Difference between revisions of "Soft Targets:Countermeasures"
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Soft targets by their very definition are difficult to defend against attack. The very best defense may in fact be a good offense as in the use of Intelligence assets to discover terrorist before they strike. Intelligence Agencies such as the CIA, NSA, and FBI can zero in on potential terrorist by monitoring communications, tracking financial transactions and information gained form human sources. When suspected terrorist members have been identified, covert surveillance can watch their activities and possible infiltrate the organization. “Sting” operations can be used to lure such suspects into a situation where they unknowingly arrange to purchase illegal weapons from undercover agents. If a plan to attack a soft target avoids these initial defenses then the front shifts to the target itself. | Soft targets by their very definition are difficult to defend against attack. The very best defense may in fact be a good offense as in the use of Intelligence assets to discover terrorist before they strike. Intelligence Agencies such as the CIA, NSA, and FBI can zero in on potential terrorist by monitoring communications, tracking financial transactions and information gained form human sources. When suspected terrorist members have been identified, covert surveillance can watch their activities and possible infiltrate the organization. “Sting” operations can be used to lure such suspects into a situation where they unknowingly arrange to purchase illegal weapons from undercover agents. If a plan to attack a soft target avoids these initial defenses then the front shifts to the target itself. | ||
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ESTIMATED LOSSES | ESTIMATED LOSSES | ||
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If a terrorist does attack CVHS the possible losses depend on variables such as the type of attack used, the severity and duration of the attack, the reaction to the attack by CVHS population and the police, fire, medical response by locale agencies. The highest potential for loss of life lies in the densely populated events held in a confined space such as a school assembly in the gymnasium. A powerful bomb blast or multiple bomb attack could have horrific consequences in that type of setting with the possibility of up to 100% causality rate. An arson attack (elaborately planned) could destroy the entire school with resulting financial cost greater then the cost of initially building the school. | If a terrorist does attack CVHS the possible losses depend on variables such as the type of attack used, the severity and duration of the attack, the reaction to the attack by CVHS population and the police, fire, medical response by locale agencies. The highest potential for loss of life lies in the densely populated events held in a confined space such as a school assembly in the gymnasium. A powerful bomb blast or multiple bomb attack could have horrific consequences in that type of setting with the possibility of up to 100% causality rate. An arson attack (elaborately planned) could destroy the entire school with resulting financial cost greater then the cost of initially building the school. | ||
The emotional effect upon the survivors of a attack is harder to measure but can be absolutely devastating with the victims scarred for life. My assessment is that modern day terrorist have the capability in a worse case scenario to destroy the entire school and kill everyone in it. Even in an attack of zero causalities the disruption to school operations and the resulting psychological trauma could be severe. | The emotional effect upon the survivors of a attack is harder to measure but can be absolutely devastating with the victims scarred for life. My assessment is that modern day terrorist have the capability in a worse case scenario to destroy the entire school and kill everyone in it. Even in an attack of zero causalities the disruption to school operations and the resulting psychological trauma could be severe. | ||
| − | + | RESPONSE TO AN ACTUAL ATTACK | |
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The primary responsibility of the Chula Vista High School Staff is the safety of the students. Moving the students away from the threat or into a position of safety is of the greatest importance if under attack. There are two main ways to accomplish this, evacuation procedures and lockdowns Evacuation would be enacted in the case of a bomb threat and a lockdown in the event of a “Active Shooter” on campus where students and staff barricade themselves inside class rooms and building. This is intended to reduce the number of “targets” outside and makes the attacker stand out to law enforcement since in theory only the attacker will be outside the buildings in the event of a lockdown. If the attacker enters an occupied classroom the teacher would be better prepared if trained in hostage situation psychology do’s and don’ts and critical | The primary responsibility of the Chula Vista High School Staff is the safety of the students. Moving the students away from the threat or into a position of safety is of the greatest importance if under attack. There are two main ways to accomplish this, evacuation procedures and lockdowns Evacuation would be enacted in the case of a bomb threat and a lockdown in the event of a “Active Shooter” on campus where students and staff barricade themselves inside class rooms and building. This is intended to reduce the number of “targets” outside and makes the attacker stand out to law enforcement since in theory only the attacker will be outside the buildings in the event of a lockdown. If the attacker enters an occupied classroom the teacher would be better prepared if trained in hostage situation psychology do’s and don’ts and critical | ||
decision making under stress conditions. Students and teachers may be isolated form emergency responders for extended periods of time in the event of a lock down so having a classroom emergency locker that contains at least a supply of minimum of water, food rations, and emergency first aid supplies, flash lights, radio and batteries | decision making under stress conditions. Students and teachers may be isolated form emergency responders for extended periods of time in the event of a lock down so having a classroom emergency locker that contains at least a supply of minimum of water, food rations, and emergency first aid supplies, flash lights, radio and batteries | ||
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TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS | TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS | ||
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In addition to the possible future devilment of non lethal weapons the increased quality and efficiency of video technology and information collection perhaps holds the greatest contribution to school safety. The US Governments “Total Information Awareness program”, and the increasing use of video monitoring and covert video and audio surveillance methods have elements of George Orwell’s “Big Brother” brought to real life. Privacy concerns aside, the effectiveness of security cameras has long been appreciated in private industry and now finding increasing acceptance in the public arena The appeal is that the same 2 staff members assigned to security duties at CVHS could monitor the whole school district from a control room in the school district office via video cameras covering the perimeters, common areas, and access points of all the district campuses which could then linked to law enforcement command centers in the event of an emergency. Still photos can be developed as evidence in the event of incidents and used to identify license plates on suspicious vehicles possible conducting surveillance on a campus. | In addition to the possible future devilment of non lethal weapons the increased quality and efficiency of video technology and information collection perhaps holds the greatest contribution to school safety. The US Governments “Total Information Awareness program”, and the increasing use of video monitoring and covert video and audio surveillance methods have elements of George Orwell’s “Big Brother” brought to real life. Privacy concerns aside, the effectiveness of security cameras has long been appreciated in private industry and now finding increasing acceptance in the public arena The appeal is that the same 2 staff members assigned to security duties at CVHS could monitor the whole school district from a control room in the school district office via video cameras covering the perimeters, common areas, and access points of all the district campuses which could then linked to law enforcement command centers in the event of an emergency. Still photos can be developed as evidence in the event of incidents and used to identify license plates on suspicious vehicles possible conducting surveillance on a campus. | ||
Revision as of 17:49, 5 December 2005
DETERRENCE AND PREVENTION OF A PLANNED ATTACK
Soft targets by their very definition are difficult to defend against attack. The very best defense may in fact be a good offense as in the use of Intelligence assets to discover terrorist before they strike. Intelligence Agencies such as the CIA, NSA, and FBI can zero in on potential terrorist by monitoring communications, tracking financial transactions and information gained form human sources. When suspected terrorist members have been identified, covert surveillance can watch their activities and possible infiltrate the organization. “Sting” operations can be used to lure such suspects into a situation where they unknowingly arrange to purchase illegal weapons from undercover agents. If a plan to attack a soft target avoids these initial defenses then the front shifts to the target itself.
Chula Vista High School is a good example of how a public school presents itself to terrorist as an inviting Soft Target. The Chula Vista campus has ?? points of entry by vehicle and ?? pedestrian only entry ways. There is ?? feet of largely unmonitored fence line around the perimeter of the school. Only Two unarmed staff members are assigned as the sole security force of the campus of ??? students and staff. The primary function of the security staff is to maintain order amongst the students and not so much to guard the campus against a terrorist attack. Improvements could be made to the security of the school by strengthening the perimeter against unauthorized intrusion.
A militarized school perimeter would be a easy technical fix but such measures at a public high school would not likely be desired or tolerated by the American Public. What can be done however is to design the school perimeter so that any attempt to enter or exit by means other than a designated access point will be very noticeable Monitoring the perimeter with posted staff members or thru the use of video cameras can give an early warning of attack and enable a lock down or evacuation code to be given school wide over the intercom as well as emergency notification to Emergency Response Agencies. Even a two minute increase in warning time can make significant difference in evacuation or lock down procedures and the arrival times of emergency responders.
Having a controlled and monitored perimeter is valuable in detecting suspicious activity such as someone filming from the other side of the fence line. Anything that makes it easier for staff members (or students) to spot unauthorized campus intruders contributes to the perimeter effectiveness such as the requirements of Identification cards or school uniforms. Of course all these measures can be defeated (fences can be climbed over, ID cards can be stolen or forged) but any overt action that draws attention to the terrorist Increases the chance that someone will notice a “Red Flag” and begin to investigate or activate an emergency response procedure. Detecting and responding to suspicious activities around campus plays a vital role in the schools defense.
. “Suspicious” could simply be anything out of the ordinary for the area and time and circumstances of the neighborhoods surrounding Chula Vista High School. Among the people who really know what “ordinary” means for these neighborhoods are the people who live, work, and travel thru it on a daily basis. People such as home owners, mail carriers, waste collectors, delivery people and fitness walkers all are in a position to be the eyes and ears looking out for the well being of the school. School administrators could simple hold a meeting once every four months with the local residences and businesses to coordinate the neighborhood awareness program This is not only a tool against a soft target attack on the school but a valuable resource in matters such as drug dealing and use, child abduction, sex crimes, and illegal street gang activity.
ESTIMATED LOSSES
If a terrorist does attack CVHS the possible losses depend on variables such as the type of attack used, the severity and duration of the attack, the reaction to the attack by CVHS population and the police, fire, medical response by locale agencies. The highest potential for loss of life lies in the densely populated events held in a confined space such as a school assembly in the gymnasium. A powerful bomb blast or multiple bomb attack could have horrific consequences in that type of setting with the possibility of up to 100% causality rate. An arson attack (elaborately planned) could destroy the entire school with resulting financial cost greater then the cost of initially building the school. The emotional effect upon the survivors of a attack is harder to measure but can be absolutely devastating with the victims scarred for life. My assessment is that modern day terrorist have the capability in a worse case scenario to destroy the entire school and kill everyone in it. Even in an attack of zero causalities the disruption to school operations and the resulting psychological trauma could be severe.
RESPONSE TO AN ACTUAL ATTACK
The primary responsibility of the Chula Vista High School Staff is the safety of the students. Moving the students away from the threat or into a position of safety is of the greatest importance if under attack. There are two main ways to accomplish this, evacuation procedures and lockdowns Evacuation would be enacted in the case of a bomb threat and a lockdown in the event of a “Active Shooter” on campus where students and staff barricade themselves inside class rooms and building. This is intended to reduce the number of “targets” outside and makes the attacker stand out to law enforcement since in theory only the attacker will be outside the buildings in the event of a lockdown. If the attacker enters an occupied classroom the teacher would be better prepared if trained in hostage situation psychology do’s and don’ts and critical decision making under stress conditions. Students and teachers may be isolated form emergency responders for extended periods of time in the event of a lock down so having a classroom emergency locker that contains at least a supply of minimum of water, food rations, and emergency first aid supplies, flash lights, radio and batteries
There is little that the two Chula Vista High School unarmed security staff members could do towards repelling and armed attack or a suicide bomber. The security staff would be most likely to have the greatest impact on areas of awareness, evacuation and lockdown procedures. There have been cases in the US where a heroic unarmed person at the scene of an “Active Shooter” event has seized an opportunistic moment to physically restrain or otherwise disarm the shooter but this is obviously a very difficult thing to do. (Cite HS in St of Washington, Whitehouse shooter examples ) .
Even in the event of schools that have armed police or armed security on site at the time of an attack as both Columbine and Beslan the results have not always been successful as in both cases the armed defenders of the schools were at an extreme disadvantage in terms of weapons systems (Cite Columbine example) or personal with the attacking force greatly outnumbering the defenders (Cite Beslan example)
In 1996 outgunned LAPD officers borrowed high powered rifles from a locale gun store during to confront heavily armed bank robbers. Changes is Police Administrations attitude about regular patrol officers vehicles being equipped with assault weapons went from thinking it was to militaristic and would represent a bad or scary image to the public to one of tactical necessity. Columbine forced the re-evaluation of Law Enforcement response procedures to “Active Shooter” events and resulted in the wide spread use of the LAPD Immediate Tactical Deployment Model.
The concept of establishing a containment perimeter and attempting negotiations while a SWAT team is assembled to conduct a slow methodical building to building search is an obsolete procedure. When lives our being lost, the “contain and wait for SWAT philosophy has been deemed to slow in terms of ending the active threat to the students. The strategy now is to have the first responding officers already equipped with assault riffles and immediately form tactical team instead of a containment perimeter. The officers would then directly respond to the part of the campus where they hear the shots being fired instead of conducting a room to room search..
There is current research into the possibility that sound weapons could temporally incapacitate. In the event such weapons become available, one potential application could be in support of rescue attempts in hostage situations by incapacitating everyone in the school prior to the rescue attempt.
In the event of a armed assault upon Chula Vista High School the Chula Vista Police would likely request assistance from neighboring agencies such as the San Diego Police Department ( Downtown San Diego is just 7 Miles North of Chula Vista) and the San Diego Sheriffs Department (largest SO in the country?) Both of these agencies combines have the capability of deploying hundreds of patrol personal in a matter of minutes to CVHS and to provide additional resources such as SWAT, K-9’S, Air Support, Bomb Squads and trained negotiators. Additional State and Federal Agencies would likely join the effort in the event of a protracted situation. Similar assistance is available for the Chula Vista Fire Department with large Fire agencies from both the City and County of San Diego nearby.
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS
In addition to the possible future devilment of non lethal weapons the increased quality and efficiency of video technology and information collection perhaps holds the greatest contribution to school safety. The US Governments “Total Information Awareness program”, and the increasing use of video monitoring and covert video and audio surveillance methods have elements of George Orwell’s “Big Brother” brought to real life. Privacy concerns aside, the effectiveness of security cameras has long been appreciated in private industry and now finding increasing acceptance in the public arena The appeal is that the same 2 staff members assigned to security duties at CVHS could monitor the whole school district from a control room in the school district office via video cameras covering the perimeters, common areas, and access points of all the district campuses which could then linked to law enforcement command centers in the event of an emergency. Still photos can be developed as evidence in the event of incidents and used to identify license plates on suspicious vehicles possible conducting surveillance on a campus.
