Demonstrators are expected to swarm Bank of America Corp’s annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday to voice anger over a range of issues from foreclosures to corporate taxes to financing for the coal industry.

Anasyst Comment: Spring shareholder meetings have been a prime target for the Occupy movement, particularly those at big banks. For the Bank of America shareholder meeting, we expect to see unions, Occupy and environmental groups team up for mass demonstrations against the bank as 1000 people are expected to converge on the meeting. In April, approximately 500 protestors amassed at the Wells Fargo shareholder meeting, which resulted in 24 arrests. There is a strong possibility that we will see similar activity today in Charlotte.

Around 50 activists have occupied parts of the London Stock Exchange and Paternoster square as part of May Day protests in London. Members of the Occupy movement and Anonymous – better known for its online hacking activities – have also erected a number of tents inside the square which is privately owned and the subject of a previous court injunction banning occupation protests.

Analyst Comment: May Day represents “International Workers’ Day” so it is no surprise that protesters worldwide took part in it today. Anti-capitalist groups in London have organized the rallies and demonstrations in the past. In London today, the demonstrators who took part in the action to occupy Paternoster Square felt they achieved a victory against the injunctions currently in place.

AND ON-AND-ON THEY GO !

 So, does your financial instruction have a structured ” Civil Disturbance” policy ? The following policy sample is generic in nature and only serves to prompt your thinking  in simulating your own  company policy.

This document establishes certain guidelines to follow in the event of a civil disturbance. These  guidelines are developed to ensure the safety of the institution’s  employees and customers and the protection of assets. This plan of action is divided into two main sections: (1) Demonstrations limited to a public thoroughfare such as a sidewalk or street. The local law enforcement agencies should take control of this type activity. However the institutions Security Department should be ready to sign a complaint if necessary. (2) Demonstrations expanding to the company’s private property such as a banking lobby, a board room  or parking deck. A sensitive  but firm approach should be taken to this activity.

 Since these type demonstrations are unpredictable and can develop rather rapidly with little prior warning, two general scenarios should be addressed here:

PUBLIC CONTACT LOCATIONS DISPLAYING ORDERLY CONDUCT (BRANCHES, PUBLIC ACCESS AREAS

As long as the demonstration is orderly and business can be conducted safely and orderly, consideration should be given to allow the branch to remain open with the following stipulations.

• Senior Management spokes persons should be limited to one. This person should be prepared to make a decision to close the branch if, in this person’s opinion, the demonstration is getting disorderly.
• A member of Security should be stationed inconspicuously at the location in plain clothes. This person should report their observations to the Senior Manger present in order to assist the manager in making decisions.
• The law enforcement authority should be advised of any decision to remain open. This notice should be given by Security.
• The manager should insure the teller cash is kept to an operating minimum by having tellers continually sell cash to the vault.
• The office manager should continually be observant to a possible conflict and avoid any type confrontation.

 PUBLIC CONTACT LOCATIONS DISPLAYING DISORDERLY CONDUCT (BRANCHES PUBLIC ACCESS AREAS.

If the demonstration becomes disorderly and it becomes difficult or unsafe for employees or customers, the following action should be taken in the order given.

• The Senior Manager present should advise the Security Manager to close the branch.
• Security should notify the local law enforcement agency, the highest ranking Senior Manager, and the Marketing Representative of the branch closing.
• The vault door should be closed and locked with no time on the clocks.
• Security, in conjunction with law enforcement officers, should escort the working personal and customers to a safe location within the building or to their cars depending on the type building and time element.
• The senior employee present should make the announcement to the demonstrators that the building will be closed in five minutes or at a certain time such as __________ o’clock, and that everyone is requested to leave.
• If the demonstrators do not leave by the designated closing time, the senior employee should identity the group leader and instruct the leader that if the group fails to leave within another approximate time period, the law enforcement agency would be requested to arrest the group for trespassing.
• If the group chooses to remain, they should be arrested and a complaint signed by the Security Department.
• If the demonstrators leave the interior of the building, but choose to remain on the property, the same procedure listed above should be followed, as appropriate.

 NOTE:

In multi-tenant buildings in which the banking office  is a tenant, the building owner should be required to make any decision outside of the bank’s leased space.

If the building is a non-public contact processing center environment, such as a bank operation center, demonstrators should not be allowed to remain on the property. The same exit warning procedure listed for the branches should be followed. Employees should be instructed to remain inside the building until all demonstrators have left.

ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE IN CIVIL DISTURBANCES AND PUBLIC PROTEST

• Lock exterior doors and station employees at them to admit selected people.
• Close all drapes to lessen danger of flying glass.
• Shut off unnecessary motors, such as air and heating.
• Turn off utilities.
• Shut off elevators  and/or lock stairwells.
• Draw emergency water supply into available containers.
• Remove from plain view any object which could be hazardous or which could be used as a missile.

NOTE:

Never make any statement to news media.

  Always Remember!

Since these type demonstrations are unpredictable and can develop rather rapidly with little prior warning, always be prepared. Regular refresher training is of the utmost import ants.

This author always stands ready to assist in any type security/safety policy drafting or  training material. such as  “Power Point presentations”.

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Although it is the duty of the government to try and prevent terrorism, but the citizens of a country can also contribute. A little alacrity on their part can do a lot in preventing terrorism. Mindfulness is a relaxed state of alertness.  When one is mindful, one can communicate and become aware of their intuitions. Intuitions and interpretation of body language of another person can help sense unusual and suspicious behavior. Anything out of the ordinary or usual can be detected if one is mindful of their surroundings.

A person should never neglect or be hesitant towards reporting any sort of suspicious activity to the police. This neglect can lead to many undesirable activities and outcome. The citizen is the biggest weapon of a government to fight and resist terrorism. They have the potential to foil any planned terrorist activities. They should not neglect any activity even if it appears only a bit unusual. They should report everything to the police so that the police becomes aware and takes necessary steps to prevent any untoward incident. A little awareness and mindfulness of the citizen can save a thousand lives.

Some of the activities that the citizens should be aware of  and immediately report are as follows:

When an unknown person parks his vehicle for a long duration of time in a congested and busy area.

When a person is caught looking into cars and vehicles.

An unusual number of vehicles coming to a house or apartment suddenly.

Buildings or houses where a lot of security measures which seem to be unusual have been taken

Buildings and houses whose owners are almost apparent and where the daily house activities are not carried out are a matter to be concerned of.

Strange noises and odors coming from any building.

Any individual seems to be in the look out of something desperately.

Any individual taking snaps and videos of unusual areas.

Sudden unusual death of pets, birds and other animals can be a sign for release of toxic chemicals in the area.

An unattended baggage/ Tiffin box/ or any other belonging that is lying for long time in an area.

So, we see that if the citizens instead of panicking become aware and alert terrorism can be fought.

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Disgruntled people with unfulfilled desires resort to terrorism. Other causes leading to terrorist activities may be due to frustration or oppression of the weaker part of the society resulting in protest to fight for freedom. But whatever may be the cause, the loss of innocent lives and property makes it a totally inacceptable and a barbarian act. Emergence of terrorism can also be due to religious fanaticism, or establishment of new government pattern.

Terrorism now has become a daily ordeal and an international phenomenon. It has become a pain in the butt for people all over the world. Most of the countries are suffering from repetitive terrorist activities and are combating against terrorism. Of late, Al-Qaida has become the most feared terrorist outfit and many countries especially US and India are suffering of their daily attacks. Sri Lanka is combating with L.T.T.E. while the African nations are suffering from the terrorist acts of oppressing government or greed of ivory, diamonds etc has led to the illegal use of power and arms over the weaker society.

The most catastrophic terror attack was the 9/11 2001 attack where a series of hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon , Arlington, Virginia resulting in the death of about 3000. This event, brainchild of the most infamous Osama Bin Laden of Al-Qaeda group shook the entire world. The United States is still wreathing under the pain of the huge loss even though after the long wait of about a decade, Laden was killed recently.

Other infamous terrorist activities include 26/11 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai where the terrorists bombed Hotel Taj, Oberoi Trident and Nariman House along with attacks in Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Leopold Café. The NSG commandos and Black Cats killed the terrorists while Ajmal Kasab was the lone terrorist caught alive.

Some other attacks include :

1. April 19, 1995 Oklahoma City bombing
2. 1998 US Embassy Bombing
3. 2002 Bali bombing
4. March 11, 2004 Madrid train bombing
5. 2006 Sadr City bombing in Iraq
6. 18 April, 2007 Baghdad bombing
7. 2007 Karachi Bombing
8. July 1, 2005 London bombing
9. March 12, 1993 Mumbai bombing

Use of violence pays dividends easily so use of arms is favored above peaceful methods. Politicians also take resort to terrorist acts on the weaker society to get more votes. Terrorist acts aren’t confined to any particular area. It’s a global problem and all the countries need to join hands to eradicate this menace.

Diagnosis of all the root causes of terrorist acts appears to be the only remedy left to be taken as use of violence to fight violence can’t be a permanent solution. In case there’s a genuine reason of outburst due to oppression conceding to the demand can be a better option for the welfare of the common people. Although if the terrorist act is based on immoral or totally unacceptable reasons conceding to the demands can’t be an option.

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Schools must have multiple exits leading to various sides of the building. In case one side is blocked, there will be other choices in going out. A bench mark time for evacuation from the building is to be recorded under normal conditions. During this time the flow of students through the building is found out.

Evacuation can be necessary before, after or during a disaster. The evacuation plan includes the following features: detection of the problem area, decision, alarms, control reaction of people, movement of the crowd to safety and then transportation.

Emergencies can be various like fires and terrorist activity like a bomb threat, or natural calamities like a hurricane, flood and even a volcanic eruption, or nuclear and industrial accidents. Basically there is one evacuation plan but there must be strategies for handling different situations.

Quickly a decision has to be taken regarding the routes that are safe and the people who are to be approached for help. Alarms are important in any emergency because it alerts the whole crowd of people together. Alarms can be auditory or visual. Alarms can also warn the local authorities.

As soon as the scare or threat reaches every one the first reaction is panic and fear. But in-charges are to be trained how to handle a crowd. Children can be tough to handle at times of emergency but the right words and the right instructions can make it easy to handle them.

During an evacuation, the children are to be led to proper exits away from danger, into safer refuges. There should be proper markings to show the way to the doors. In case of fire, smoke can obstruct vision. So there must be instruction and arrows at the bottom level on the walls too. They must be bright and easy to spot.

It is the responsibility of the school to hand over the children to the respective parents in safety. So give clear instruction to parents as to where to collect the children. If transporting the children is the schools responsibility, then the children have to be guided to the vehicles.

The most important part of the evacuation plan is the execution of the plans properly. The school must train its staff and teachers beforehand how to deal in case there is an emergency in school. Also the emergency communication systems like the radio or the phones should be always checked and functional. Do remember to test your evacuation plan beforehand and find out how effective it is.

Well established evacuation plans hasten the process of evacuation and thus can save more and more individuals. Evacuation plans give specific instructions that help to deal with panic stricken people and also helps in restoring normalcy after the crisis is over.

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Suspicious activities

Your first tool of defense is to be always alert of suspicious activities or characters. Look for something that seems to be out of place. The following are some of the things which you need to look out for:

• Persons in buildings or locations who do not seem to have any business there.
• Persons who seem to be surveying a place such as a building or entrances.
• Unlawful persons wandering in areas that have been marked as restricted or highly classified areas of an office or building.
• Strangers who are taking photographs or recording videos of a critical facility such as a power plant.
• Individuals who seem to be too inquisitive about the security of a place or detailed information that may seem irrelevant to a normal passerby.
• Persons who are wearing attires that seems to contrast the weather, for example, putting on a heavy court in hot summer weather.
• Abandoned packages, bags, suitcases or items that seem quite unusual in a high traffic area.
• Persons attempting to gain entry to utility areas such as information systems, water, petroleum or power plant.

Be watchful to:

The following are some of the things which you need to be watchful for:

• Dumped automobiles.
• Automobiles packed next to a public building when it’s not supposed to be parked there.
• Unanticipated delivery trucks
• Unusual vehicles parked for extended periods.
• Vehicles that seem to be carrying dubious materials.
• Automobiles being parked at after business hours.
• Affluences spilling from automobiles parked near a building or public parking lot.

Building security

The following are security safety tips that you need to observe so as to ensure your building or office security:

• It is important that you account for all the keys used in the building. In addition, if there are lost keys, you need to report this immediately to the relevant authorities. Ensure that keys are only given to persons who are authorized to carry keys to various offices.
• All materials used in the office needs to be accounted for and kept in a secure location.
• All deliveries that need to be made ought to be accounted for. Moreover, ensure that all sensitive deliveries are done on time.
• Areas of the office not being used should be secured so that unauthorized persons do not wander in them.

The following are some of the safety recommendations which you need to take into account:

• Be abreast with what is happening in the news.
• Help neighbors who may be in need of assistance.

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In the twentieth century, the way that wars were fought changed forever as new weapons of mass destruction came into existence. With the start of the cold war, huge funds were assigned by governments in order to conduct research in this field and come up with cutting edge devices that were capable of wiping out whole cities and towns. Nuclear science made rapid progress with the encouragement provided by the Russian, American and Japanese governments.

The whole world looked on in shock after the disastrous that completely destroyed the great cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The effects of these explosions can be felt in these places till today as babies born here tend to develop certain deformities and abnormalities that are not seen in babies anywhere else on the earth. The effects of a nuclear explosion are not only restricted to the time of the blast but are likely to last for years to come and adversely affect the quality of life of the residents.

After this show of power by the United States of America, there was a start of an arms race throughout the world as all major countries started to invest more and more in nuclear science and weaponry. After the disaster in Japan, many experts condemned the use of nuclear weapons and as a result, the United Nations was formed as a watch dog over all the countries in the world so as to maintain peace and harmony.

A world with nuclear weapons can be a very dangerous place to live in as a single war between two nations can wipe out the whole of humanity along with the planet that gave birth to us. If the power to govern a strong nation that possesses nuclear weaponry goes into the hands of a foolish or despotic leader, everyone living in the world can die out in a matter of a few seconds. Although most countries have fool proof security measures installed around their nuclear weapons, a small mistake or human error can cause widespread destruction that is irreversible.

It is very important to put a stop to the nuclear arms race in order to make this world a safer place. If this is not done in a timely manner, our home planet can become a dangerous place for our descendants and future off-springs. Only if this mad race to outdo each other among super powers is stopped can we preserve the legacy and rich heritage of this earth. If a stop to the nuclear race is not made, it can threaten the very survival of our species.

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Here’s a look at the companies that provide the safety vests, tow bars, belt loaders, and ground surveillance on the tarmac as you dash for your flight

After the 9/11 attacks and other sporadic airport attacks, like the recent one in Russia. These security scares tends to have a huge impact on the airports in questions, for example, a decrease in passengers using the airport and lack of investor confidence. To ensure that customers continue having the kind of faith they once had, airports worldwide have upgraded their security systems which makes sure that nothing is taken to chance. From the passenger to the luggage to the cargo everything is checked to detail. Discussed herein are some of the commonly used airport equipments.

First and foremost is pulselite, safety machinery that is used at the airport traffic control. Unlike traditional visual management systems, pulselite has been specially designed to enable airport traffic control department to have a better visual of all aircrafts within its air space.

Secondly is liquid screening as well as chemical identification systems. These are used screening passengers luggage and cargo on board for narcotics and explosives. Most airport security personnel often find it difficult to deal with issues of narcotics and explosives to date. In giving them a helping hand, these specially designed chemical detection system can identify illegal substances classified as narcotics in ones luggage and cargo. As a result, passengers no longer have to worry about terrorists who find their way into the aircraft with explosive materials. In addition, these systems have greatly reduced cases of narcotic trafficking.

Thirdly, in ensuring that passengers who have mobility issues are well taken care of during an evacuation procedure, most airports have managed to install stairway evacuation machinery which enables such passengers to quickly exit the airport with much as the other passengers.

To ensure that the airport is safe all the time against fire outbreaks, most airports have installed fire fighting equipments virtually in every section of the airport. Fire exit doors are also well placed to ensure that in case of fire, despite the huge traffic at the airport, people can exit safely. Furthering customer confidence in this, are the several fire fighting trucks and rescue ladders at the airport. Some airports have even gone further to install latest fire fighting equipments such as smoke detectors thus ensuring that any slight fire outbreak is dealt with there and there.

Many airports in Europe and America recently experienced unprecedented amount of chaos due to the harsh winter that hit them. Many were the flights that were cancelled due to frozen runways. Nonetheless, to the airports that had de-icing solutions such as aircraft-de-icing chemicals, ground de-icing fluids as well as runway de-icing did not have the kind of chaos that others had. These are specially designed chemical solutions that ensure that aircrafts and the grounds are not frozen during winter.

Before using a particular airport or aircraft you can take time to evaluate their security procedures. Given the level of security threats that most airports experience, they tend to ensure customer confidence by putting all information pertaining to the airport security on their websites. As such you need to take time to read this information before deciding to use the services of a particular airport.

© Cristiano Ronaldo for Security World News, 2011. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
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The International Commission for Radioactive Protection also has few guidelines to be followed for prevention from radioactive emissions. It asks to avoid any unnecessary radiation exposure and to keep exposures do to work as less as you can. One has to keep in mind never to cross the dose limits. Now before beginning your work with the radioactive materials firstly contact the officer related to the radiation department. Follow the procedure that has been approved by the Radiation Department.

Now when you are handling those materials firstly familiarize yourself with the various kinds of radiations emitted by them like alpha, gamma, beta etc. Even find out about the tolerable levels of radiation one can be exposed to over long and short term of time. Keep in mind not to consume any solid or liquid while in contact with radioactive materials. Do not pipette radioactive materials and always make use of a safety device. Use proper shielding materials while being exposed to radiations from radioactive materials. The locations of work should be covered by benchcote. In case of any spilling of radioactive material clean it immediately using paper towels. While working with isotopes always wear gloves made up of polythene. Before and after every experiment check the increase in the level of radioactive emissions so as to spot any aberration. Unpacking of radioactive materials should be done carefully as any leak during its transportation would lead to contamination of its packaging. Spills should be reported to the radioactive commissioner. The area of spillage should be considered and the entire area must be decontaminated immediately.

Radiation Hazards are caused by skin irradiation that is direct. Inhalation of particles depending on their size and radioactivity can cause serious problems. In case of wounds radioactive materials penetrate through them. Always keep the exposure level less than 20mSv annually on an average of 5 years and the effective dose limit is 50mSv in one year. Disposal of radioactive waste should be taken care of else the outside world would be affected. It should meet all the statutory requirements. Radioactive materials with a short life can be disposed off with proper shielding and left for decaying. Do not make use of glass containers like centrifuge tubes as they might break. Do not contaminate clean sites.

Radioactive emissions are very harmful and one working with these materials is susceptible to various diseases and hence has to go for regular check up because even a small flaw in the precautionary steps can cost you your life.

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With holistic security several areas that are security related are combined and put into operation simultaneously. The first area that is applied is security technology including security software to initiate a level of security. This entails the basic security elements from door locks, up to computer security software to control access to a network. In addition to the basics, it also entails the application of basic security procedures.

Ultimately, adding people to the holistic security program is another vital part in a successful holistic security program. An important feature is to obtain feedback and to identify security risks. Because people think and have different approaches it is paramount to request people to assist in devising more effective and better security practices and policies.

As mentioned before, the purpose of holistic security is for each component to enhance each other and to work together as one system. Many times it do happen with a holistic approach that layers and layers of security is applied which might cause disconnected parts or certain parts interfering with each other. Therefore it is important to keep the system as basic and simple as possible. This has the advantage that all systems work optimally and can interrelate effectively.

Holistic security can be as simple as supplying two security guards on a construction site with two way radios. Each guard needs to do duty at a different gate. If they are not able to communicate with each other they can not work together towards a similar goal successfully. With the two way radios, the holistic security factor, they can still do their work as individuals but also reduce security risks in cooperation.

All holistic security approaches are not all that simple as the given example. However, professional holistic security plans can involve consultations with security specialists, or the management of the security department of a company.

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Wireless intercom systems installs in minutes and can be working as soon as you provide it with sufficient power, may it be batteries or DC power.  However, along the convenience the risk of interference is also present. It is possible that other wireless devices close to the intercom can cause interferences such as a wireless data network, a cordless phone, or electrical motors can cause disturbances.

An alternative risk is that other persons can pick up your conversations via a baby monitor, a scanner, cordless phone or any other comparable equipment that operates on the same frequency. Fortunately, there are wireless intercom systems that can reduce or completely eliminate these problems.

In the US there are a number of frequencies especially for the use of wireless products and systems. The most common frequencies are 49MHz, MURS 150 MHz, and FM between 200KHz up to 270KHz, 2,4Ghz, 5,8GHz, and 900MHz. Alternatively you can make use of Power Line Carrier units that make use of the current electrical house wiring to transfer signals to and from wireless appliances.

Normally low end wireless products such as baby monitors, and conventional cordless phones still use the 49MHz frequency. It is a short range and communication is not secure. This is also the most likely frequency that will pick up disturbances from other devices. No wireless intercom systems make use of this band.  

It is possible to find a wireless intercom that makes use of the FM band. However, this is not a popular choice amongst consumers because optimum functionality depends on the number of other electrical appliances is used close to the system and it is highly likely that you will experience interferences. Conversations are also not secure.

North America, Israel, and Australia are the only countries using the 900MHz frequency. Previously wireless intercom systems making use of the 900MHz band applied analog technology. This was very risky because anyone that carried an appliance with the same band could listen to your communication. Fortunately today a number of 900MHz wireless products make use of digital spread spectrum transmission that transmit the signal over a different number of frequencies to ensure privacy.

Although there are not many wireless intercom systems using the 2,4MHz band, it is available all over the world. It is mostly used by wireless video intercom systems. The hindrance about the 2,4MHz systems is that this frequency is also used by wireless data networks which ultimately mean that you are likely to experience interference from there.  One way to try to solve this problem is to change the channels of the wireless data router, which likely will solve the problem.

A wireless intercom system can be a convenient way to communicate throughout your house or business. It can also help you keep a certain level of security over your family

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Border Control Security introduced in US in the year 1924 as US Border Patrol. Ever since, they are doing their best to prevent unauthorized aliens from entering the company. Now the Border Security has become a part of DHS (Department of Homeland Security). Degree of Strictness of Border security varies from country to country. Most of the countries are concerned with the peoples coming in and out to the country. Some places it’s all about the luggage. In such countries the border security is meant to control the flow of illegal materials into the country.

Border Security is done by Border patrol agents. They are highly trained and will work in all terrain and weather irrespective of time. They also have to face serious encounters with drug dealers and terrorists. They also have to monitor the flow of animals and goods in to the country. The illegal immigrants will travel as a bunch and some of the groups are so violent they will even fire at the officers. The officers have to at their toe all the time.

Over the past years the border patrolling has dramatically change. They are of more significance than ever. They make routine patrol along the border to ensure everything is going normal. They will check all the vehicles entering the country. They also offer intelligence about the development in the border.

The Border Control Security also makes use of modern technology as it’s impossible to monitor the entire border manually. They make use of some of the most advanced surveillance equipment available. They also make use of some old tools also. Now a day Border Control Security has became very important for the safety of the country and the government is willing to spend a lot of money to develop the Border security.

There are check points employed in all the borders to make the task easier for the Border Control Security. Checkpoint is a monitoring gateway between two states or country. The travelers and good have to pass through these checkpoints to enter other country or state. Every vehicle and goods passing through these gateways are carefully monitored by security staffs. If anything doubtful happens, they can take that vehicle or person in custody for clarification. This help to control the flow of illegal stuffs into the country to a large extent.

It’s clear that Border Control Security is a play vital role in the security of country. They are working day in and day out without tiring to keep their countries safe and secure. One has to admit without Border Control Security their country won’t remain as safe as now.

Most of us don't think twice about answering our door to visitors and guests who come knocking or ringing our doorbells, but the truth is we live in a time when unwanted intruders are increasingly gaining access to homes and businesses through the structure's most obvious entryway—the front door. Indeed, peepholes and chain-locks allow you to see who's visiting at your door, but there's no denying the inefficacy of a peephole during dark nighttime hours, and the risks involved with a chain-lock if you're confronted with a figure you simply don't want at your door.

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Terrorism is an indirect result of deprivation, humiliation or a sense of injustice. Most people who are recruited by terrorist organizations prey on such people who may have a history of any incident in their lives bordering around these three emotions. If someone is forced to go through any kind of trauma at the hands of the ruling government or the state in general, it becomes very easy to manipulate their mindset and convert them into killing machines of the future. Most terrorist organizations can be traced back to areas where there is no democratic or fair rule and the necessities of life are hard to come by.

Terrorists are fuelled by the desire to avenge a seemingly wrongful act that may have been committed against them. They start viewing the rest of the world as their enemy and anything signifying prosperity and richness is the first to be targeted. This is why the western world finds itself at the receiving end of most terrorism related violence. The western world is viewed as a symbol of progress and development and most Muslim countries where the power and wealth lies in the hands of a select few find themselves lacking in terms of quality of life significantly.

Another emotion that takes over the mind of terrorists and does not allow them to differentiate between right and wrong is religious brainwashing. The religion of Islam and the teachings in the Quran have been manipulated to the whims and fancies of the terrorists and interpreted as asking them to fight a religious war on behalf of their fellow brothers. There is a perceived threat to their religion and this sense of injustice fuels the fervent desire to continue on the path of violence and destruction. Any feelings of empathy are rooted out when one develops a single track mind and merely focuses on achieving religious freedom from seemingly threatening practices of the western civilization. Preservation of their culture is given as one of the main reasons for disliking foreigners and regarding them with a sense of suspicion.

There are multiple reasons that can be found to explain the actions of terrorists and only once they are understood by the authorities can a method be adopted to root out this evil from the world and make the society a civilized place to live in. When traditional ways like fighting violence with violence don’t seem to work that well, tackling this problem by comprehending its nature is the best way to conquer it.

© Shipali Sharma for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
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The reason why women fail to get caught in the security system is just because the terrorists exploit the vulnerabilities of the government. Being women, they are subject to a lesser extent of searching for it might be termed indecent or sexually harassing in nature. Moreover, being women, they can keep their body parts more covered. Islam directs its women to keep themselves covered from head to toe, making detection of explosives attached in vests to their bodies seemingly impossible. Also being women in nature, the natural psychology of all to not to associate women with such heinous activities.

Female suicide bombers have been active since a long time. Associations like Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) have actively used women as part of their revolution. Rajiv Gandhi who was the seventh prime minister of India was also assassinated by a female suicide bomber whose name was Thenmozhi Rajaratnam, also known as Dhanu, a female suicide bomber of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the year 1990. Since Chechnya was attacked by Russia, female suicide bombers have been responsible for a major part of such attacks. Most recently there was an incident at Moscow subway stations in the year 2010 in the month of March. It was also carried out by two female suicide bombers.

Now the reasons why suicide bombing has been chosen as a path for spreading terror has been numerous. It is a basically very simple to plan out a suicide bombing since there are no other plans for operation of rescue or safety. Since the bombs are implanted on humans, they can move about in possible sites where human population is more and therefore can cause potential damage to both life and property. Causing such massive damage, they have maximum impact on media as well as the general public. They are extremely useful for curbing political motions. Last but not the least, they don’t have the fear of being caught and interrogated since death is certain. The reason why most terrorist groups use women is because they provide the element of surprise while causing maximum impact thus they have a much higher impression of tactical advantage.

The reasons why some women choose this path have not been clearly identified. The only thing which is common with their male counterparts is that they are young. Other than that they are of a very diverse nature making them hard to detect. Most of them have lost a loved one to the opposition that is to the government and they mostly want to avenge their death. These suicide bombings have a certain religious tone to them. The people who recruit them generally take advantage of their helplessness and gullibility while giving them the assurance that they would die like martyrs.

© Cristiano Ronaldo for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
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The data collection is taking place at Indianapolis International Airport’s pre-security Civic Plaza and is expected to provide critical insights into real-world operational requirements, such as human interaction and ease-of-use.  Morpho Detection’s latest-technology shoe scanning device (SSD) is designed to detect shoe-borne threats, allowing air travelers to be screened at security checkpoints without the need to remove their shoes.

“We’re excited to take this important next step towards the acceptance and adoption of advanced shoe screening technology,” said Dennis Cooke, president and CEO, Morpho Detection, Inc.  “There is a growing global demand for a convenient and effective shoe scanning option, and we’re pleased to offer Indianapolis travelers the opportunity to be part of the final development of this solution.”

Morpho Detection’s SSD technology can detect a wide range of explosives and metal shoe-borne threats using multiple integrated technologies, including Ion Trap Mobility Spectroscopy, Quadrupole Resonance and active metal weapons detection.  Designed for high-volume and throughput, the ShoeScanner provides a convenient, quick and effective scan for metal and explosives not only in shoes, but also on the lower leg.

“The Indianapolis data collection will take us one step closer to the checkpoint of the future – armed with real-world data, we are confident we can deliver highly effective shoe scanners that provide a fast, convenient solution for air travelers,” said John C. Hill, chief technology officer, Morpho Detection, Inc.

© Annie Blanco for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
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According to an IBM press release, MPD is now able to evaluate incident patterns throughout the city and forecast criminal “hot spots” to proactively allocate resources and deploy personnel, resulting in improved force effectiveness and increased public safety.

The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program mirrored what the city of Memphis was seeing on the municipal level: crime, noticeably violent crime, was on the rise.  Aware that traditional policing approaches were becoming less effective, MPD created Blue CRUSH(TM), or Criminal Reduction Utilizing Statistical History, an innovative, evidence-based approach using IBM predictive analytics software, built in partnership with the University of Memphis’ Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

IBM predictive analytics software compiles volumes of crime records in seconds, including incoming data sources from patrols, pertaining to type of criminal offense, time of day, day of week or various victim/offender characteristics.  MPD can now better guide daily decisions that address criminal activity and place officers in a better strategic position to respond to an unfolding crime.  For instance, in January 2010, targeted police operations in Memphis’ Hollywood-Springdale neighborhood resulted in more than 50 arrests of drug dealers; and, the area has witnessed a 36.8 percent reduction in crime.

“As crime becomes more sophisticated, law enforcement must become even smarter by adopting advanced crime prevention tactics made possible with IBM predictive analytics software.  The MPD now has the invaluable insight all of our staff can use — from the commanders to the patrolling officers — to specifically focus investigative and patrol resources with the goal of preventing crime and making our neighborhoods safer,” said Colonel James Harvey, commander, Ridgeway Station, at MPD.

Blue CRUSH uses IBM SPSS predictive analytics software to analyze past and present information and create multi-layer maps of crime “hot spots” based on various arrests and incidents.  MPD is able to evaluate incident patterns throughout the city and connect the dots — such as outside of concert venues; or crime trends, such as increased car burglary on rainy nights.  The software enables Blue CRUSH to analyze an array of data in areas as wide as the city’s entire nine precincts or narrowed down to a single block.

Blue CRUSH has greatly expanded over the years and now works in tandem with MPD’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), a $3 million state-of-the-art crime monitoring and analysis hub that opened in June 2008. This unique approach to fighting crime earned IBM and Memphis Police Department a 2010 Technology ROI Award from independent analyst firm Nucleus Research.  MPD recorded an 863 percent ROI in just 2.7 months, an average annual benefit of $7,205,501.

“The Memphis Police Department is changing the face of law enforcement.  By analyzing past criminal behavior patterns and then mapping their anticipated future occurrence, police departments are able to deliver critical real-time information to the field, allowing for appropriate deployment of forces,” said Anne Altman, general manager, Public Sector, IBM.

Photo – NewsOXY

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