Why HVM performance matters: quick and easy isn’t always best

As a specialist in integrated security and counter terrorism services, we work in a very dynamic sector at SAFECROWDS , with new threats and solutions becoming part of the landscape all the time.

There is rigorous testing and certification in place to ensure that new hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) systems coming to market have met clear performance criteria for protecting against vehicle attacks, and the new ISO 22343-1 standard should help to simplify certification, making the capabilities and limitations of each system even clearer.

But certification alone does not mean that an HVM system has been appropriately specified with adequate rigour and due diligence. Far from it. It is vital to consider the detail of the certification, and to understand the nature of the threat, vulnerability and risk for each individual location, venue or event so that people are genuinely protected should the worst happen. As a proud PSSA - Perimeter Security Suppliers Association member, we are committed to those principles at SAFECROWDS , and with our new Head of Counter Terrorism and Risk, Jon N BSc (LCGI) , now leading our strategy on HVM selection, here are our thoughts on ensuring an installation is fit for purpose.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is an important part of the HVM specification process and our team, led now by Jonathan, carries out Threat Vulnerability and Risk Assessments (TVRA) and Vehicle Dynamics Assessments (VDA) to ensure that we can advise clients on an appropriate solution aligned to the specific, identified risk for the location, event or venue.

The VDA provides an understanding of the potential velocity of an impacting vehicle should an attack take place, taking into account the potential size and speed of the vehicle, the trajectory, length of approach etc. The HVM equipment should always be aligned to this assessment, and HVM equipment that has not been certified to protect against the potential speed and size of all vehicles that could pose a threat should not be specified.

We know that budgets have to be a consideration and that operational practicalities must also be factored into decision making, but signing off a specification simply because the price is right and it’s quick and easy to deploy does not genuinely protect people. And if you are not genuinely going to protect people, why bother with HVM at all?

Specification

There is no one-size-fits all when it comes to HVM, because every site is different, but there are certain factors that make some tried and tested, certified systems stand out. For example, our ARX Stopper! HVM system from ARX Security offers the convenience of a pedestrian permeable system, with robust performance, speed of installation and the potential for branded covers. Meanwhile our RB50 system from Highway Care Security can be wheeled into place in seconds, and, once in-situ cannot be pushed aside in any direction unless or until a technician re-engages the wheels.

We are confident in specifying both of these temporary HVM systems for deployments as diverse as Zone Ex match day security and public realm events and parades. As new products come to market, we are open-minded about adding temporary, semi-permanent and permanent HVM systems to our portfolio, but we evaluate them against a number of criteria, which includes:

·       Testing and certification – has the system been independently tested and certified to a performance level that meets the criteria advised by the VDA and the specific needs of the location or event?

·       Tamper resistance – can the system be tampered with during the deployment? For example, could it be moved or re-oriented by an untrained individual or without the use of a special tool?

·       Protective array – how will the system be used to protect the location?

·      Speed and ease of use – what is the required deployment period, and how far can speed and ease of use be allowed to outweigh safety?

 An integrated approach

At SAFECROWDS, we work closely with clients to understand all their counter terrorism and security requirements aligned to risk, which is why our TVRAs look beyond vehicle attack related risks to consider threats such as online reconnaissance and IEDs. By providing a complete service - from risk assessment and HVM, through to K9 expo and pyro detection, spectator safety trained security and stewarding personnel, covert ‘spotters’, and training, we can support our clients to genuinely protect people and places.