is something you find in security here in Christchurch. When selling burglar alarms the comment was made that the hardest person to sell an alarm too as they don't believe they need it anymore are those that have been burgled.

A sign in one area says "welcome to Baghdad" & when interviewed by Paul Holmes someone commented it was like "Baghdad on a bad day." In fact they don't even come close. The aftershocks have just been like Baghdad on a normal day.
Deluxe 2-Person by SurvivalKitsOnline Perfect Survival Kit for Emergency Disaster Preparedness for Earthquake, Hurricane, Fire, Evacuations, Auto, Home and Family
There is now a concern for the Rugby World Cup 2011 which has been raised, but again the comments are there is little likelyhood of terrorist attacks.

It is the same type of denial when after some of the recent earthquakes have come from a new epicentre in the old volcano that is now Lyttleton Harbour. Questions about the volcano have been dismissed by the experts as it has not been an active volcano for 5.8 million years. Thing is only about two weeks ago it was reported a volcano that had been extinct for a very long time(sorry can't recall the years but it was enough to make you think) erupted.

Just because something is not likely doesn't mean it won't happen.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Disaster Preparedness
So will there be a change in mindset?

I very much doubt it. A few more will take been ready for an earthquake seriously, many wll ditch their emergency kits within a year as they forget the whole thing. Most will figure it has happened once so will not happen again to them (despite there been a few who have been through two or three other quakes of similar magnitude in the city).

There is no difference there to the attitude of a likely terrorist attack here in New Zealand.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Friday, September 10, 2010

What is Aid to the Civil Power?

Kia Ora,

Thought I would expand on this as there seems to be some confusion over military's role in this situation.

I say that because when working the other night it came up re the military should of been on the ground sooner.
Military Aid to the Civil Power
One of the Civil Defence people wsa most concerned that that would mean the miltary arrivng & taking over.

It was pointed out to them that as pointed out when army went on streets with police they were under police command. From a military point of view they are just transferring skills used in other roles such as SAE(Services Assisted Evacuation) & SPE(Services Protected Evacuation) used to evacuate people from foreign shores.

Aid to the Civil Power is just what it says. It is there to Aid the Civil Power. Not take over.

Last night how it can be used was shown with combined Police & Army Patrols around quake hit areas to limit crime on the streets of Christchurch. It could of been used to limit rubber neckers.
Military Aid to the Civil Power (International Military Law & History Series, Vol 1)
It was also pointed out that having some military people there could help with their set up as it was pretty haphazaed. Civil Defence been mainly volunteers who do contribute greatly but there are upsides to having peole alongside who use those processes at times on a daily basis.

At this particular site I knew two of the civil defence people from another role they have in life. One was telling me that when they first showed up it was chaos. Some of the people were trying to use an old system, others the new system & someone else told me the new system didn't work so they had to go back to the old system. It took one person arriving & taking control after hours of non action that got them moving. Yet what I saw it was still not that great. But you did notice the difference when that one person came back on shift.
Some aspects of aid to the civil power in Australia (Occasional monograph / Dept. of Government, Faculty of Military Studies, University of New South Wales)
Right from the start it puts numbers out there. Such as on the street. Justin's comment about hs security company not reporting crime as they thought the police were too busy with other things points to the problem. Just having the manpower on the streets, first impacts on crime by just been there & second allows the authorities to ensure those core services are still deliverable. Otherwise as shown in New Orleans the norms breakdown very quickly.

It was not just Justin's security company thinkng that way though. Those who carried out burglaries obviously thought the same.

So did the boy racers. With the police been on top of this anti social grouping in the last month or two, it has been noticeable in this area which has got off reasonably lightly, boy racers drinking smashing bottles then carrying out their anti social activities as they believe they can not be touched. Had it been upgraded the boy racers would of not enjoyed meeting a Lav.

Same with some deciding they can use it as an excuse to again start playng loud music at outrageous hours & use drugs. Last Saturday night I could understand it or had they been part of those helping out, but six days later when they have done no more than they normally do, it is just an excuse to carryout anti social behaviour.

Not to mention that if you have been part of the help or having issues then using drugs & marijuana in particular is the last thing you should be doing.
MILITARY AID TO THE CIVIL POWER
The other advantage of having the military is if their is a requirement to step up a level they can do it easily.

As Justin points out in his comment the NZ Security Industry is putting in big hours during this earthquake & aftermath with no recognition.

What is less well known is that after Katrina in New Orleans as the US military is not allowed to give security assistance within the US, it was left to the National Guard & Private Security. In regards to the private security many of them came straight from private security work in Iraq or training courses pre deployment to Iraq.

There was even the story of someone completing a course to deploy to Iraq & then their group been told they are not going to Iraq but are required in New Orleans & one person saying. "Great where is that & what happened?".

Having the ability for the military step up stops the haphazard security standards in the NZ Security Industry been exposed.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Potential Crime turned to good!

Kia Ora,

There has been a lot of good come out of the earthquake & one concerns a group & associated event that usually results in criminal activity.

That Event is the infamous Undie 500 & the group that organizes it ENSOC.
A Primmer for Diaster Recovery Planning in an It Environment (Praeger Series in Political Communication)
Instead of going ahead with the event, this year to a undisclosed Canterbury location, ENSOC have decided to use the money set aside for it to provide food & fuel to those helping in the recovery.

Their members have decided to lend their hand to the clean up during their down time from University studies.

The sergeant in charge of the police alcohol enforcement team has just come on the radio as I write this to praise ENSOC & I concur. Considering all the bad publicity due to crime the event has generated, this was a good decision much appreciated by those badly hit.

In the meantime a comment has come in from Justin who is working in the NZ Security industry here in Christchurch & he highlights an issue.

Do you call the police when they have so much else on? I would record then report. Even if the police can not make it, they have a record for follow up.

Another point Justin makes is how little the media has made of the contribution of the private security industry.

Justin is right. There are some very long hours been done by the industry at times in very dangerous areas. Being injured prior to the quake myself it has been frustrating not been able to assist. When I did to give someone some relief as they had not had sleep in over 40 hours I got a bollocking from the bureaucrats. There are times for rules & time to bend them especially as in this case there was little threat to re injure. As all those in private security will be aware there are a lot of very tired people in the industry right now & if someone like me can give them a rest then all the good.

But as usual private security or the security guard on the ground is an invisable person. There when you want them, but ignored the rest of the time.
Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology
In the mean time with all the good going on there are others still committing crime. One that has just been notified is allegedly there are bogus insurance assessors going around using it as a cover to do later burglaries. Now at this stage that is not confirmed but similar activities have happened in the past. There is no reason to think it won't happen here unfortunately.

Just keep your wits about you.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Unusual ways Issues have presented post Earthquake!

Kia Ora,

Well again due to the high standards of the building codes in New Zealand the Christchurch Earthquake have presented in unusual ways new twists on normal ones.

First there is the issue of what here in New Zealand is known as rubber necking. Not the game but people driving around to see what the damage is as they didn't suffer that badly.

People not in the quake zone might think everything is destroyed here in Christchurch. Actually though it was an experience & a half, even for someone who has been close to a suicide bombing or two, the major damage is in pockets. That in the centre of the city in particular is mainly due to older buildings that haven't yet received earthquake strengthening. Other areas is due to high liquifaction of the soils. Though continuing largish aftershocks (we have just had two as I wrote that) have damaged buildings even in good areas or of more recent construction.

It has meant that many are in denial that there was any major damage or just want to have a look.

This has been aggrevating for those in the worst affected areas who are trying to clean up & see if there is any chance of rebuilding their lives. There is a good possibility that tempers could lead to physical confrontations.
IT Disaster Recovery Planning For Dummies
The next issue comes also from the fact that despite the devastation the building code has done its job & though property has been destroyed no lives have been lost. The similar earthquake in Haiti resulted in over 250,000 dead.

On going aftershocks & even new epicentres triggered by the initial quake have had an effect on the mental well being of many with in the city. Normally people are too concerned about survival in the first week. Here in Christchurch so much good effort has gone in despite the rubber neckers, that quite quickly normal services have been able to be restored to the majority of the city.

In the country areas farmers have just got on with the life of farming ensuring their animals are cared for.

But even those living in undamaged areas have had enough of the constant aftershocks & mentally they can no longer deal with the not knowing if the next one is another big one.

So People are leaving in larger numbers by the day. It is a sign for the scum to start burglaries in particular in the worst affected areas.

A former army comrade posted an idea for a sign that he thought would be good & anecdotal evidence is that people are now using it. "You loot we shoot".
The Disaster Recovery Handbook: A Step-by-Step Plan to Ensure Business Continuity and Protect Vital Operations, Facilities, and Assets
Then we have the idiot brigade in particular the boy racers, whom even on Saturday night thought since all the police were tied up doing such good work that they would wreck havoc in their normal manner.

There are also the scammers who are already taking advantage of tired & stressed people. Some of us due to our training & life experience thrive in these conditions, but most are so stressed that they take what they think is geniune help to only find they have been hit another body blow.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning for IT Professionals
To commit crimes at times like these is the lowest of the low. In particular considering how lucky Christchurch really is & that is help at hand.

Most places in the world would not of come out this well off & that has changed the dynamics a little. A 7.1 earthquake & within six days, yes a lot of buildings are going to have to be replaced some jobs lost, but to have no deaths & the majority of services restored is probably the best result you could want.

But by been so lucky it has created its own issues with denial, mentally & in the commision of crime.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Myth versus Reality!

Kia Ora,

Last night some common perceptions were dismissed as urban myth's in the wake of the Earthquake here in Christchurch.

But what is the reality?
Survival Video Games: Saw, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, Disaster: Day of Crisis
Last night the NZ police came out with figures that show that despite the belief crime has increased crime apart from domestic violence brought on by stress has stayed the same.

But is that the reality?

First point is the police on the ground are doing a magnificent job with little rest with many of them having lost their own homes, but carrying on. Others have come into to provide extra bodies on their rostered days off or whilst on leave.
Fighter or Freezer: Understanding Your Reaction to Disaster
Amazingly though people are continuing their normal behaviour & not reporting crime or suspicious behaviour.

For example someone was relaying to a person I know that they had, after checking home, to check work place that was their responsibility when they see a business with its front fallen off & people loading items from it into their vehicle. They were asked did you get a registration or do anything? No.

For all the good going on there are so many just carryon as if there is no change. The fact that much of the city appears Ok it either doesn't register or they are in denial.

Police resources are been pulled all over the place especially after large violent after shocks like this morning.

So extra crime they might come across in course of normal patrols is impacted by the other tasks they have to take on at a time like this.
Reaction to disaster: Two studies in South Africa
As someone once said perception is reality no matter what the statistics say.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Monday, September 6, 2010

Security Issues after the Earthquake!

Kia Ora,

During the night some very big after shocks struck Christchurch causing more damage & the evacuation of one of the designated evacuation centres. Then to cheer us up they tell us that it is still likely that an after shock of around 6 on the richter scale is likely to hit. A lot of people are living on their nerves.

But there are still security issues & were some that had an impact on security immediately.

A letter to the editor yesterday reminded me of my own experience immediately post the main quake. The emergency call system (111 here in New Zealand) failed. Yet I heard a spokesman for the company that provides it saying they had had no issues.

I was trying to call the fire brigade as there appeared to be a fire in street nearby. Working in the NZ Security Industry over the years though I have learnt to have backup numbers to the police communications centre as 111 can be overloaded. It took time but I got through.

The letter writer was trying to ring Ambulance services for someone with a major bleed & in the end had to move that person to the central police station where they were transported to Hospital.

For Security guards the issue is having a backup plan if requiring 111 as security is likely to be often first on the scene of many incidents.
Disaster Recovery
The next issue for the NZ Security Industry is that of alarms & having local call centres.

First the alarms. With the first quakes & the on going after shocks many alarms have been turned off. How do we know? Because there are less been activated with each shock. There were so many going off straight after the quake that there is no way security would of ever been able to respond too them all. They may of come up with a plan to work their way through as many as they could. Luckily many though, due to noise control requirements reset themselves.

Unfortunately the criminals realize this too & there are a number of burglaries now been committed, some to houses that have been evacuated.

The call centre issue is different. Whilst having a central call centre in one location can be cost effective it can also be a hinderance. In normal times we have had issues with call centre operators trying to send us to another city, not realizing where we were.

A local centre would of been aware immediately of local issues. In saying that the centres also have to have back up systems so they can relocate if required.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning for IT Professionals
Another issue that I have raised in the past when working security is the vehicles & uniforms used.

Companies have said in the past that corporate image was more important that practical considerations. So patrols are to be in corporate approaved vehicles. Corporate vehicles are no good in a situation like we have now & that needs to be factored into company thinking.

Where as diesel 4WD (SUV) vehicles have an advantage. One they can traverse difficult to negotiate ground. Next been diesel they go further on a tank of fuel in the event it is major event & fuel is out or difficult to access. The other major factor I look at is a lesson from Iraq. Petrol & liquid gas vehicles burn well, diesel is less likely to ignite instantly.

Having security patrols on the ground is even more important in the aftermath of a disaster than normal times as there is a criminal element that will try to take advantage. You can bet that if they don't have the vehicles to do the job, they will soon get them.

Uniforms present some similar issues as overalls are more likely to be of cotton so therefore have some fire resistant, where as a corporate shirt, trousers & ties are usually more likely to be flammable & don't provide the protection to a greater part of the body.

You will hope that in future planning from now on security will take these issues into account. It might of been 16,000 years since this particular fault ruptured (due to the nature of the Canterbury plains make up it was why no one knew it was there), but it doesn't mean it will wait that long again & that is hasn't put stress on another faultline.
The Disaster Recovery Handbook: A Step-by-Step Plan to Ensure Business Continuity and Protect Vital Operations, Facilities, and Assets
The good part all the way through though has been the good stories of people just helping or offering help.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz