Could New Zealand really handle a terrorist incident at Rugby World Cup 2011?

Kia Ora,

Well the New Delhi Commonwealth Games are over & thankfully there were no terrorist attacks. But in saying that the terrorists have already achieved their aim. Just the measures that needed to be taken shows that.

It is actually as if the terrorists when planning 9/11 were taking a leaf out of Ronald Reagans book. His plan had always been to act all war like but in reality bankrupt the Soviet Union by engaging in an arms race. It worked & right now the same seems to be happening to the US(therefore by connection the world) due to the amounts having to be spent on security & wars.

So now here our attention really turns to the Rugby World cup 2011 & the security requirements.

New Zealand just doesn't have the resources India had to throw at it. So therefore we have to think of how to deploy our resources of NZ military, NZ police & NZ Security Industry.

But could New Zealand really handle a Terrorist attack?

Frankly I very much doubt it. It is hard to handle something you have never experienced before. We have had terrorist incidents & have them daily in issues with organized crime but a real terrorist attack there is no way we are ready. Even the recent earthquake here in Christchurch has not shown how bad things could be as no one was killed & emergency services were able to get access quickly to damaged areas.
Terrorism Today: The Past, The Players, The Future (4th Edition)
We have to only look at the recently released information on the London train bombings in Britain to show there was chaos & for sometime the authorities did not comprehend there was a terrorist attack. Of all the cities in the world expected to best handle a terrorist attack London would rank as number one.

So if they descended into chaos how is New Zealand going to handle it? Doubt it very much. Police officers I know said same thing happened here in Christchurch when the dry ice bottle bombs went off.

On the same day I was reading about the information now been released on the train bombings an incident happened as if to emphasize what has to be be prepared for.

In Yemen there were two bomb blasts. The second was detonated once the emergency services were on the scene.
Globalisation and The Future of Terrorism: Patterns and Predictions
It is a common terrorist tactic taken one step further by suicide bombers.

This of course brings in to question the recent issue of NZ police having more access to firearms. First there needs to be a huge increase in training, then the weapons need to be worn or more readily accessible than been in a lock box.

Why? The second part first is if a suicide bomber detonates as has been stated before you need to realize it within 30 seconds & be ready for the follow up. Not wait for an investigation or four investigations to decide.

It is the follow up that brings the lack of training into question.

Is that vehicle refusing to stop a suicide bomber or just some ignorant civilian who thinks they don't have to comply? Or even worse here a rubber necker.
Future Terror & Counter Terrorism ~ A World in Shadows: Terrorism (Volume Seven)
So the training has to be so much higher & as the police do now use rules of engagement, but again to a higher level where a split second decision to fire a warning shot or not has to be made! Coupled with the warning shot are the arguments over to where best put the warning shot because of the implications of what happens to the round after been fired.

From footage of NZ police trying to shoot a dog running around none of that was taken into account at the time. In fact those doing the shooting were lucky not to be shot by their mates.

To not shoot means on your call rest your & the lives of those you are protecting.
Portrait of a Decrepit Nation
So again the question is "Could New Zealand really handle a terrorist attack at the Rugby World Cup 2011". Again the answer is no. Most of what we hear is based on preparing for violence & drunkeness. Right now we should already be getting Kiwi's ready for the security that will be required to host such an event.

That organizers have not even thought about security has been shown in the fact that the USA has been scheduled to play on the tenth annivesary of 9/11. What more of a symbolic target do you want?
The New Jackals: Ramzi Yousef, Osama bin Laden, and the Future of Terrorism
I have said it before. It is going to take a huge change in mindset from the NZ police, the NZ Security Industry & most of all the NZ public to be ready for the type of security requirements now needed for an international tournament.

Yes the terrorists are achieving their aim by bankrupting the World, but what happens if you don't do anything? You need to be best prepared you can be.

NEW ZEALAND IS NOT READY!

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

Fools Paradise! Commonwealth Games Security!

Kia Ora,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Has the West lost the will?

Kia Ora,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Can you trust the Information Governments give?

Kia Ora,

Why this question?

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Will the Christchurch Earthquake change the New Zealand mindset?

Kia Ora,

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

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

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

Having Knowledge can help you overcome the fear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Too little, too late! The seed has been sown!

Kia Ora,

After yesterday's blog I went back to look at the Facebook page in regards to riots in New Zealand. It appears to have been removed.

But it is too little too late!

The seed has already been sown for problems down the road.
Sexual Dynamics of Anti-Social Behavior
When you have a site which has over 21,000 people connected to it, just by deleting the site does not stop the thought processes.

There is now the belief out there in the community that should the All Blacks loose during the Rugby World Cup 2011 here in New Zealand it is ok to start a riot.
Executive Function & Self-Regulation in Children
21,000 might not seem a lot of people but if all of those are in NZ or plan to be during the Rugby World Cup then out of a population of four million people that is a significant amount. Enough to get the ball rolling on mayhem & destruction.

I know that probably 99.9% of the NZ Security Industry at present are not trained in riot control or ways to stop it before it gets out of control.
Bad by-products of religion: How the pious twist truth, persecute freethinkers, commit crimes, advance unsupported claims and in other ways indulge in anti-social behavior
To counter that even if they know of it is tricky for the police. Make too much of it then it gives it wider appeal, but there needs to be communicated the punishments faced for anyone who instigates a riot or tries too.

Just taking the page off Facebook is too little too late. Social media such as Facebook have to take social responsibility & actually stop these types of pages before they are allowed to get their message out.
Children Who Hate: A Sensitive Analysis of the Anti-Social Behavior of Children in their Response to the Adult World
That they have 500 million users is no excuse. When you have these business models you have responsibilities & it doesn't stop just taking the page off when you receive a complaint.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Facebook helps promote criminal activity in New Zealand!

Kia Ora,

How is Facebook helping to promote criminal activity in New Zealand?

By allowing a page to be formed calling for riots is the All Blacks loose in the Rugby World Cup 2011 here in NZ.

What those that set up the page do not realize is they most likely can be prosecuted for incitement to riot.

Tonight the police here in Christchurch will not have a great night as the local Rugby team lost. It would be a lot worse if they, the Crusaders(professional team) or All Blacks lost in the city itself.

Yes a lot of people on that page will be on there just for fun, but there is a growing number that will be on there to happily take part in any anti social activities that would break out if this situation arises.

The NZ police have said that they are ready for any eventuality & are preparing for issues at the Stadia.
Antisocial Behavior: Personality Disorders from Hostility to Homicide
But what if the issues arise away from the Stadia? Most New Zealanders are not going to be able to attend the main games live as they have already been seen to be far too expensive for most.

It is doubtful that the police or NZ Security Industry will be ready for too many incidents at once of this type.

So gatherings in town centres or hospitality spots such as Party Central will be where it starts as people get angry over the loss & it would spread quickly. If people already have a common belief, as promoted by the Facebook page, then it wouldn't take much to spark riots.

One of the six requirements for a riot to occur is a common belief.

Social Media can be useful, but it also can spread quickly messages that can have far retching consequences such as text messages to out of control parties that the police regularly have to deal with.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

New Zealands vision of itself versus visitors perception once here!

Kia Ora,

Spent yesterday at an expo & talking to locals, we talked about the so called good security at the latest All Black Rugby test here in Christchurch. At the same time a letter to the editor of 'The Press' from a visitor to that test challenged the image of New Zealand.

Then today we have complaints against how police acted when clearing a party recently here in Christchurch with police response.

Just as i write this there is an item on TV about knife crime in Britain with the comment on how New Zealand could avoid it by been on top of things.

First thing first. The comments of locals who attended the Rugby test which was viewed as a test for the Rugby World Cup 2011.

After it was all played up they said they expected, with what they were carrying, to be searched but apart from been asked "do you have anything in there?" they were waived through.

So net result a big 'F' for fail again in basic access control. That will not or should not be acceptable to those who are in charge of Rugby World Cup Security.

Next was the letter from the visitor to the local newspaper. There was a lot of discussion around on how it was 'only a few bad eggs'.

Afraid not & the visitor would of seen a lot more of that behaviour had the All Blacks lost. When in the security industry you see too much of the idiot brigade in Christchurch often carried out by the last people you would expect & it has been getting worse.

New Zealand needs to grow up quickly if it doesn't want to embarrass itself if the Rugby World Cup takes place here. There is still enough time to transfer it to Australia if New Zealand can not get its act together in two related areas. Security & behaviour.
Visitors are generally shocked by the poor behaviour, especially once alcohol is involved, of these lovely Kiwis.

Speaking of behaviour in particular bad behaviour, it is now seen acceptable to question any actions taken by the police despite the fact that the people in question are more often than not breaking the law.

The situation this time was a party that someone had started a fire at, police were requested by the fire brigade & on arrival had bottles thrown at them.

I don't see the police had any option but to take aggressive action. The fact that some were apparently sitting quietly when hit & pepper sprayed is of no consequence.

If you associate with what are essentially criminal elements then you have no excuse to complain when the authorities take action. The police have no way of knowing who is what, when they move in on what appears to be a large party. Of course everyone is innocent after the fact. Guilty by association.
What are visitors going to make of the drunken violence that abounds in this country?

Of course the last item knife crime in the UK & the comment that NZ needs to keep on top of it.

Too late the horse has bolted on that one. A recent comment on police in Christchurch was that virtually every person they arrest these days has a knife on them.

So any visitor entering NZ thinking they are coming to a nice safe place needs to think again. It can be very enjoyable with a lot friendly people, but visitors need to take the normal precautions they take at home & maybe learn a few local things or places to avoid.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Bit of a Cheek really! NZ commenting on others Security!

Kia Ora,

Talk about stating the bleeding obvious. Some cables from the NZ High Commission in India have shown that they expect possible terrorist attacks on 'Soft' targets during the Commonwealth games.

Have said that before that India might get hit, but also have said India is a bit like Britain. Just get on with life.

But talking about 'Soft' targets that is New Zealand across the board & it will have an effect as not only New Zealanders view New Zealand as unlikely to have a terrorist attack, but so do many outside the country. The Rugby World Cup 2011 is an even better reason for an attack.

But if you think like a terrorist,then New Zealand is a prime target as it will have an effect way beyond any casualties caused.

'Soft targets that sprinbg to mind right away are the Rugby Road in Christchurch & Party Central in Auckland.

It is the job of High Commissions & Embassies to provide these assessments to their governments but in this case it is a bit cheeky to comment on 'soft' targets in other countries.

New Zealand would rate as the softest, juciest target going. Or as an Australian businessman said "Apathy reigns."

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Rugby World Cup Test is a shambles!

Kia Ora,

After the Rugby World Cup test of systems in Christchurch the powers that be are hailing it as a success, but it appears to be a shambles & that is just based on what was on the media. Not to mention the scathing report from one Australian reporter & some letter writers to editors.

First response to the security set up was astonishment. The police system was been overseen from Wellington using technology. Well that is great, but it needs to be the people on the ground who make the decisions as if you are hit by a terrorist attack.

As I have said before you have about 30 seconds to react if it is a suicide bombing.

Technology is only ever an aid & after watching that any group planning an attack would be planning to disrupt those communications. I saw this done by a commander of mine when I first joined the army & were enemy for visiting US forces. They were so reliant on the communications that they had to send a vehicle down to ask us to stop as they could not function.

The police commander was heard to say that people are not arriving fast enough. Shows he does not know his community. Christchurch has this thing that everybody arrives up in last 30 minutes.

The Venue actually have said this morning that the crowds were arriving a little more even than normal. So there is a disconnection between the police commander in Wellington & the venue in between the understanding of local quirks.

Next we are hearing that the Rugby Road worked great. It is a terrorist attack waiting to happen on the way there & it is a riot waiting to happen on way back if the local team looses.

On the way to the stadium there are greater crowds & as suicide bombers work in groups all you need is a few spread out a long the route & mingle with the crowds. Or watch where the bottle necks are & place IED's. What was noticeable from footage was the lack of security along the route.

There have been a lot of comments in last few weeks about New Zealand fans been boorish. Actually they are becoming the worst sports fans you can have. The abuse of visiting fans or players & watch out if they loose, especially in Christchurch. Destruction of property & fighting is the norm.

Much has also been made about the number of staff at the stadium in the lead up to the game. From experience most of them would not be security so that makes the claims even more laughable. To comply with international standards there would have to be nearly 400 security staff as much for health & safety issues as anything.

That might seem overkill but should say a suicide bomber detonate a vest in the stadium there will be panic. Especially in NZ where such things are thought never likely to happen & then in that moment 400 will not be enough.

New Zealand needs to wake up & wake up quick. All the technology in the world is only ever an aid. Stop looking at this through rose coloured glasses. Saturday night was a shambles.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

They still just don't get it!

Kia Ora,

Tonight is the All Blacks vs Wallabies Rugby test here in Christchurch & it is being used to test security & other systems prior to the Rugby World Cup 2011.

National news has just shown police going through the Stadium checking for explosives. If there is a real terrorist threat then that has to be mainly carried out by the NZ Security Industry to free up Police resources that maybe required elsewhere.

Two issues. The police don't like to let go of these roles & the NZ Security Industry in general has no idea what to look for. Those of us that do, are continously told we know nothing about security.

Today I was visited by an old army mate who drives taxis at present. We were talking about how roads have been blocked off prior to the game. Of course he was more concerned about his taxi business, until I pointed out the likely terrorist threat & where they would strike if they did under this new format.

Immediately he switched on to how it would be used.

Just after that I went shopping & bumped into another former comrade who had carried out a stint demining on behalf of the UN.

The threat & how to carry it out was so obvious to us, but coverage just seen showed no one was prepared. If you haven't trained to think that way or experienced the way these attacks are carried out, then it won't seem obvious.

As the second person said "it is not if, but when a terrorist attack occurs."

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

What about the Security Guards?

Kia Ora,

Today the NZ government signalled the increase of punishment for anyone attacking a Police officer or Corrections officer. Fair enough they need more protection.

But what about the Security Guards?

More often than not dealing with the same people on their own.



If the NZ Security Industry was professional in outlook it would be viewing Health & Safety as empowering to increase the numbers in line with international requirements.

It would be seizing this movement by the current government as a time to push its case prior to the Rugby World Cup 2011.

But not a peep out of any industry organization.

Their version of risk assessment is don't get involved. Well a lot of the idiots out there now do not care if you are involved or not. If you are there, they will attack in a group.



As I said in a previous blog, when a group of ten people showed up at one task here in Christchurch, some armed with iron bars.

They would of taken me on just for standing there, had it not been for a guard from another company coming across from their task for a chat & warning his mates over the radio.

As it stands there will be nothing done until guards start dying.

Oh & well done the Israeli patrol in the West Bank. Just normal soldiers, taking the mickey out of their situation. Seems, as with the NZ Navy reaction to people posing with firearms(something you will see the world over in the armed forces), that the world has gone too PC in the wrong places.

Just these days it goes over the internet!

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Wake up New Zealand! It is only a matter of time!

Kia Ora,

Yet again you have to ask the question as to whether New Zealand is ready to host the Rugby World Cup 2011 from a security perspective, little lone the summer Olympics as now proposed by the current Mayor of Auckland.



I say this because of the photo across the front of the Christchurch 'Press' with several police officers & members of the public standing in the middle of the road after a bomb alert.

It ends up the bomb was just an attempt to thieve.

But that crowd was the perfect target for a suicide bomber or IED after an initial 'come on' explosion or call.



This is a common terrorist tactic, but with the suicide bomber it has meant that considerations of innocents is taken less into account than with the IRA campaigns or even the Real IRA bombing in Omagh.

In one incident in Baghdad US soldiers were trying to win the hearts & minds campaign by when in a cordon giving out sweets.

The British based on their experience would of ensured the children were inside the cordon. That lesson was to be soon learnt as a suicide bomber then exited a nearby street & targeted the nearest military vehicle, which just happened to be the one the children were gathered around.



It seems though that New Zealand will only learn that once it happens here.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

What is Close Protections (Bodyguards) duties?

Kia Ora,

Well the big news today is the manhandling by the Chinese Vice Presidents Close Protection team of the Green Party leader who was staging a protest at the entrance to the New Zealand Parliament.

So what are really the duties that Close Protection are required to carry out?

In the movies it is always to give your life for someone, but in reality there is more than that & really what use is a bodyguard if they are dead? Body cover is a drill, but it is not just what you are there for & why more often than not your contract calls you a consultant.

There are three duties for a Close Protection team to consider.

First is the Preventing of Unintentional harm or injury.

So that means, if the 'Angry Man' is still reading, carrying out health & safety risk assessments both prior & during any moves, visits or in general, often without any prior visits. It also entails you knowing any medical conditions your client might have & have an understanding of local customs & laws that could put your client(known as a principal) in danger.

Next is Preventing Embarrassing Situations. Now todays incident can be seen two ways.

The team has brought the Vice President embarrassment by making it a media circus.

But that is the western view. The Chinese will have a very different view & whilst no expert on Chinese views, having learnt some Putonghua (standard Chinese) a few years ago which included some insight into the culture, they may view it very differently.

To the Chinese saving face is very big & having that flag shoved in the proximity of the Vice President could be seen as a loss of face. I thought their use of an umbrella was good & an attempt to show they are trying to fit in with western views.

The third duty is to Prevent Intentional Harm & Injury.

On the TV footage shown it would appear that the Green MP got far too close for the team to be comfortable.

New Zealanders have to realize that what might seem safe here is not what people overseas are used too.

I have meet some who refuse to come to NZ, as they think it is too unsafe as our police & security are unarmed.

As a country we are very reliant on amongst other things tourists coming here.

In an article yesterday it was commented on that quite a few foreign Heads of State are expected for the Rugby World Cup 2011. Just one we might be able to cater for but there has being a vast change in possible threat since APEC 1999 here.

Had this protest happened overseas it would of likely being much more controlled as indicated by the video clips that should be added below.

     http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

New Zealand is ready for the Rugby World Cup 2011. NOT!

Kia Ora,

Is New Zealand really ready to host the Rugby World Cup 2011? Not after another debacle over security I think not. A lot of fingers were being pointed at the police last night but they can't do everything it needs a change in mindset for the whole country.

This is the situation which eventuated last night, but has gone from the news services today.

A vehicle which had being sitting for days in a car park of a sports field according to residents, yet nothing was done until Tuesday when one resident called the police. They then showed up 24 hours later to find a bomb in the vehicle.

Compare that with Britain with their history of combating terrorism. My understanding of their actions is no vehicle is left sitting parked for more than 24 hours. Any residents would of called it in well before they did in Auckland.

Taking the item of the news services is too late. It got on there so it will be world wide, this the day after NZ was rated the most peaceful country in the world.

I understand a consultant being used for the World Cup is not a New Zealander & the assessment is all is safe & I think I have an idea who it is.

Thing is when assessing for threats such as possible suicide bombings are hard to picture if you have not lived in that environment. Those of us who have (alot of Kiwis), see the threat assessment as terrorist attacks & suicide bombings extremely likley either during or prior to the Rugby World Cup.

To combat a terrorist or terrorism you have to be able to think like them, that is something I have being accussed of more than once.

Currently in NZ there are a multitude of responses to likely bomb threats & I know talking to someone in a Government department that their response was totally lacking (being British they identified it but no one wants to know) where as Government department next door to them has a response in line with how terrorists think.

In NZ there seems to be a believe that you just deal with the one incident & it will be all Jake (OK).

But that is not standard operating procedure for any terrorist group. These current bomb alerts with hoax or simulated bombs or even real ones not properly set could just as well be the groups planning something seeing how NZ services, security industry & population react to such incidents.

They would then stage anther hoax or real bomb & plant seondary devices to catch in the first instance the emergency services, but also where people would be evacuated too.

This was the action taken in Northern Ireland in the Omagh bombing.

Even worse today is the suicide bomber.

The following was an incident in Iraq during my time there.

The Police Academy was mortared or rocketed on a daily basis, but on this occassion the bombers used this to their advantage as people were taking the same actions everyday.

Two bombers got into the Academy area (there has being some suggestion they bribed their way in past the check points) at breakfast time.

What then appears to have happened is one bomber lined up with the breakfast crowd before detonotating.

Everyone else thinking it was one of the regular mortar or rocket attacks ran to the shelters, where in one the other bomber was waiting, as people crowded in they then detonated their vest.

One thing noted in the NZ responses is the public are allowed to stand around at the cordons edge as a crowd.

All that has to be done here is work out where the cordons are likely to go in & plant devices for maximum effect.

Similar tactics were used when a 'suicide' bomb was detonated outside the embassy next to our villa in Iraq. The responding Iraqi police units later found three unexploded devices along the street, that had failed to explode as they responded to the incident.

Standard tactic with suicide bombers is two to three with short gaps in between or in the case of an attack on Abu Gharib at least seven other bombers. The difference with Abu Gharib was four were used to isolate the area then three others attempted to breach the camp, one after another.

New Zealand ready for the Rugby World Cup 2011? I think it is a long way from even being close.

                                                                 http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Racism & Security. How does it affect us?

Kia Ora,

In the last week or so there have being articles referring to racism often in our newspapers. So how does racism affect those in security?

First there is the racial abuse you get when carrying out your tasks. As a very pale Maori I probably hear it more than most as many will look at my skin colour & I either get confided in as to "those so & so's (of what ever colour)" or get abused as someone I am not.

But when dealing with drunks it is often the first thing that you hear.

Then you have the other side of the equation which I was surprised to hear from Sir Ian Mckellen's meeting (as outlined in an article in the Sunday Star-Times) with our former PM after he expressed the sentiments of how great we are intergrated in terms of race. I agree with the PM's sentiments that actually we are a very racist country.

Much of it only comes out at certain times as issues such as the Foreshore & Seabed legislation. It is just more understated than in most countries. Generally most people get on, but then an issue comes up & the most common words you hear are "I am not a racist but..."

I was aware a little of it after I left school, but then going in the army where overall everyone is green & we actually make it a bit of a joke to call each other by what would be regarded as racist remarks in civvy street, I just did not realize how bad it was until leaving.

As the world financial crisis bites & forecast to worsen then the acts of crime or violence in regards to race will increase.

Only on Friday night in Queenstown, two individuals from other cities within NZ were arrested for a series of attacks on tourists.

These attacks have racist overtones, just by the fact of the two cities these two individuals come from are considered the two main cities with white power connections & themselves often have attacks on tourists.

So in the security industry we will see this more & more as part of what we have to confront.

With the Rugby World Cup 2011 apparently going to be held in NZ, it is something that has to be confronted, but like everything else since NZ is spread out  with a low population, it doesn't appear that bad, so no one does anything.

But then as someone pointed out in an article recently when they did the math on a per capita basis NZ had a higher death toll due to car accidents than China.

We also have the second highest percentage of people in prison in the industrialized world.

The racial taunts we all generally develop a way to deal with it.

                                           http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Good Security: It does exist!

Kia Ora,

Alot of my security blogs are about the need for the NZ security industry to bring itself up to speed.

But that is not to say there is not good security companies here. Today there was an interview with an operator from a company which I was aware of having good standards.

The operator also naturally had good standards as he comes from outside NZ so understands good security.

There is also one good events security company, but it is good for the NZ environment as I often tell its owner for the Rugby World cup 2011 it is a whole new step up in level & in particular mindset.

There are a lot of good people who have left the industry because they have being punished for actually carrying out security.

So there are individuals, companies that do provide real security, but it needs the powers that be to recognize that the industry as a whole needs to improve & that does not always mean carrying out some recognized course or a course based on how people perform in the class room.

Security is a physical profession that should value experience & skills people bring to it.

Training is of course needed, but as couple of stories from Iraq reminds me, courses are not always the answer.

Two individuals with time in Iraq had to attend a course prior to starting with their new company. The drills taught were the standard body guard drills with national variations, but in one incident they told the story where they stood & laughed.

The Instructor said "I don't like your attitude" or words to that effect, but these two just replied " you do that in Baghdad, just roll out the extra body bags" or words to that effect.

Second story is about a group of higly qualified instructors arriving in Baghdad to take a newly required course & after the first session been basically told to f... off by the staff they were training as it might have its place in some environments, but not in Baghdad.

Bodyguard training as I received from experienced operators in NZ on a formal NZQA course gave you a base, but when you are required to do the real thing it quickly becomes obvious that each situation requires a totally different approach.

On return I was offered an upgrade for free with assessment by an instructor as my level had never being tested on a practical basis.
First issue with NZ training industry was on a couple of courses you were, but most you were not so standards were different. We had been tested to a practical level.

The other issue is having that experience & higher skill level, how does someone without it understand where you are coming from or assess you?

It is something the military in many countries have found over the years when soldiers come back from operations & stay in the military they then go on promotion courses & when told something will not work, calmly reply "well it did in so & so" & it can not be argued that it does not work. But it does cause issues for instructors.

That is why some military courses changed their stance on tactics & you could not fail on tactics. A successful tactic is one that works, no matter how crazy it might seem in the light of day.

We also seen though that systems can be too inflexible if people don't have that wider mindset to see where each fits.

                                           http://www/foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Will a Forum Make a difference?

Kia Ora,

It has been announced that a Forum has been created to combat crime during the Rugby world Cup.

It maybe the Cynic in me but I am not sure what this group will actually achieve.

I believe the camel is described as a horse designed by a committee.

The impressive list of groupings named in this forum all have their own agendas & from experience in dealing with a few of them there is very little likelyhood of any real solutions, but there will be a lovely talk fest.

Now before 'Mr Angry' gets upset I will detail in broad terms my dealings that have brought me to those conclusions.

In one of the major groupings involved the people on the ground have the answers, but it is appearing more & more often its top level seem to be out of touch with them. That comes from talking to those on the ground.

Shortly after leaving the NZ army & entering the security industry I carried out a good old fashioned military appreciation of a major local issue at the time, came up with a solution. When presented to this group, which would of saved their industry thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollar's, their reply was we don't do that.

Funny thing is I got different replies from different members of that group each contradicting the other.

Another member of the forum basically required me to drop my standards or they would not deal with me & their standards are supposedly gained from another member of the forum.

These two also require no criticism of members of their associations. If there is no criticism or frank discussions then there is no way people can move forward.

In fact that is another major difference between those coming from the military & those in the civilian environment, especially in  the NZ security industry.

It is not uncommon for you to achieve your aim, then look to see how you could of carried it out better, where as your civilian counterpart thinks it is all Ok because it was successful.

Not only do I suspect it will be not that successful, but it will bring methods of crime that usually take time to get to NZ shores here much qucker than normal.

Considering the average attitude in NZ is that we are too small & too far away those sort of crimes or as I often emphasize terrorist attacks will never get here, unless something is done that is different from the norm then Crime will accelerate even greater than it will due to the worsening economic conditions.


Not to mention the fact there in the last few years there has being a rise in crime against tourists.

Visitors to the country need to be aware that though the country appears nice & safe, appearances can be deceiving & they have to take the same precautions they would at home.

      http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

The Wrong Mindset!

Kia Ora,

With the on going bad weather it seemed to at least in my area cut down incidents.

But some of the things going on this last week showed how little New Zealanders actually have a culture of risk assesment.

Of all the cultures in the world the worst I come across in this respect is everytime I return home. It seems to be getting worse.

The mindset is totally wrong in this country. What we see time & time again in security is that people seem to think those warning signs are for everybody but them.

The incidents this week were people ignored road closed signs, removed or moved them was just idiotic, even having to result in the police in arresting one person at least.

We often joke that if it was ten foot high neon & flashing, Kiwis would still think it is for everyone else but them.

It is not just a one off either. We see it on our roads were nice quiet people take undue risks.

The following two incidents probably best give the attitude to safety & the mindset of New Zealanders to their health & safety as well as that of those they supposedly care about.

Twenty minutes was all that was between these two incidents.

Based in a fenced area where fireworks were to be set up (they were on site) with signs on the fences saying explosives keep out.

The first incident just blew me away. A couple with two children aged about 3 or 4 moved the end of the fence & entered the area.

When challenged  the response was the standard "use some commonsense you idiot, it is the shortest route". There was the question asked as if they were fit parents to be bringing young children into an area signposted as dangerous.

The second incident was four 20 something's with two males & two females climbing the fence.

Again challenged, again the same answer. When it was pointed out that they had climbed a fence with signs saying "Explosives! Keep Out!" Their response was "where didn't see one?" "You climbed over one."

From there their reaction was again normal Kiwi. It was your fault & we are going to smash you & keep going anyway. Just happened to be their bad day as at the end of the area there was a security briefing in progress combined with police elements.

Now we all do silly things at times, but there needs to be a huge change in mindset.

But that mindset comes back to why it is so hard for the NZ security industry to actually carryout a true risk assessment for events such as the Rugby World Cup 2011.

It is also why it is hard to convince the industry to adopt a risk assessment culture that is dynamic & on going as they walk into situations.

It does not mean we don't do anything.  If we did risk assessment in the way NZ does we would of never gone out on task in Iraq. There was a risk, we knew it, but by again having that dynamic risk assessment as we moved along, you mitigated your risk.

                                         http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz