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.
Protecting Your Facility
Some people don’t understand what target hardening is, but it’s basically a way to make sure the internal and external structures are strong enough to withstand infiltration. This term is also used when protecting the structure or property from natural disasters. The first step to take when attempting to implement measures to protect the facility is utilizing a Threat and Vulnerability Assessment (TVA). This will ensure you pinpoint all the areas that need target hardening and prioritize the gaps in process.
Understanding The Threats
Once you start conducting a threat and vulnerability assessment, you must understand the threats at hand. For law enforcement facilities, there are a number of attacks that can take place designed to weaken the facility. These include active shooter scenarios, hostage scenarios and more. Knowing how to circumvent these issues from the beginning will make things easier as your team implements target hardening procedures.
What are some issues that can occur on the grounds of a law enforcement agency?
- Disgruntled employees causing a commotion
- Domestic violence incidents
- Breaches of the perimeter
- Forced, unauthorized entrance into the facility
- Cybersecurity breaches
- Terroristic threats and attempts
It is not unheard of to have active bomb threats/IED issues at a law enforcement agency, especially if they are well known around the country. Terrorists look to dismantle these facilities first before attacking other areas of the city or country. Law enforcement agencies are the epicenter of where operations start. While drastic target hardening measures may be taken, it can start with simple measures such as upgrading the windows and other external structures surrounding and on the facility. That means adding shrubbery, fencing, and other deterrents.
As cybersecurity continues to grow, law enforcement agencies must make sure they are implementing the right standards and train their staff on using encrypted passwords on all machines, software, and refrain from sharing their passwords with others. They must also employ target hardening protocols when accessing the system offsite. These measures can go a long way in making sure everything is secure.
Working With The Right Team
Target hardening for law enforcement agencies is a little more detailed than hardening for standard structures. A lot of the information in those facilities is confidential and cannot be shared, so employing the right team to help carry out the directive, or consult so it is done right is key. The team at Kontek Industries makes sure all vulnerable areas are addressed with the right measures to provide security. With law enforcement agencies all over the world using their services, you’ll get the best you need with Kontek.
