Ban the Burqa?

Kia Ora,

Extremely busy at present but aim to have regular posts again.

One issue that has come up in the last week is that of the wearing of a Burqa or at least face veils by Muslim women in New Zealand.

Some points raised have been farcical.

It transpires that two bus drivers in Auckland refused to allow Burqa wearing women onto their buses.

In my opinion the bus company involved has been so Politically Correct they have issued the drivers a written warning which isn't really warranted.

At the same time though they have taken the unions suggestion & are going to introduce a security module to driver training prior to the Rugby World Cup.

Really it shows out of touch New Zealand is with the wider world. But some security person here will offer a module. First part of any security module should be drivers being allowed to refuse people getting on a bus where they don't feel safe.

As a secular country & in the interests of security like everyone else who covers their face, those with face veils should have to remove them on boarding a bus, catching a Taxi, entering any commercial premises or dealing with anyone in authority such as police or even security.

That just fits with been in New Zealand.

Whilst in say Kuwait the use of a Burqa is common place & if visiting we must accept it as part of life.

In fact whilst in Kuwait awaiting a flight out one woman in a Burqa made a very deliberate flirting gesture which you couldn't do in normal western dress. So it is not always so bad. Just had to do a quick look for the cameras as being the foreigner in the equation I would of been arrested since it wouldn't of happened if I had not been there or so the reasoning goes.

This security module for bus drivers though is what concerns me. Apart from the points above what are they going to teach?

Just seeing a face doesn't stop them being a suicide bomber. I believe I have mentioned it before in these posts that whilst working in Iraq we were made aware of a website set up for applications to be a suicide bomber over half the applicants were young boys & women.

The only security solution for a suicide bomber is a bullet between the eyes.

In the US city of Newwark, New Jersey they have ordered an armed security guard to be at all restaurants after a drive by shooting. In New Zealand we would organize a group hug.

For real security for the Rugby World Cup, New Zealand needs to come into the real world.

www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

What it is like living in the Quake zone!

Kia Ora,

First thanks to Neil Smith for his link to a tourists video of the quake hitting. Unfortunately with our internet haven't been able to view it all. The part I did see at start it appears the camera person is standing in the entrance into the Cathedral when it hit. Its the view we had virtually once we got the people out & dust had settled some. It then appears they may of been struck by masonary, many were & before we started keeping people away from the Cathedral had a quick look at the injuries lined up by police Kiosk. Everyone had a head injury including a baby. A St Johns team were soon on the scene.

After an ex army mate wound me up(yeah you got me but I will get you back) about doing anti looting patrols was not really helping I thought I would give a more detailed account of what it is like actually living here.

To do that I need to go back to September the 4th 2010.

First it is the immense sense of power when the big one hits. Like many New Zealanders(except ironically many in Christchurch) I have had to live with earthquakes for at least part of my life. But nothing like the power in the destructive ones. Quakes that would of had me heading for a safe place in the past you now just look, listen & nah its a tiddler. But you know when it is powerful now. Might be unfit & bit overweight these days but boy I can still run fast when the mood takes me. Boy did it take me on Tuesday.

But there were a few problems which I have alluded to in previous posts. Structural engineers were letting it be known privately that the whole truth was not been told & to ensure as best you can to get all properties checked thoroughly. Two & the Mayor were even in the "Press" saying the building code is only there to save lives. Which to me means everything must be either replaced(as I type this they are saying at least a third of the CBD must be demolished) or an extremely good check take place as now they have had their one big quake there is no guarantee they will survive another of similar or greater power.

So it has proved.

Then there has been Ken Rings quite accurate predictions of possibility of shakes on or around certain dates & the upcoming possible large one on or around the 20th March 2011. The experts keep contradicting themselves & each other, so lends him much more creditability even though he says it is not a precise process.

So a lot of people were & are edgy but now it has changed.

Unless you have experienced the power of these earthquakes it is hard to describe. Unlike other types of disasters(apart from suicide bombers) they just keep coming making everything associated with it more dangerous & for many nerve racking.

Last nights anti looting patrol was probably a good example of what we are looking at.

Quite a lot of what appear to be groups of teens still roaming or on pushbikes without lights up & down streets. Quite a few vehicles acting suspiciously. We saw two persons come out of house that is badly damaged who took a keen interest in what we were doing. So we stopped to offer them water & rice(given to us by Hornby Takeaways to hand out in the damaged areas) to find our driver knew one of them.

Their story is becoming the norm. A lot of suspicious people hanging around, looting taking place right in front of people. The person Bernie knew it was his house they came out off. The three neighbouring houses the people had left town. Person with him was his brother in law who lived about 7 houses down the road so they were doing their own little anti looting patrols in the street.

Then we moved on. In areas where there was power you noticed how many at 8.30-9.00pm were without lights & how empty & quiet it was. Where there was no power you noticed those with their own generators or candles. It is so noticeable as to what properties where empty.

At one part we helped a home owner get a house bus into his drive. House was munted but he was worried about looters & there appeared to be no neighbours in the street.

Now police have said they will swamp badly hit areas & we know they are trying but it took us ages to actually see a police patrol. When we did they were so appreciative of what we were doing with more eyes & ears on the ground. We asked what a certain area was like. Their response "mate been trying to get there all night but everytime we start to head that way we get called away".

We were starting to find more areas closed off & more cordons up with New Zealand & Australian Police combined with New Zealand & Singaporean soldiers on a cordon.

But still it is hard for the police to be everywhere & they don't have enough 4WD's to get into some areas. It is entirely possible that martial law could be imposed if people keep leaving to effect control over the city. Even in the not so badly hit areas like where I live people are just up & leaving. In just the last few days school roles outside Christchurch are jumping due to people just moving to be with relations or to their holiday home, bach or crib to live. Return time to be confirmed.

For many probably never.

I know many will not go back into multi story buildings because of the failure of the like of emergency exit stairs & been stuck up there for up to five hours awaiting rescue.

It is very quiet today & as the Mayor just said "its a weekend but its not" until he said that I didn't even realize it was Saturday. Days mean nothing right now.

It is the way some people are leaving though that show that many are in panic or terror as shocks continue. Just walking down the road when a vehicle obviously packed to leave town went down the road overtook a truck dangerously continued on the wrong side of the road & round a blind corner. Have seen that so many times of late where people are in such a hurry to get out that they are taking extreme risks on the road not thinking that they might kill themselves in the rush. The on going shocks are just spooking people so much. Soon it will be only those who are working trying to help or the Scum left at this rate.

Walking back see what is obviously someones business trailer just packed with all their worldly possessions heading south. Another common sight.

One good thing about it all is the people trying to help in which ever way they can. We stopped to talk to a check point on a cordon. In about five minutes they had four vehicles stop to offer them food or drinks, then a local group walked up with soup. Police officer said "going to get fat at this rate".

But with so many on edge it will only take another good shake to clear many more from the city. As someone said the media are underplaying it. Well they are not but it is really hard to convey not just the damage but the feeling of nerves waiting for the next 'big' shake. The only place I have ever been that has had a feeling like it is Baghdad & I think that is heightened by the fact New Zealanders were just not prepared for something like this.

One neighbour said they were about to leave here when it hit & said to the other neighbour "that was a good shake" then went off to work. It was near her work she said it was her 9/11 moment with 12 vehicles on the road but hundreds of peole walking. The other neighbour said "yeah real good shake but thought nothing of it went off to work to find the whole road grid locked. Thought what is going on here?"

So even within the city itself because of how the power was channelled not everyone was aware of how bad it was.

But as a police officer said last night it is probably the demise of the Cathedral that has hit hardest. As I said on the cordon on the day it hit a guy came up & when he saw it just burst into tears & couldn't stop. The heart of the city has gone.

I did find last night my vehicle is probably alright as that building appears to be undamaged. But the cordon is going to be in place for months it would appear & so now having to look at other options.

Now some of my mates have not liked my postings in the past regard to been able to increase my cash flow, business & generally have cash on hand to get things done.

Right now I think proves my point. Yes lives are important but that is actually why I have looked at what I have done for business. Both my security concept & sustainable communities designed with the effects of a large earthquake &/or a Tsaunami in mind to also provide redundant systems so that no part is ever completely shut down. Also to provide jobs therefore cash flow to allow people to feed their families which with an estimated 40,000 in the CBD alone with no work is going to be a priority.

Been out & about you feel you are contributing, but with one vehicle you can only do so much. It is really frustrating that had you been able to get things going as you wanted it would right now be making a real difference to peoples lives.

Money, as people say, might not be everything but it sure as hell helps you make a real difference when you have it & are able to use it in a way that allows that difference to be sustainable.

There have been moments of laughter though.

For those that are not aware New Zealand is hosting the Rugby World Cup 2011 & much of the work going on post September the 4th 2010 here on roads etc was not repairing earthquake damage but upgrading towards the World Cup. As we drove down Fitzgerald Avenue on the outskirts of the CBD we came across this sign which was obviously connected with the upgrade. Unable to remember the exact words but it went along these lines.

Due to requirement to upgrade the roads there will be some disruption & change in configuration of roading design.

The laughter went on for a while. They certainly got their change in configuration.

I think most of all it is the feeling of despair you get from people. As I say to me it is just like another day in paradise(Baghdad) in many ways. For many it is that shattered mindset that all those aweful things just don't happen in New Zealand & they are not handling it well.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

"Don't teach Pigs to sing. It annoys the pig & wastes your time!"

Kia Ora,

It is human nature to want to share what you have learnt even through your mistakes. Of course as every parent I have ever talked too has said their children think parents know nothing & have to make the same mistakes. Since they are their parents children part of their make up will mean they make exactly the same mistakes & become that which they hated the most about their parents.

People actually learn most by their mistakes. Not everyone can recognize that they are making the same mistakes or are have some of the traits of their parents.

But we can also learn from the mistakes of others & that is where real education which is self education comes in. We can also change & miss the mistakes our parents made.

Now one quote that Robert Kiyosaki likes to throw about is "Don't teach pigs to sing. It annoys the pigs & wastes your time". He came across that one day whilst struggling to work out why 80% of those he taught failed to be able to make the most of what he was teaching. He found he was spending more time & energy with those that would likely never succeed than those who wanted to learn. So he changed the way he taught.

He also is of the same mind of a sergeant of mine when they were first thinking of promoting me(I know there are a lot of people that are still puzzling over why they ever did promote me & what a monster they created) where you learn more by teaching others. Problem is especially in New Zealand is finding enough people who really want to learn how to get ahead. It is too much like hard work.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad for Teens: The Secrets About Money--that You Don't Learn in School! (Miniature Edition)
As Henry Ford said "thinking is the hardest work there is & that is why so few people do it."

Everyone says they would like to be rich, but most are not prepared to risk everything to get there. That is why they never make it or never make it for long.

Many resort to criminal activity such as drug dealing, theft or the more subtle form of theft known better as fraud.

The thing is if you offer people the information you have learnt from others & more importantly your own mistakes they react by trying to belittle what you are offering. The reason for that is they are lazy, scared & it is outside their comfort zone.
Cashflow Quadrant: Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Freedom
Now another thing that people like Robert Kiyosaki promote is never just believe what they are saying. Do your own homework. When you do that homework & talk to people who are following the same path you find from a myriad of successful sources it builds a base of knowledge from which you can see if it is true or not.

Most people ignore history but as Winston Churchill said "The further back you look the further forward you can see" & that is not the history about dates etc but what has happened when similar actions have been taken to those happening now.

That is why some have been for years been predicting the financial crisis we now have even to the extent of overthrow of governments. That particular course is now gathering pace which the powers that be hide by claiming it is people upset with the dictators & wanting democracy. Most people don't give a damn about democracy as long as they don't rock the boat. So called democracy gives the illusion of free speech & control.
Rich Dad's Guide to Investing: What the Rich Invest in, That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not!
When in fact the trigger for the overthrows have been rising food prices. When most if not all your weekly take home pay goes to buy food to feed your family something has to give. Those rising food prices have been created by in particular the US Federal reserve creating currency.

Probably the biggest reason people don't like to know about how to get ahead is when you present it to their thinking it all looks negative. But what is negative to most is actually an opportunity to those who succeed or those on that path.

Like everyone I have dreams which in my case have morphed as I have learnt more or experienced more of life. Now many people think that security is my whole focus. That is the initial focus & the situations I see building around me making conditions worse are an opportunity in an industry where I actually have quite a bit of knowledge & experience to build on. It is just a case of building a better mouse trap(old idea presented in a better different way).
Rich Dad's Conspiracy of the Rich: The 8 New Rules of Money
Not only is the security idea scaleable(in other words it can build to a very large organization) but it is a stepping stone to the next idea which also combines with the security concept. These are both scaleable world wide.

Whats more whilst the financial crisis getting worse all the time gives an opportunity to allow it to happen. Whats more for a place to start the Canterbury earthquake means the conditions are right to launch both, the security in particular here in Christchurch.

But all that means you have to research the financial crisis where it is expected to go(not by the trusted 'economists' or government either) but earthquakes, how they work, what is expected & how to use that to achieve your dreams. That includes listening to people like Ken Ring the astrologer, as science as much as I like it is these days not leading but tending to prove what is already known based on sometimes thousands of years of observations, but not accepted until science 'proves' it.
Rich Dad's Before You Quit Your Job: 10 Real-Life Lessons Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Building a Multimillion-Dollar Business
Dreams can come true but it is hard not to get side tracked by good people but with a totally different mindset than you. It has actually been shown that this difference in mindset can also mean relationships are doomed, because when things get difficult those with a different core mindset will have a different direction they want to go.

I get that right now with people wanting me to get a 'job' but apart from tempoary work that comes along, my focus is still my business & how to get that moving.

Another thing people do not understand is the time spent on the internet. Yes when work comes up it is important to do the task, but one thing the internet has given is so many ways to create cash flow with little or no cash injection. Requires a totally different mindset than that which has prevailed in the past.
Rich Dad's Increase Your Financial IQ: Get Smarter with Your Money
Increased crime is an opportunity. Poor security allowing the possibility of a terrorist attack on a major event is an opportunity, the attack happening is an opportunity. The event itself is an opportunity but not where people think. The event of course been the Rugby World Cup.

The on going & worsening financial crisis is presenting thousands of opportunities everyday. The Canterbury earthquake is an opportunity to make a difference & a better community which the government & Christchurch city are so far making a right hash off(therefore another opportunity).

It is just being or getting yourself in position to take adavantage of those opportunities without the monkey chatter from those who don't want to understand or are too lazy to do the homework.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Information Security a major Issue!

Kia Ora,

There has been a lot of concern about information security in particular on the likes of Facebook then the concerns everytime Facebook renews its format.

But it again is the information security of a local business that is the issue. In fact it is the same business as last post on the subject NZ Post.

I received a letter from a manager at NZ Post, I was going to insert their name here but decided not too, who from the tone of the letter is the person I spoke too when the issue first came to light.

They claim the evidence they provide shows that they have all my information & have never lost anything. In fact it does the opposite it shows I am 100% correct & they have lost all the information I have given NZ post over the previous four years.

It appears they have not thought it through which brings to mind this quote;
"Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably why so few engage in it." Henry Ford.

Seems this person has selective memory saying I from the start made false accusations. Actually no it was the other way around. Spoke very nicely to a nice girl that I had concerns about information held on me had gone missing. She put me through to this manager.

He answered saying there was a problem with my phone & obviously didn't like it when I pointed out that the issue was obviously his end. He then says he will pull over. Case closed on that issue.

I then very calmly expressed I had extreme concerns over information held about me which appeared to have gone missing. His reply "We don't lose information" I replied "you do & you have" from there it deteriorated until I swore at him then had to hang up as he continued to rant.
Information Security : Principles and Practice
Now two other issues came up here & the first I dealt with in the last post & will deal more in depth at the end of this post, that of swearing as a good stress relief. Seems it is Ok to these days abuse a police officer but not some incompetent, lazy, corrupt bureaucrat.

The other issue which this individual shows they are very poor at is customer service.

For an investigation for one they never even involved me & then it appears the person I disagreed with, investigated themselves. So they only ever had half the story & were sadly missing some facts. That is corruption!

The attitude is something that has come up several times in business group discussions & how bad customer service is in New Zealand. It results in either arguments or more often than not in New Zealand people walking away, but telling everyone or whinging about how bad the service is.

They don't do like foreigners or myself that actually tell people how bad the service is. It actually lessens the stress by getting it out there.
Management of Information Security
People like this person I am dealing with think they can get away with it by coming on all arrogant & ignorant like it is the person raising the issues fault. I didn't lose the information. They did. Their 'investigation' proves I am 100% right.

Now another discussion has started in a business group on how the Rugby World Cup will affect New Zealand business long term.

Potential is huge, but attitudes like this one I am coming up against with poor customer service will potentially, in this day of social media, destroy New Zealands reputation very quickly. It is something New Zealand has not as yet got to grips with, but overseas social media can destroy a business or a country(It is why Egypt has closed down social media then the internet). It is that powerful.
Principles of Information Security
The customer is not always right but they do have the right to put their case, not have a white wash of an investigation. In fact that is the normal way of doing an investigation in government entities now. Only investigate their side then proclaim there is not an issue.

People complain about the police investigating themselves. At least knowing police they will generally take all details they can into account. Others only look at themselves & present the information they think is right not the facts.

So what has happened to this information I have given NZ Post. Seems it has just gone into the system to be lost forever. Despite the fact I have now sent a letter higher up the chain with the corruption now in the system I don't expect a result or even an apology.
Information Security: Principles and Practices
It is that sort of thing that the riots starting across the world & overthrow of governments are aimed to sort out.

Instead of giving poor service I would suggest the bureaucrats start looking at what is happening offshore & get their attitude sorted.

At the same time New Zealand needs to get its house in order both in security information & customer service.

What do they want people venting steam by swearing or rioters with iron bars or firearms? Because that is where it will go if people keep not performing, the financial crisis gets worse & people are forced to surpress their feelings.

The Chinese know that you can be pretty hard on your people & they will take it but when you start adding in the rising costs of living in particular food it is a recipe for disaster.
Financial Armageddon: Protect Your Future from Economic Collapse, Revised and Updated Edition
It was the same in the military & British companies also practiced in Iraq. You can push people hard, get them to carryout dangerous tasks but make a mistake on their pay or leave & it creates huge issues that bring all the other niggling issues to the surface.

History shows this. It is the small things that count. Constant denial of mistakes by bureaucrats just wind people up.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Habits & their Consequences!

Kia Ora,

To continue from the last post lets look at habits & how you can work out what people are going to do or the consequences they may have.

Well first when dealing with crime you know that during a period like now there are gong to be a lot of people out looking for opportunities like the cyclist I saw last week.

Now talking to a retired police officer I know we were both of the opinion that like it used to be get a police patrol in the area. If they were looking as suspected then just that presence would be enough to make them think twice.

But now the police habit has changed & suspicious activity is often not passed on to those on the street & therefore it all becomes reactive, not proactive. Police from our combined sources are now been judged on tickets & arrests, where as in the past a good cop might have no arrests at all, but keeps things under control.

Then on New Years day we had an example of a bad habit that has developed.

I could hear a boy racer trying to do burn outs or doghnuts at intersection nearby & it is a ocmmon occurence. But suddenly hear brakes, then more brakes then boy racer vehicle travelling in short jerks then they come past & stops on our very dangerous corner. Behind it is what looked like a Hummer with a trailer, the driver of the boy racer gets out so the Hummer drives around at which point the boy racer lashes out at the Hummer, jumps back in his vehicle & chases the Hummer. Police are called & again it is like pulling teeth to get the message through but the Hummer must of called police because as we are speaking a police car can be seen heading towards the direction they had taken with all the bells & whistles.

So what is the bad habit here that has developed?

Well there are two sayings "the only crime is getting caught" & "Do the crime do the time." But not today.

I can deduce from the noise & what I saw having both seen this before & being in a similar situations what has happened.
Recent threats feed community fears.(Crime)(Reasons for two local incidents last month remain unclear, but some details emerge): An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)
What I would say has happened is the boy racer has decided to do a doghnut, but part way through the Hummer has come along & not stopped as the boy racer thought he would. Likely they didn't have time too. So there has nearly been an accident, but the boy racer who is blatently in the wrong has shown the increasing bad habit that has emerged.

We get it all the time in Security & I would say it is why police are getting attacked more & why I was attacked a few months ago.

It is the habit that young people in particular believe even though they are the ones breaking the law, you, the person stopping or curtailing their illegal activity, are the one in the wrong. They then believe it is their right to use violence to sort it out, but it is never one on one as another new bad habit is big groups onto one.
Crimes of the Whigs: Or, a Radical's Reasons for Supporting the Tory Party at the Next General Election
Then there is the very bad habit people have of not wanting to look at possible problems so not preparing. So to force people to do it we carryout Risk assessements.

But New Zealand does not do that. It risk manages without proper risk assessment. So as we say here it is half pie ka pai. Or half a job she'll be right.

For example the New Years gathering in the Square here in Christchurch. Both I & the retired police officer just shook our heads. We knew shortly after the wee shake in September that aftershocks are likely to carry on for months if not years. Not to mention it could be, as history shows happens in NZ, part of a group of big quakes triggered by one .

But within weeks we were getting told there would not be another for at least 50 years if not 500 by some 'experts'. That is not what the evidence says & the fact the Alpine fault is over due for several big ruptures. Just today I received an email from family on the West Coast saying local pilots are reporting a widening of the Alpine Fault. That could be good it could be bad.
Disaster Preparedness: A memoir
But the New Years event should of been moved to the Hagley Park before the end of September. The aim is not to stop an event but make it safer.

The comment by some idiot official was that safest place from falling buildings was middle of square.

But what about the Human factor?

Your telling everyone that middle is safest place but you have three reactions if there is a quake. One a large number try to get to middle, fighting starts & people are trampled underneath, others freeze & many others just run again people get trampled. This all without even a building falling.
Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness for the Family
The bad habit in New Zealand is we forget everything & say it won't happen, it never has even though the week before the exact same thing happened i.e. the Boxing day 4.9 quake which sent some people running & screaming from malls. Now put an estimated 12,000 people in that situation.

Even when you prepare you can't control the human factor.

For example whilst in Baghdad there was a religious festival on & so the security forces put plans in place including no vehicles on the road. As a large group of people were on a bridge in Baghdad moving to a Mosque word spread that there were suicide bombers in amongst them.

Now I was at our villa since there was no vehicle movement some distance away. Suddenly I started hearing screaming & voices, but it was so far off I just thought we may have another large protest coming our way. Passed the information on.

Then shortly after we find out that nearly a thousand people are dead as with people on edge all it needed was one person to light the fuse. Most were trampled or drowned from jumping off the bridge. The Security forces didn't stand a chance in controlling them(although they apparently tried including firing in the air) & neither would our crowd control security(especially at current low standards) when a crowd of that size starts to run.
How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It: Tactics, Techniques, and Technologies for Uncertain Times
New Zealand needs to get out of this bad habit of not doing proper risk assessments & I challenge anyone involved to prove to me that they carried out one for the New Years celebration or have done so for the Rugby World Cup.

Because they haven't!

You only have to look at the Square. Confined space, nervy population, large aftershocks recently.

Or Hagley park wide open spaces, yes a former swamp so possible liquifaction & some trees that could fall over & whats more probably more people would of attended. Also in a large open space people will be less likely to run & if they do less chance of a stampede.

Habits can have consequences. Some good but some extremely bad.

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

Understanding the Process!

Kia Ora,

It was not good news yesterday when a second explosion occurred at the mine on the Coast.

Officially there is no expectation of finding anyone alive, though how explosions work in reality is often a lot different to the way they should. Seen that both during training in the army & whilst working in Iraq, where you seen people walk away when you expected no one too.

But the chances are extremely slim that anyone has survived when you add in the gas situation even less so.

Right from the start I have thought the process is wrong & one expert has now come out & said the window to get in was the first four hours after the first explosion as the old time miners have always said(science confirming what we already know again). But there was always a risk of a further explosion. It also took two hours before anyone was aware as no one was knew until the two survivors walked out. So the time was cut down to just two hours for best likely time to conduct a rescue.

A lot of questions have been raised as to why the police were in charge. These days as pointed out they run search & rescue situations, that they took it seriously was shown by the rank of the person in charge.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Disaster Preparedness
Once that process was in place Superintendent Gary Knowles did a very good & difficult job. Anyone who says otherwise is as a reporter who questioned his credentials was described a 'tosspot'.

What people have to realize is why the police now seem to take so long to do things.

In the past police have relied on gut feeling, instinct & SOP's as guidelines(as they are) & have been hammered when they have made mistakes as you will.

So their whole processes in major undertakings (even vehicle accidents of a serious nature are now treated as a crime scene) has shifted too far the other way. This results in a culture where people treat SOP's as something set in concrete.
Crisis Preparedness Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Home Storage and Physical Survival
It is now endemic throughout New Zealand not just in the police force. You even get it when you ring for emergency services especially suspicious activity. Any reason not to respond unless something is actually happening of a serious nature. Yet experience & gut feeling tell you when someone is up to no good. By the time something is actually happening it is often too late to ring.

So in light of that the Superintendent did very well. Knowing he was dammed if he did or if he didn't. Put yourself in his shoes & think of the decisions he had to make. Despite all the advice he still is the one who has to make a decision. Not as easy as people think when lives are at stake.

What the powers that be have forgot is people with the training will go in to a situation knowing the dangers to save their mates or make a difference. Had a team been able to go in in first few hours after initial explosion & confirm that say everyone was dead, there would of been a lot less frustration/anger build up. It is the not knowing & lack of action that is the biggest issue.
Facing the Unexpected: Disaster Preparedness and Response in the United States (<i>Natural Hazards and Disasters: Reducing Loss and Building Sustainability in a Hazardous World</i>: A Series)
We have seen it with successive governments where they would not commit military to Peace keeping or peace making situations for around 30 years worried about what would happen if someone got killed.

Soldiers will go as long as they have good background knowledge & are aware of the dangers. They also value their mates above all else. Probably the biggest fear never talked about is not letting your mates down not the fact you may die.

No different to miners. They know the danger but to help their mates they will go in.

In fact no different to Police officers on the beat.

It is the system & the process that is the issue & it could come back to bite us very hard should terrorists decide to hit New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

When will we learn?

Kia Ora,

It seems these days as we move to everything by procedure we are loosing the ability to react quickly to a situation.

Of course right now it is the mine disaster & suddenly after four days all the things people have been suggesting are suddenly happening.

But as a caller to radio said earlier it is an old mining adage that right after an explosion there is no gas as it is all burnt out in the explosion but will build after that. So had people been able to get down shortly after things could of been different right now. Though the information been given out is that if people survived the blast(& historically it has been shown many or most actually do)then the areas set up as go to points would be able to sustain them.

But it is another issue that is now of course in the background that has come to light again.

It is the issue of mental health & how we deal with it. This has come to light because of a murder conviction of someone that was twice in the weeks leading up to the murder, the person who carried it out had, along with family members sort help from the mental health services. They were seen & advised he was no risk to himself or others.

The problem is for his family is the same happened with his father, only that time though it was said to be an accident, the family believe he took his own life after been talked from leaving the area of a high road here in Christchurch. His car left the road further down & went into the sea.
Prentice Hall Reviews & Rationales: Mental Health Nursing (2nd Edition)
One of the first jobs I had in security on leaving the army was security at one of our major hospitals.

We spent a lot of time dealing with mental health patients. What became obvious was the psych emergency teams had to work from a procedure & tick off a check list even though their eyes told them differently.

There was an incident in particular just before I left, where we as security calmed a person down who was worried about himself & his kids. He was told he was OK let go with an appointment to come back in a week to assess. His children were allowed to stay with him & he killed them, then whilst under assessment for his mental health he took his own life. This was only brought to the media attention by his wife who had split with him over these issues & had let the children stay because of the clearance.
Foundations of Mental Health Care
It goes back to what I have said often. Standard Operating Procedures(SOP's) are guidelines only but in NZ we now see these as set in concrete.

Again it comes back to SOP's been good from a training point of view & a good starting point for any incident by having your thinking already going through the steps required. But desptie been based on experience they do not fit every situation.

Anyone who has seen the first Diehard movie will remember how the FBI handbook was used against them.
Mental Health and Mental Illness
This is still the concern I have for the Rugby World Cup, that if a major incident happens there will be too much of a worry about procedures & protecting a site for resulting inquiries when in fact they will have maybe 30 seconds before the next incident in the case of a terrorist attack.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

A poor drinking culture!

Kia Ora,

A major issue that has blown up here again in New Zealand over the last two weeks is our drinking culture.

Rugby League staged a test match at Eden Park, Auckland which resulted in unsavoury scenes both at the ground & outside.

Since then there has been a debate on why it happened. First it was a Rugby League problem then people have said it is an Auckland problem. One editorial even pointed to an example set at an event here in Christchurch. Now there is a push for events to have low alcohol beer.

Seems a lot of hot air by people who don't deal with the situations on the front line.
Alcohol: How to Give It Up and Be Glad You Did
First to blame one sport or its supporters is totally off the mark.

Second using low alcohol beer won't change a thing. At best it will do what low tar cigarettes did. People had more to make up their fix. Or they will drink even more prior.

As some have correctly identified it is our drinking culture here in New Zealand that is the real problem.

Pre loading or getting absolutely pissed by drinking lots & fast just before an event is the most common issue.
Drink: A Cultural History of Alcohol
Now the example quoted in one editorial of been how to deal with the issue of out of control drinking was off the mark. Yes at the event not much went wrong, but the potential was huge. As one manger said "we were lucky the weather was not hot". Scattered around the edges of that event outside the fenced area was a huge amount of alcohol bottles of all types where people had pre loaded.

This issue was compounded by confusion over whether the liquor licence extended to the wider area of private property owned by the organizers. This made it harder to enforce the police requirement of no drinking in areas associated with the event. At one stage the police were called but never arrived to deal with it.
How to Change Your Drinking: a Harm Reduction Guide to Alcohol
Then there is the issue of teens drinking who then attack police when they arrive to disperse them. This has been highlighted in the last few weeks in areas where alcohol bans are in place with social media & facebook in particular used to organize illegal gatherings to drink.

As the advert here says, "its not the drinking but how we drink". This culture has come from the days of the 6 o'clock swill where all licensed premises in the country shut at 6 pm. So people used to finish work at about 4.30 pm go down the pub then drink as fast as possible, then buy some flagons & head home. That sort of drinking did not change once closing times were extended to 10.30pm & now with much later closing & all kinds of new alcohol available the culture just hasn't changed. Drink fast & get as pissed as fast as you can.
Buzzed: The Straight Facts About the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy (Third Edition)
One thing that the military taught you was how to drink over long periods. If you hammered it like you did when younger you wouldn't last & also everything you did was watched. I see it now on ANZAC day where most of us spend all day drinking but never quite get falling down drunk. It becomes part of your make up if you stay any length of time or your disciplinary record starts to dog you.
The Cure for Alcoholism: Drink Your Way Sober Without Willpower, Abstinence or Discomfort
The problem at events is though that in New Zealand the venues are reluctant to pay for the required security let alone extra to impact on the drinking or other crime nearby. On top of that everything is so PC that you might identify a problem approaching(& some of us usually do) but venue policy is to let all in after a cursory search, only to be evicting(if allowed) those identified before they even got to the venue within half an hour.
Moderate Drinking Made Easy Workbook: Drinker Friendly Tips and Exercises to Control Drinking and Reduce Alcohol Craving and Consumption
It creates issues for security & the venue. So what if the patron has already paid for their ticket. Bad luck. If they have over indulged that is their problem. People will get the message real quick if they are loosing the money they paid for tickets.

The drinking prior to venues needs to be hit hard.

There has to be a change in our drinking culture not just for the Rugby World Cup but over all. It will be hard though as recent results on people attitudes to drink driving have shown. Most people believe they will not get caught now after years of the campaign resulting in an effective change in attitude.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Modernizing the Security Industry!

Kia Ora,

When are you modernizing an industry by not modernizing it?

When you are dealing with the New Zealand government which is looking for the Licensing Authority & Deputy Licensing Authority oversee the updated act in regards to the security industry.

The advertisement for the postions states "The Private Security Personnel & Private Investigators Act 2010 modernises the regulation of the private security & private investigation industry..".

Maybe in their little world it does, but in reality, though some of the submissions have been taken notice off it actually takes the industry back 40 years to time of original bill & worse.

As I read through the new act in greater detail I will raise the issues that arise.

Right from the start the first thing that I see wrong is the advertised positions need to be a solicitor or barrister of the high court. Actually no they don't. What is needed if we are serious of modernizing the industry is someone who actually understands the industry & who will put the case for improvements forward as they arise.

If as expected terrorists do target the Rugby World cup the last thing you need is a lawyer who will want to go back through long arduous processes or bureaucratic corruption.

What is needed is people who understand the industry & can make decisive & quick decisions otherwise the situation will move far too quickly for those in the positions to comprehend. On the ground it will be moving even faster.
Principles of Information Security
True it is mainly an administration role, but even there staff take care of most of that. From a security perspective the people overseeing the industry though need to understand the stresses, the issues & the people you deal with & make up the industry.

A solicitor or barrister will never see people in the same way security meet those they deal with.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

The biggest threat is the belief there isn't one!

Kia Ora,

Last week was a long weekend here in New Zealand. It meant there were a lot of events on with even more drunken idiots to deal with.

So that meant Police & security were out in force at many events.

But again it raised the issue of New Zealanders believing there is no threat here from terrorist elements in particular during the Rugby World Cup.

This issue came up again because I was using a torch I acquired in Iraq, which for its size is so powerful compared to any available in New Zealand.

A Police officer approached me about it & we got to discussing the security preparations for the Rugby World Cup.

But yet again I was met with the believe they had that all preparations were great & that there was no real terrorist threat.
25-pack Terrorist Targets
The day after reports came out of how the British are already preparing well above what the British police have at anytime in the past for the Olympics.

Even if New Zealand did that, it does not have the numbers to adequately cover all the games that maybe on in a short period of time. Any terrorist will know this.

Right now it needs to start preparing some private security to assist.
Talking to the Enemy: Faith, Brotherhood, and the (Un)Making of Terrorists
As if to emphasize just how unprepared New Zealand is another incident involving explosives arose.

A farmer dropped off a largish amount of explosives that were if a bad state of repair at the local police station. This resulted in a four hour cordon whilst police waited for the army to arrive then transport it to a safe area for detonation.

Yes as it was unstable moving it did pose some risk, but since the farmer had transported it there, there was a good chance that it could be moved to a safer area early on.
Conversations with Terrorists: Middle East Leaders on Politics, Violence, and Empire
Should a terrorist campaign be launched in New Zealand & in particular during the Rugby World Cup we can not afford to wait four hours for someone to show up. Even now those procedures are far too cumbersome.

Al Qaeda have shown on several occassions they are not above using diversions such as suicide bombers to isolate their main target.

But here in New Zealand we continue to beleive that there is no way that could happen here.

The biggest threat is still the belief there is no threat.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

That New Zealand mindset to the fore yet again!

Kia Ora,

Well that New Zealand mindset is to the fore yet again but this time it is building to back fire on the bureaucrats & government.

There has been a request by the Mayor of Christchurch & business leaders for the people to tell the world that Christchurch is OK & back to pretty much normal.

Now most of the services for the majority of us was back up & going within three days.

But since then it has been the bureaucracy that has slowed things down means nothing is back to normal & the frustration is growing. It is security & police that are going to have to deal with that.

This morning they are saying 1200 houses are going to be demolished when they have not checked most of the near 100,000 claims. People are living in homes which should be demolished & others are fearful with small cracks.

It is head in the sand stuff if the powers that be say things are normal & anger is growing.

One expert said there has been no damage since the major two quakes in the first week. Incorrect most people I have heard or talked too the damage has only shown in the last four weeks.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning for IT Professionals
Then you have some commercial entities short cutting. In my case the commercial building I am using for my business/living has developed a large number of cracks in the outside walls, cracks & folds in the ceiling & water stains in the ceiling & at least one fold in the floor mainly on the upper floor.

By others damage it is not great but seems to be increasing & very minor liquifaction has shown in front of the unit(we now know that sand was used as an infil). The building is moving more violently as time goes on when heavy vehicles or trains hit certain spots. As if to make the point have just had a small after shock followed shortly by train shunting which caused more rolling & shaking than the aftershock.
Disaster Recovery
So it was passed onto the owners who have been great, but nothing was heard from the Body corporate. Suddenly the owners of the properties get a letter saying an inspection was carried out & all was OK. No one had seen or been spoken too.

Then I looked at date I was supplied. That was the date the alarm technician checked that fire alarms were going. They had been given a form with questions to ask about the property. That was the check. All the information came from us the occupants. So neither the person asking or us the occupants were qualified to comment apart from our personal thoughts.

That was the body corporate saving up to $7000, which is likely to be a flase saving. This unit I would not expect to survive anything over about 6 now the liquifaction has come to light, no matter how small. That is just based on reaction by property not so much the after shocks but speeding vehicles & trains.
The Disaster Recovery Handbook: A Step-by-Step Plan to Ensure Business Continuity and Protect Vital Operations, Facilities, and Assets
Most of all the other area where there is no acceptance of the reality is the police saying crime has dropped since the Earthquake. Actually it hasn't, only reported crime has as people are still saying the police have too much to do so they don't call. Anecdotal evidence is that crime has gone through the roof.

But yet again New Zealanders in particular the bureaucrats are saying how good things are.

People are starting to think they have been forgotten & anger is building. I have just heard someone on radio say something that I have been thinking, the government if it doesn't get things moving quickly this will result in a huge back lash come next election.
High Availability and Disaster Recovery: Concepts, Design, Implementation
There is though an amusing side to this that those calling for the message to go out have not taken into account.

First there are those from other parts from New Zealand who have come to comfort or help friends & families have arrived felt a bit of a shake which the locals all just look & listen then carry on. But the visitors are leaving again often on first flight they can get. So what message are they taking back?

Then there is the alleged incident where two Australian structural engineers came to assist but left within two days not been able to put up with the shakes. Again message going overseas is opposite to what they are asking.
Disaster Recovery Planning: Preparing for the Unthinkable (3rd Edition)
Probably the funniest issue but one that is taking back an incorrect image is the tourists that have come on seeing the work going on in the central city thinking how wonderful it was been sorted so quick, but how bad the damage must of been.

Most of what they have been observing though is the work that was been carried out in upgrades in preparation for the Rugby World Cup. It is quite amusing to see them looking taking photos & making comments.

Mean while as was just commented by someone on radio, the New Zealand mindset that my place is bad but there is someone worse off so I won't rock the boat is going on & there could be upwards of 10,000 homes that have to be destroyed. Yet people are still living in them. It is something that is going on & without anything resembling certainty people can't move on. Right now they don't care if house is getting to be destroyed or not! They just want a decision, but bureaucrats are involved so no one does anything.

One person with a crack through middle of property & cracks in foundation have just been informed their property will be checked in March 2011. Not acceptable.

Again more frustration, more anger more issues for security & police to deal with.
Principles of Incident Response and Disaster Recovery
So the call for the message to go out that all is well is the New Zealand mindset kicking in ignoring the real issues. But this time there is enough anger coming through for the situation to get very serious very quickly.

That anger means more crime, more upset people for security guards & police to deal with.

The bureaucrats are struggling with this as they move too slow. EQC are just saying they have to have their processes in place. Excuse me, but they are set up for issues like earthquakes so all that should be in place prior. This could be the straw that broke the Camel's back here in Canterbury.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

From Fairyland to lack of reality!

Kia Ora,

The news can be an interesting watch, listen or read.

One article yesterday spoke of a person here in Christchurch been given a slap on the hand for carrying out a Bomb Hoax. So New Zealand remains in Fairyland in regards to these issues. To get the seriousness of this issue across there needs to be prison sentences issued & quite severe prison sentences.

All going well next year New Zealand hosts the Rugby World Cup 2011 & with hopefully the NZ police & NZ Security Industry on a higher alert. What we don't need is people calling in bomb hoax's tying up resources when a real threat might be eventuating.
Hostage Rescue Manual: Tactics of the Counter-Terrorist Professionals-Revised Edition
There has been an increase in bomb hoax's in recent times in New Zealand. The message needs to be sent that this is an unacceptable action. It is that serious that I would suggest a starting point of ten years jail. Resources sent to one of these just might save hundreds of lifes if able to be used elsewhere.

In the meantime in India those associated with some of the games are loosing touch with reality.

After all the concerns over security then the state of the venues people are now calling for security to be relaxed so people can attend events.

It shows that these people are out of touch with reality.

The Commonwealth Games in Delhi are India's chance to showcase to the world what it can do. Though I do have concerns with some of the security preparations I see & has been reported to me, I can't see India relaxing this early in the games.
Negotiating with Terrorists: Strategy, Tactics, and Politics
But it also tells me that those making the comments have not thought it through.

First the cost to the venues from what is been said was always going to favour tourists, not the locals. Those locals who could afford to go were seen giving interviews saying they were going away on holiday during the games period(note to NZ same will happen for Rugby World Cup as it will be mainly tourists who will be able to afford the tickets).

Now comment was hardly anyone showed up to watch Hockey(field hockey) matches India's national game. National game? Well I suppose it could be because what most Indians will be watching or listening to the national religion. Cricket! In particular the test series(with the first concluding last night in a very close match) between India & Australia. No problems with crowds at cricket matches.
Hidden Agenda, Vol. 6 - No Place to Hide, The Strategy and Tactics of Terrorism
If the test series had not been on it is odds on India would of been taking note of the current one day series between NZ & Bangladesh.

Someone didn' think about their planning as nothing compares to cricket in the sub continent.

In fact being a cricket player it is one thing I have found as an icebreaker anywhere in the world when talking to someone with a legacy from the sub continent.
Foreign Terrorist Organizations: History Tactics and Connections
So people are calling for a relaxing in the security in place without actually thinking about the other factors or the reality of the situation. This is what any terrorist maybe just waiting for.

You under estimate your enemy(terrorist) at your own peril!

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz