CBD Business owner lacks Security Knowledge!

Kia Ora,

Well I have received a very upset un named reply to my last post so it will not be published since they know they are wrong by not publishing their name.

But I will quickly refute their false accusations.

First they claim that the fence was only ever there for a controlled worksite not for security. Totally incorrect. Fence was erected to aid security. By having a fence up it allows individuals to be arrested immediately as they are in a fenced/enclosed area.

Not only that the CERA webstie tells you how secure the CBD is in particular due to the fences & other aids. In fact the answer by authorities to information we supplied about breaches(from sub contract work in the CBD Red Zone) was to erect more fences but that doesn't work by itself. It is obvious the CBD business owner hasn't looked if they have been inside the cordon as too where fences were erected. If they had, they would of asked why? They certainly aren't there for a controlled worksite.

Criticizes the company as not been good enough. Fact: The reason I first got my individual licence then formed two companies as was informed that was my best option since my standards were too high for security in New Zealand. Just because they are used to extremely low standards is not my fault.

They claim it would need actual security expertise to make the place secure.

Funny have that expertise from been in the military(highest level of security-used to give lessons on this form of security) & PSD in Iraq (second highest level of security). Not my fault NZ doesn't practice good security & doesn't like good security yet.

As many of those I have worked with in the military & Iraq have said to me. Look NZ is just not ready for real security yet. Keep it humming along & when it happens they will not have a clue what to do so you & others will be in a position to step up.

It is not just me either someone with a lot more international experience in high levels of security including as a consultant in dangerous areas, yet when back here for a break his experience is ignored & gets offered work as a guard only.

CBD business owner shows their lack of knowledge of real security where the likes of myself practice it. Many even more highly skilled security operators than myself have returned to NZ to again head offshore because of the lack of recognition of real security experience & knowledge.

I had warned that NZ was not ready for a terrorist attack(still isn't it needs to start practising proactive security again to counter terrorist attacks) or in that matter as has shown a large natural disaster. We practice procedures that are just not relevant in a real large emergency situation but can't get out of that mindset.

CBD business owner claims I miss the point. It is definitely the other way around. Effective security could be provided & not at the cost they are looking at. Yes it would cost but it is right now. Having been part of the military involved in emergencies, I know that any use of the military has to be paid for. Yes someone is billed for the military providing manpower(surprised me too when I first learned of it during an emergency).

Private security would cost less in the long run. That is why PSD's are used so much in Iraq & Afghanistan. Why the UN is considering using PSD's for intervention. As they free the military up from some tasks & though well paid actually cost less than having a standing army. It is what NZ will have to look at with recent military cutbacks.

It is quite evident from their rant that the only big mouth with a small mind(their words) is this CBD business owner. The cordon is not a controlled worksite but a security cordon. Typical New Zealand small minded thinking here. I know they will be under stress having a business there but they need to deal with the facts not the myth put out there.

Just because they have never been exposed to real security is no reason to try to shoot the messenger.

As stated & again they miss the point, my last post did not show any weaknesses in the system not already known. In fact it was breached again today but the person was not removed or seen by the volunteers or police but by a worker in the Red Zone. Before they comment they need to learn to read.

The point is their business like everyone elses is not secure. Despite the assurances given they are.

If you are not prepared to put your name to a comment it will not be published especially if a rant based on myth not facts.

www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Hate site or the Truth they are trying to Suppress?

Kia Ora,

One of the Sunday papers(Sunday Star-Times) here in New Zealand screamed the headlines Hate website calls NZ 'a tourist death trap'.

Yes when you look at the website some of the claims seem pretty out there. But I have been around the military, security & now in doing financial research to know that the truth really is often much stranger than fiction.

In fact when you dig into the financial area it is no wonder the US is a land of conspiracy theories. Many of them are actually based on firm facts.

But what of this sites claims?

One is that New Zealand is the most dangerous country in the world after Iraq. Well I have always said that it is actually more dangerous than Iraq which has New Zealanders perplexed. But they have to put it in context.

New Zealand is a country bigger in land size than Britain but with a population the size of Singapore. So the incidents of crime are spread out. The real reason though that I & others including my dentist originally from Jo'burg see New Zealand so dangerous is that it is so random & there is no reason for the crime. A lot of the violent crime here is just for kicks. That is what makes it so dangerous.

But New Zealand toursim makes a good point. Because New Zealand looks so safe & inviting people do not take the precautions they would normally. That random nature of the crime is the thing that really gets them.
Press Control Around the World
This is not the first website I have been aware off atacking New Zealand.

Some would say my blog here does the same. I would beg to differ, I am just interested in us been the best we can be. We were once but now we aim low & fail to achieve that mark & are in for a big shock.

Many of those like me who have worked security in places like Iraq or Afghanistan can see that it is not if but when New Zealand will be hit by a modern style terrorist attack.

Again New Zealanders can not see it as very few have ever been involved in this type of event. As a former Police officer who worked with us in Iraq said "you guys were right. Could only see it when I came back & started to talk to my old police colleagues. They couldn't see it as they have never experienced it" or words to that effect.
The Google on Orwell.(//bites: BRIEF NOTES ON NEWS AND VIEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD): An article from: Arena Magazine
The end of the article though brought up another issue. Internal Affairs were talked to about why the site wasn't banned effectively if not in so many words.

This starts to smack of the movement in the US, identified by financial commentators, by US media to have Wikileaks blocked & prosecuted. You would think they would be supporting Wikileaks.

Travelling the world I have found two countries in particular heavily control their media & what is put out into the public.

Singapore & the US.

In Singapore all comment criticizing the country is banned.

US citizens that have never travelled though will find the comment about how controlled their media is strange considering they see themselves as the bastion of free speech.
Nineteen Eighty-Four
Unfortunately that is a myth & like anyone you don't see your country in the same light until you have travelled overseas.

It is common when talking to Americans when they visit New Zealand for them to express surprise at the content of our news & items they would never see about the US, in the US.

In the same vein I was surprised when visiting the US as to how controlled & inaccurate the information was.

Recently it has appeared to not only myself but many others that New Zealand media are going the same way.

Even more recently a filter was put on the internet which from memory was supposed to limit certain spam & scams in particular to government sites. Well none of that seems to have slowed. In fact it has increased but it is noticeable that certain sites have become harder to access.
Animal Farm and 1984
So seeing the comment from main stream media about effectively banning the site is worrying.

The internet & social media have opened up the information world, after all we are in the information age, & so people are able to look & decide for themselves what is right & what isn't.

Western countries make a big deal when the likes of China or Iran do it, or right now Eygpt but it is increasingly looking like the West itself is allowing the same restrictions they condem to creep in.

Why?

What have they got to hide?

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

What sort of actions result in Extremism?

Kia Ora,

That might seem like a silly question, but as has triggered memories even innocent jokes can set off extremism.

Of course the most widely held example is the Islamic worlds reaction to the cartoons featuring the prophet Mohammed & the death threats against the cartoonist.

Over the last few days there have been the reactions in the US to comedian Ricky Gervais quip about God.

Now people will tell me that the reaction is nothing the same. Isn't it?

Ricky will have people stalking him now like Jared Loughner ready to kill.

Just writing this blog might earn me my own hate squad. Christian Extremism is only different in how it is delivered.

If people think that is far from fact then consider this example.

Shortly after leaving the army I assisted in security for a US TV evangalist. They had a team of bodyguards & all us extra security. The reason was death threats. Seems a lesser known evangalist had returned home to find Christian extremists in the US had killed his whole family because they didn't like the manner in which he was delivering the word of God.

Many in Islam consider suicide bombers as the only way they can fight the weapons of the Christians who are trying to destroy them with overwhleming force.

It all comes back to understanding each other. Many Americans in their first real contact with the likes of the British, Australians & New Zealanders in Iraq were taken back by the poor taste jokes about our Prime Ministers, governments & even the Royal family. US citizens(at least those who have not travelled alot) might not like the President but they would never tell bad taste jokes about them or an American disaster the way we do. Another British comedian recently told jokes about the Nuclear bombings of Japan, in NZ we were telling jokes about the plane crash into MT Erubus shortly after even though most people knew of someone who died.

Ours is a decidely black humour as evidenced when one of our US clients came out to hear in Baghdad, one of our British team members saying "into the valley of death rode the four landcruisers. Are you ready to die? We are all doomed!" Suffice to say it took her back & she did not wish to travel with us that day.

But yesterday by way of the Times the news of the scorched earth policy now been used in Afghanistan. It appears to be a version of tactics used in Vietnam but also throughout history.

It again shows the US has not taken time to know the people. Like the Maori of New Zealand we are of those areas,connected through body & spirit. It is Maori custom to bury the placenta in your home area to keep you connected to the land. I am sure the Afghans have similar customs.

The US actions will create more extremists in the same way innocent jokes have provoked outrage both in Islam & the US. It is that not understanding the other.

During some study in the army I once said that it appeared to me that religion was behind 90% of wars, where a mate said "no if you dig deeper religion is behind all wars."

These days I would say religion is used as the tool to get people to fight wars & as an atheist who thinks all religions are con jobs it just doesn't make sense.

But I do understand that that is how each finds their peace. Just don't expect me to support the extremist views it can generate with even the slightest upset.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Renewed Slavery: The Dumbing down of Society!

Kia Ora,

For those that are not aware New Zealand because of its small population & supposedly good infrastructure is often the place where new ideas or technology are tested. At present we are testing a new education system that dumbs society down.

The education system as it currently stands is set up as a slavery system. It follows from around 1903 when a member of the Rockerfeller family was Minister of education in the US & they needed to find a replacement for the slavery system.

It was decided to follow the Prussian system which Otto Von Bismarck set up to ensure he had good soldiers & workers.

The education system followed around the world only ever catered for 30% of those in the system when you look at the 'Cone of Learning' by making academics the top of the tree. As people failed in the system they were able to be then used as cheap labour.

As the world has progressed people have clamoured for the chance to be part of this but as one property investor Dr Dolf de Roos said when he got to Univeristy he looked around & saw none of the facility were rich. Academic success does not equal success as an investor or business person.

In fact the opposite is generally true for businessman & investors.

But again as the world has progressed there has become this requirement to tick all the little boxes this has actually made society, & New Zealand is the perfect example, that is risk adverse.

New Zealand though has embarked on a new slavery system called NCEA which Dumbs down the already stilted education system. It is not internationally recognized just the same as the NZQA system which it leads into.
Why Are So Many Black Men in Prison?
We saw the same sort of system been introduced into Iraq, where initially a military background & experience were preferred then an introduction of a system of required courses which usually had little to do with how the work was carried out on the ground.

I now hear that there has been a movement towards probably a requirement for a univeristy degree for Afghanistan which again forces well experienced people into the low wage slavery system.

Today it is well known that the 'Cone of learning' is right & most people learn by doing or making mistakes, not by classroom or reading.
The History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of the Abolition of the African Slave Trade by the British Parliament (1808), Volume 2
By having internal assessment & unit standards the system can claim it is doing that when it is actually doing nothing of the sort.

We are already seeing this in the NZ security industry with people coming to the industry who can not think for themselves after completing the NZQA courses.

This dumbing down then resulting in people have to try to gain greater qualifications will (& already does) led to greater frustration then often crime. Therefore giving the powers that be more power & condemning those who don't fit to again the slave labour jobs.
Slavery and the Rise of the Atlantic System
We do need academics but they have to realize that they are no better no worse than the person with no education. Real progress is made by those who are prepared to make mistakes(which the academic style education system tells us we shouldn't make).

As someone once said "if the Aboringines created an IQ test then all the professors would fail." Dr Dolf de Roos mentioned earlier has a PHD in engineering & he chose that discipline because unlike most it is about problem solving, not sticking to a set formula.
World Poverty: The Roots of Global Inequality and the Modern World System
Due to experience when I look at our unit standards I see one thing. But the system sees something else which results in the dumbing down of our population.

I know of parents who see it & are not happy. Now a major school, Auckland Grammar, has taken a stand against the NCEA system. If they are going to have to educate their students then they are going to aim for a higher standard.

My opinion is that the system that should be employed is one based on the military system which takes all learning into account. Those that excell at the academic could then be moved more into that line whilst those who are more practical are encouraged in that direction. It was tried unsuccessfully in the Band system used at my school but there was still too much emphasis on classroom work when most just do not learn that way.

Then the whole idea of the system is still to provide low wage slave workers.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Nature versus Technology!

Kia Ora,

These days in the security industry everyone likes to have all the mod cons(modern conviences) in terms of technology.

But if working security in Iraq reinforced one thing. All technology is only ever an aid to providing real security.

It was noticeable that in a high risk environment there were more people required, not less.

Not just people but dogs as no technology has that in grown sense that all things of nature have.

Colombia have now introduced a new twist.

Due to its long running drug war Colombia is said to have the 2nd most land mines in the world after Afghanistan.

So it has turned to a new way of looking for mines.

Rats!

Apparently they are able to pick up the smell of explosives when dogs can't. They also teach their young the same skills so save on training costs not to mention the feeding costs.
K9 Explosive Detection
Now Colombia has decided not to use rats in the likes of airport terminals because of the publics reactions to rats.

What if rats were used to search for explosives, drugs & illegal organic matter?

Well for one it would cost less. You could cover greater areas or more items quicker with a greater chance of finding something.

Now the rats been used are the white rats often kept as pets, not the grey rats most connect with dirt & disease.
Aspects of Explosives Detection
As an aid to security they sound great & would be far superior to any technological gadget. Animals more so than people these days retain an instinct where they sense danger.

Technology is great in the right place but I doubt very much if it will ever replace instinct.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Is That list really a Security Threat?

Kia Ora,

The big news world wide is of course the list Wikileaks has released on supposed industries & assets the US wants most to protect.

But what does the list really tell us?

First that in some cases all the eggs are in one basket so need to have a careful eye kept on them.

So there needs to be a decision as to whether the eggs need to be split up or just left as they are with maybe enhanced security & are they really that important?
Modern Insurgencies and Counter-Insurgencies: Guerrillas and their Opponents since 1750 (Warfare and History)
Secondly that maybe the US still hasn't fully come to grips with the fact that though those maybe important targets especially in a conventional war situation the targets might be a lot different in a terrorist campaign.

It is a lesson from Vietnam that seemed to have been overlooked when you touched down in Iraq. Insurgents & terrorists might be more worried about getting good media coverage & into the hearts & minds of the people back home.

Vietnam's turning point is said to be the occupation during the Tet offensive of the US embassy in Saigon & its affect on the American mindset back home.

That is not to say many in the American services were not trying but in a big organization from a country that likes to stick rigidly to procedures to think outside the square gets you in trouble. But in this type of warfare it is those on the ground, soldiers & NCO's that make the difference especially in the important hearts & minds of locals. Not throwing currency at the issue.
The Accidental Guerrilla: Fighting Small Wars in the Midst of a Big One
Now the US might of at least learned part of that lesson as it was rumoured during our time in Baghdad that a certain radio message one day inside the Green Zone was due to five insurgents managing to get inside the Chancery of the US embassy.

It is almost likely behind the suppression of generally known information(like a suicide bombing because you generally knew about them alright)to keep the public on the forces side. Today we have the internet so a lot was known to be or seen to be going on was in the public domain, hence a loss of support anyway. Wikileaks has only confirmed what was already believed to be or known to be going on.

Thirdly that terrorists & insrugents do exactly like we do & carry out reconnaissance to see what targets & their weaknesses are available. I wouldn't be surprised if all the places mentioned are not already on lists of terrorist cells.

Now they regularly did this in Iraq & we were picking them up doing their recon's & reporting it to the US military who promptly ignored us since we were private security. Almost everytime a suicide bomb was detonated within a day or on the day of reporting.

Three guys in a car with binoculars or another vehicle with a video camera all trained on one point at different times is usually a good give away.
The U.S. Army/Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Field Manual
You only have to look at main target on 9/11 to see how effective an attack can be on the mindset of people.

Look at it from a terrorist point of view. The actual important targets might be too hard to get at so what can they hit on the side that will still have an effect?
Counterinsurgency Warfare: Theory and Practice (PSI Classics of the Counterinsurgency Era)
Now I go back to the Rugby World Cup here in New Zealand as perfect target.

Slack security & likely to be not much better next year as no one thinks it will ever happen here(the belief there is no threat is the biggest threat).

Three prime targets.

Party Central Auckland but been main venue likely to have highest secruity presence.

Game the US team is to play for some reason on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. What idiot allowed that to happen needs to be sacked. So high priority target right there. Gets world wide coverage.
The Counter-Insurgency Manual
The third has always been my pick until that game was scheduled for the anniversary.

Christchurch Rugby road, bars & any large gathering such as in Cathederal Square.

Why?

We have an American base nearby. Don't hit the base but in the city it is in. There are going to be a lot of tourists in town & a co-ordinated attack on several points at once(as they have done in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bali, London & New Delhi)will be world wide news in less than 10 minutes & will be felt across the world.

Hitting a so called peaceful country(most peaceful in the world apparently) will have a greater effect than trying to take on identified important targets.
Counterinsurgency
To really counter terrorists you have to think like one.

So is the list helpful to terrorists. I don't think so as they will have either identified them for what ever reason or have ones they think are important of their own.

So what is really been hidden or are governments trying to stop?

Probably the release of the information on one of the large American banks which could be the trigger which causes the collapse of the worlds financial system.

Or as Warren Buffett says, as it will take down the derivatives market, the real "Weapons of Mass Destruction"! This will lead to the the break down of society!

It is going to happen anyway based on the history of finance, but will just likely happen quicker depending on what is released.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Is it really all just about the World Cup? Are we ready?

Kia Ora,

All you hear about in New Zealand at present is the world cup. That is the Rugby World cup.

That is all everyone is focussed on but they seem to be missing the big picture & they also have this belief that we are ready.

Focus on the Rugby World Cup might be a good thing in some ways as it takes peoples minds off the worsening financial crisis. But it overlooks the big picture.

As I have mentioned before I believe, a former member of the British Special forces raised a similar issue whilst we were working in Iraq.

Every security professional especially ex military were focussing on Iraq & Afghanistan, but what was everyone going to do afterwards? There would not be a lot of extra jobs created world wide to take on all those working in Iraq alone.
Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness for the Family
The situation is no different with the Rugby World Cup. For instance everyone say here in Christchurch will be looking to get some work at the cup. Many with a view that it is the only way most locals are going to get to see the good games as it is already far too expensive for tickets.

But there is not enough work & will be even less with the impending world wide financial meltdown to employ all that extra security required outside the actual cup. Even if the Security industry is one that will benefit from the financial crisis.
Disaster Preparedness: A memoir
Then yet again there is the question as to whether New Zealand is ready to host something like the Rugby World Cup.

On the evidence I would say not. Recent incidents include the complete close down of the Auckland international airport, of the Wellington train services again, bomb alerts that take hours for a bomb squad to show up when properly trained security staff might of been able to resolve the situation.

Then there has been the reaction to firstly the Christchurch earthquake. Whilst the emergency services were good though there were no major issues, some of the other associated groups though were not as good as was claimed when everybody were back slapping themselves after the wee shake.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Disaster Preparedness
Then there has been the response to the mine incident. It is the process/procedures not the personel who have worked well in a very demanding environment. Though information that has since come to light will most likely vindicate their response, the whole process in how we respond to major incidents now needs to be upgraded.
Hostage Rescue Manual: Tactics of the Counter-Terrorist Professionals-Revised Edition
There are claims in the last few days that we are ready for anything including terrorist attacks at the Rugby World Cup.

But again I go back to Iraq where police officers who also served in the military made the comments that "NZ police without a military background even at least territorial should not work security in Iraq." Though those police that did in the main handled themselves well many found it a big change in mindset to policing in NZ. Although there was the one who allgedly tried to sue the recruiter & company for not telling them how dangerous Iraq was.

Excuse me? But that shows the step up in mindset needed.

It is the mindset that counts. As I have said before on finding I worked in Iraq/was in the army many serving police officers have said they are uncomfortable with firearms. Then it comes to having to pull the trigger.

Not as easy as people think from playing video games, not to mention the training needed for it to become instinctive.
Negotiating with Terrorists: Strategy, Tactics, and Politics
When it comes to terrorism anybody can be involved, not just young men with an attitude. That old person who may of lost their relations, the children who have been set up as a suicide bomber(as happened on several occassions in Afghanistan) or even a cow as happened on one occassion(though that one backfired as the cow with explosives inside turned around & followed the insurgents). Can people really pull the trigger if really needed on someone who looks so innocent?

In NZ I doubt it as they have never encountered it & therefore the mindset is never there.

Could I? Don't know as all my shots were warning shots but probably as you knew that at anytime you could be expected too. After one incident it really brought it home you might just have to do it, no matter how innocent they seemed.

Ready for the Rugby World Cup? I doubt it.

As I have said on numerous occassions our processes have to change as if a suicide bomber hits then you have 30 seconds to decide if it was or not as another one is coming.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

As if by Magic!

Kia Ora,

As if by Magic just to confirm yesterday's blog an article appears about Rowi(a type of Kiwi) which they said were identified in 1994.

Actually that is incorrect.

Several years ago our Runanga(council acting for our subtribe) & members presented a Rowi to Canterbury Museum. After the presentation we were taken into the vaults of the Museum to be shown what they had. They then told us that when Von Haast & his group arrived in South Westland they were told by our Tupuna(ancestors) that there were four type of 'Kiwi' & of one of them there were four sub species. 160 years later DNA had proven our people were right. So science was yet again just proving what was already known.

It is the same with crime here in Christchurch.

I have heard many of mates say, as I do, after coming back from Iraq or Afghanistan they felt safer there than here in New Zealand. One went further when I said Christchurch was most dangerous place in New Zealand.

On finish of his contract in Iraq he had come back & travelled around NZ not feeling quite safe. But when he arrived in Christchurch the vibe was different almost evil. I have heard a lot of people say that even those of us born here in Canterbury, although we love it, there is an under current that you can not quite put your finger on.
Mythology (Ologies)
Another person said when commenting on my statement, that although Auckland does have a number of murders it has a greater population, but there is something more sinister about many of the Christchurch murders.

So police & governments can quote as many statistics as they like but people will always go with their gut feeling.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

So it begins to unwind!

Kia Ora,

The Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India finish later this week & after numerous protests over the amount of security hampering the crowds it would appear from comments from one of administrators that security will be relaxed a little.

You always knew that the constant moaning by the bigger teams about the restrictive security would result in the strings been loosened.

Smart terrorists will wait because if there is no attacks after some lessening in security then the pressure will go on to lessen it further.

I have already heard one New Zealand media rep say that the terrorist threat had not eventuated.

It just shows how little they know.
The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to al Qaeda
The most dangerous time is at the beginning or end of an event. Or arriving & leaving a site.

A common thought in Iraq (& from what I have read & heard in Afghanistan also applies) was you were not there until you had your feet on the ground & you hadn't got clear of the threat until you hit the ground at home.
Inside Terrorism
What this meant was when flying into Iraq especially on your first day on a contract, it wasn't real until you were there. During one suicide bombing campaign in Baghdad those of us returning from leave were stuck with a group going in for the first time for nine days in Amman, Jordan.

When leaving it was not uncommon for you to have to report several days in a row to the airport to see if anything was flying. At one time several hundred people were living in the airport building in conditions that made living in areas of Christchurch post the earthquake seem like five star hotels. All waiting to leave.

Then on one occassion three hotels in Amman were hit by suicide bombers.
Origins of Terrorism: Psychologies, Ideologies, Theologies, States of Mind
Take that back to the games in Delhi & just because there have been no terrorist attacks yet, does not mean there will not be. The games are not over for the visitors until they touch down in their own country.

To think otherwise is to not keep in touch with the reality of the situation.

But if an attack does happen it will be India who get the blame despite the pressure put on the games administration to lessen the security blanket.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Is there likely to be a Terrorist attack at the Commonwealth Games now they are underway?

Kia Ora,

So now the Commonwealth Games are underway is there a likelyhood of a terrorist attack still? Is all that suffocating security still required?

Well in a word. Yes!

In fact as the games wear on if there is going to be an attack it is more likely to occur later in the games.

By looking at how Al Qaeda in particular has carried out some attacks in Iraq & Afghanistan I see the possibility of an armed assault on the bridge leading into the games village. From reports & images on TV there are still concerns about the security set up there. Either during the assault or after then vehicle bombs making their way in along with surviving assaulters to targeted team facilities.
Inside Terrorism
The teams most likely to be hit are Australia, England (as the most identifiable team of 'Britain') for their high profile in Iraq & Afghanistan.

The other is New Zealand.

First for our perceived connection to Iraq & connection to Afghanistan.

Then there has been the issues of late that have highlighted New Zealand in India & not in a good light.
The Mind of the Terrorist: The Psychology of Terrorism from the IRA to al-Qaeda
Initially there was the complaints laid by the NZ chef de mission which highlighted the poor state of the games village. Some of that was quite well received in India as complaints by locals fell on deaf ears(sounds very familiar to what happens here).

That was followed by the issue over the alleged words said by the CEO of the Commonwealth Games who just happens to be a New Zealander that Indians felt were a slight on the people of New Delhi.
Origins of Terrorism: Psychologies, Ideologies, Theologies, States of Mind
Since then there have been the Paul Henry issues first regarding the Governor General who just happens to be Fijian Indian which has been followed in India with wideapread coverage of him making fun of an Indian government ministers name.

Not a good look & Paul often engages mouth before brain but he does like Hone raise issues that New Zealand need to look at itself & discuss. They both say what they are thinking & many others are but won't speak up to say. It is actually a NZ trait not to say anything but go whispering behind peoples backs. Just maybe things need to be said in a different way.
Islam And Terrorism
But all that has raised the New Zealand profile not in a good way so immediately the team becomes a target.

So why later in the games? Human nature!

The games are 10 days in duration so as they wear on the security teams will naturally lower their awareness. If you wait until after the closing ceremony then everyone will think, well we got that far it is all good, security will sub consciously at least lower their guard, teams or those still there will party. What better time to hit?
Terrorism Today: The Past, The Players, The Future (4th Edition)
I have actually been part of a high profile security team where one of the supervisors actually said when we caught someone inside who shouldn't be, "oh don't worry about it. We have done well for two & a half days." Excuse me?

There is also an issue I have raised previously which a reporter noted in their article on the games.

First the reporter talks about how suffocating the security is but then talks about better too much than too little if it prevents an attack.
Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century (6th Edition)
Their next comment though makes my point. It was the frustration when you are going through check after check when others just waltz on by just over the way.

As pointed out this was happening in Amman, Jordan at the hotel I stayed at. But it also happened in Baghdad.

Sent with other members of my team to gain the latest pass or piece of paper needed to work there(from memory it was the Iraqi firearms licence) we had to enter the same building as the Interim Iraqi Parliament. One of the team suddenly says "look at that!" A bodyguard for an Iraqi Member of Parliament handed the MP his firearm to smuggle in as MP's did not go through a metal detector.

Of course later on three bombs were smuggled in to a cafe used by Iraqi MP's & exploded.
Insurgency and Terrorism: From Revolution to Apocalypse, Second Edition, Revised
Our response was once inside having cleared our weapons, was to 'make safe'(load a magazine back on our weapons but not cock it) as if there were weapons floating around unknown we had to be ready.

So is the threat over? No way. It is actually increasing.

Current issues highlighting New Zealand is in a bad light that makes our team a highly likely target in any attack.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

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

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

Information & what to do with it?

Kia Ora,

The Wikileaks expose on information from the US military has caused some red faces, but really had some of that information been used better when it presented the view of the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan might be slightly different.

Whether the information would of made those views more favourable now, no one knows.

As I see it there are different ways you can use the information.

What I see as the US way. Deny anything happened. For many incidents in Iraq it was often denied as a US soldier never saw it & even if they did, the incident just didn't happen despite 100's & sometimes 1000's witnessing something.

In someways similar to what you get when calling NZ police communications about suspicious activity. Often those calls are based on knowing your area or experience, but nothing is done until you have satisfied their piece of paper. Known as other end itis in where one has little idea what the other is seeing or reporting.

This backfires when the opposition (in particular Al Qaeda) video it taking place & the internet allows easy posting of incidents or as has happened on Wikileaks & someone leaked to them a large amount of embarrassing information.

Some would say another way is that where you give out some of the information but twist it to your favour & that has also been used in Iraq & Afghanistan, but again it can backfire.

It is an approach the police use,but for different reasons as they need to keep some of it quiet for legal reasons.

Then you can be completely truthful. Unfortunately in a war that can get people killed & with policing it can affect your case in court.

It is more what you do with the information at the time received, but as the recently released report on US Intelligence quoted people saying. There was just too much information for them.


This means at lower levels information needs to be processed & acted on. In theory with computers etc it should be easier for all information to be feed in & updated assessments made.

But a computer doesn't have the instinct a human has based usually on experience. The Police often solve crimes based on a hunch. Security Guards do the same when dealing with crime & the military do the same on patrol & it is all based on experience & information gained on the ground.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Fear rules the Security Industry!

Kia Ora,

Normally I don't like to publish anonymous comments especially if they are taking a swipe at you with out the facts to back them up, but the other day i received a comment in support of what I am saying on these blogs.

Why I published them was to show I am not the only one saying this within the industry.

Also the fact that someone in the NZ Security Industry will not put their name to supporting what I say, is many want to carryout real security, but are prevented by the companies. If their name was published they would be out of a job & more often than not on already low wages they have a family to support.

Although my company has not been succesful to this stage, what I do have is the freedom to comment on the industry as I & others see it.

There is no regard for staff health & safety for most, no regard to actual security. More often than not the NZ Security Industry has no idea what security is.

They bank on the fear of people wanting to keep their jobs for information not to leak out & the fact that in NZ a security guard is regarded at the very bottom of the food chain, despite many being extremely bright & commtitted to the profession.
Although that is mainly what I have seen in Christchurch, the observations made when travelling or talking to people from other areas show there is no difference in the rest of New Zealand.

That there is the same people showing up in control of the industry shows that there will be no change until something happens like a few deaths.

The Stampede in Germany, although NZ is not likely to have those numbers yet in one place, asks the question how would NZ security or crowd control handle a similar situation. From experience I would say not well at all.

Wikileaks has let the cat out of the bag on the US operations in Afghanistan & I am well aware of similar things happening in Iraq whilst working there, but it is no different to the NZ Security Industry on a much smaller scale. The secrets it knows not only of its clients but within the industry itself would shock most people.

The Industry counts again on that fear keeping people from commenting openly in a way that will bring change.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz