Following the publication on 10 January 2022 of the Government’s response to the Protect Duty public consultation[1], which ran from 26 February to 2 July 2021, Axis Communications’ Steven Kenny, Industry Liaison, Architecture and Engineering, examines the assessment:
“Axis welcomes the response from Government and, indeed, from the majority of respondents to the consultation who support tougher security measures to ensure preparedness for and protection from terrorist attacks. It is clear now that the Government intends to take forward legislation to create a culture of security, with a consistency of application and a greater certainty of effect.
Axis is not surprised that no mention is made of the use of security technology directly; Axis maintained from the outset that physical security systems would not be a central requirement of the Protect Duty. Of note, however, were the very strong views expressed regarding the need for accountability, as well as the majority’s view that a threshold of 100 persons or more should determine venues in scope of the Duty.
And it is to these two areas that our physical security technology solutions are best aligned. Technology is a force multiplier which can improve operational efficiency, accelerate decision making and, most importantly, help businesses that cater to larger footfalls demonstrate compliance. While not a substitute for practical due diligence and sound staff training processes, we strongly believe that a combined system of physical and behavioural interventions remains best practice where such an approach is deemed necessary following a risk assessment.
What is critical, above all, is that businesses make the right choices regarding existing set-ups and new projects. Greenfield developments, in particular, would warrant a closer examination of the legislative approach now in progress in order to plan for compliance. While selecting appropriate security tools should not be an onerous process, making the right investments will ensure compliance with the Duty and deliver the highest levels of physical security protection.”
Assets
Axis whitepaper and blog on the Protect Duty:
https://www.emea-comms.axis.com/protect-duty-white-paper
Or to learn more about Axis solutions visit:
https://www.axis.com/en-gb/solutions/stadiums-and-venues
https://www.axis.com/en-gb/solutions/smart-cities
Steven Kenny, Industry Liaison, Architecture & Engineering, Axis Communications Steven Kenny has spent 18 years in the security sector in roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the past eight years Steven has focused his attentions on how security technologies can best support business security strategies, whilst driving the adoption and elevating the importance of cybersecurity and compliance for physical security practitioners. Steven’s current role sees him lead a team of Architect and Engineering managers across the EMEA region whilst supporting various industry associations and standards organisations. Steven currently sits on the EMEA Advisor Council as the emerging technology lead for TiNYg (Global Terrorism Information Network), and on various standards committees to support IoT security, as well as the BSI Private Security Management and Services
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-publishes-protect-duty-consultation-findings
