Target Hardening for Counter Terrorism

What is target hardening?

Target hardening involves protecting the internal and external infrastructure of an organization. Target hardening measures are the different techniques they used to accomplish this. The target hardening definition can be a little confusing for some, especially if they do not work in the security or law enforcement field, but it’s really just protecting the environment around you whether internally using a computer, or externally by putting in equipment or locks to protect your structures.

Target Hardening 101: The Threat and Vulnerability Assessment

Target hardening is one of the best ways to protect property and life. It helps make structures safer and prevents infiltration from outsiders. Target hardening examples can be complex or simple. From adding specialty locks and alarm systems to signs or high shrubbery, these different techniques are all designed to create a line of defense that a potential thief or criminal will encounter at first glance. The more of a challenge a criminal sees, the faster they will think twice and choose another target.

Target Hardening for Vehicular Assault

Target hardening isn’t just for buildings. While most people only consider structural target hardening, there are instances where vehicles must be hardened to protect the passengers and drivers. These vehicles are critical in getting the people and items being transported to its intended destination. Target hardening is well known among law enforcement and the military as they work with threats and risk factors on a daily basis. For others, they may not realize certain structures or vehicles that are outfitted with specialty items are a form of target hardening.

Target Hardening Examples: Guard Booths

When considering target hardening for guard booths, it helps to start from the beginning. What is target hardening? Target hardening is a term used within the military and law enforcement fields. It basically means making targets more difficult to remove or damage. Target hardening techniques make breaking in a challenge for those who have ill intentions.

Target Hardening For Law Enforcement Agencies

When preparing safety and security protocols for law enforcement agencies, it’s always best to begin with scenarios that could possibly take place. One of the best ways to do this is by reviewing lessons from the 1960s and 1970s and coupling them with more recent years to have realistic target hardening examples in which to start developing the plan.

Target Hardening For Government Facilities

Government facilities can be far more vulnerable than people might realize, an unfortunate fact when you consider the ramifications of a successful attack or severe natural disaster. Target hardening is the process of examining those vulnerabilities in detail. From there, you can design solutions that will prevent damage before it has the chance to threaten the people, the structure, or the grounds of the government facility. 

Taking the time to plan a solid target hardening strategy can have lasting benefits. It can be the key to preventing theft, destruction, and even death. We'll look at what you need to know about how buildings are accessed, what kinds of products can be used, and who can help if you have any questions. 

Target Hardening Examples: Learn to Protect Your Facility

Target hardening is the process of making a structure more difficult to attack or destroy. It's a relatively technical term, one that's largely associated with government buildings and global commerce facilities. Yet target hardening also refers to protection from natural disasters, accidental threats, and internal threats, all of which can apply to any building or property. From mom-and-pop corner stores to churches to schools, everyone can benefit from having the right target hardening techniques. But there's a careful balance that needs to be struck for owners who want to adopt these measures, otherwise you risk alienating those who use your facilities for the right purposes. (For example, you wouldn't necessarily want barb wire to surround a bustling, luxury shopping mall.) We'll look at what to keep in mind before you start implementing your own protections. 

Bolster Your Security: Threat Assessments and Target Hardening

On a daily basis, facilities managers must remain vigilant to a variety of possible threats.

Target Hardening with Ballistic Glass

Ballistic glass is heavy-duty protection that can be installed in anything from an office building to a vehicle. It is one of the most indestructible types of bulletproof glass and it's been a literal lifesaver for plenty of people around the globe. It's a good example of target hardening, a technique where property owners can add layers of security to their building and grounds. When everything from storefronts to schools is being attacked these days, it pays to take extra precautions. The stronger your defenses are, the more difficult it is for a criminal to hit their mark. And even if a criminal can't see the thick glass from a distance, it provides another obstacle, which can force them to abandon a structure. 

Target Hardening and Terrorism

Target hardening measures are techniques used to make a property more difficult for another to infiltrate. Whether it's a petty thief or a merciless terrorist, the building, structure, and grounds are designed to present multiple obstacles to a criminal, so they eventually become frustrated and move on. The more work they need to do and the more danger it presents, the less likely they are to follow through with the plan. When we think of terrorists, we tend to think of those that make the headlines. From crashed planes to bombed buildings, these heinous acts are often intended for high-profile properties. The problem with these associations is that it can give us an impression that smaller organizations aren't at risk. Yet the truth is that anyone and anything can be a terrorist target. It helps to understand the techniques that can stop an attack long before it actually occurs, and how crime prevention can be fully integrated into everyday life.