MSS Security | Protection. Passion. Peace of Mind.



IDENTIFYING THREATS IN THE WORKPLACE

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

Identifying and assessing suspicious objects or activity

Identifying suspicious activity is not an exact science. Identifying suspicious behaviour is a matter of context. Make an informed assessment of suspicious activity or behaviour based on:

• the environment

• experience

• judgment

• common sense.

The suspicion of a threat may be confirmed with only one incident or it could take a series of observations. Consider these behavioural signals:

• continuous scanning of an area

• unusual perspiration

• heavy breathing

• fidgeting

• rubbing hands

• pacing

• clock watching

• exaggerated yawning

• Avoiding security/uniformed officers.

It is not possible to identify a potential assailant on the basis of appearance, nationality or language. However there are behaviour clues staff can look out for when identifying potential preparatory actions for terrorism or criminal activity:

• unusual video recording or photography

• working in groups

• taking notes/drawing diagrams

• taking measurements (pacing steps out)

• avoiding eye contact

• asking about security/operations

• revisiting the same location

• observing but not using a public transport system

• immediately fleeing the area when noticed

• boundary probing

• weak cover story if questioned.

Report suspicious activities or behaviour to the National Security Hotline on 1800 1234 00 as soon as practical, however if it warrants an immediate response contact the police instead.

IDENTIFYING SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES

What to look out for

They can be any shape or size, ranging from small envelopes to backpack-sized devices to large items such as motor vehicles.

Look at the location of the item left behind. Eg is there a vehicle located in the loading dock that should not be there. Should the item be there?

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Any item left unattended should be treated as a suspicious package and dealt with accordingly. Refer site specific instructions.

General Instructions to remember if you come across a suspicious item/activity would be :-

• Ask patrons in immediate area if they know or own the package

• If no one can be identified then package is to be treated as suspicious

• Use CCTV where available to assist with determination of origin of package

If no owner can be located then the following occurs:-

• Area to be secured

• Patrons evacuated from area

• Emergency services, Facility Manager and onsite Security to be advised

• Under no circumstances is the package to be removed and relocated to any other area. Exception would be where package can be readily identified as a lost item (purse left on shop counter)

• Once police arrive following instructions as directed

• Post incident – Debrief held as per critical Incidents procedure

Besides having a general idea of what you’d do in an active shooter situation, another thing you must do to increase your chances of surviving is constantly maintaining situational awareness whilst working on your shifts. This will assist you in going home safe at the end of the day

This alert has been issued following recent events in Queensland where items such as wheelie bin, document folder and a bag have been left unattended in locations that are security sensitive. Whilst all items may appear (every day) it was their location which made them suspicious.

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SAFETY ALERT

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MSS Security Integrity | Teamwork | Attitude | Performance | Passion

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