Martyn’s Law Update and the Impact on the Security Industry
In response to the Manchester Arena attack, Figen Murray, the mother of victim Martyn Hett, recently walked 200 miles to spread awareness for Martyn’s Law, which is legislation that calls for tightened security protocols to prevent further terrorist acts at public spaces and venues.
While this legislation could have a major impact on how security professionals create and execute plans for public venues, Martyn’s Law honors the memory of the lives that were taken at the bombing. For Murray, this is a tribute to those lives and a promise that the government is doing everything it can to stop future acts of terrorism.
On the seventh anniversary of her son’s death, Murray completed her protest walk and delivered a letter to the prime minister urging Parliament to complete legislation for Martyn’s Law. If passed, the legislation could increase requirements for security professionals and relevant businesses responsible for public safety at events and venues in the United Kingdom.
Then House of Commons Labour leader and current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was quoted by BBC News stating, “She’s campaigning for Martyn’s Law which we must make a reality as soon as possible.” Starmer met with Murray and her husband. It has been reported that the Home Office is in the final stages of drafting the new law.
Event security and public safety
Also known as the Protect Duty or the Terrorism Protection of Premises Bill, this legislation introduces training requirements and a legal duty for protective plans to be in place to prevent terrorist attacks. Requirements would be in place for standard tier premises, a classification used to describe places with a 100-799 person capacity. There would be an enhanced tier classification for venues with a capacity of over 800.
In addition to following a tiered model, security professionals protecting these venues would have to undertake training measures. Information sharing and the completion of a preparedness plan would also be required. Evacuation and lock-in strategies would also have to be put into place.
A Martyn’s Law regulator could be appointed to monitor compliance and perform advisory duties on the premises. These duties would remain within the scope of the legislation. Once selected, the regulator would have tools to address issues of non-compliance, which may include investigatory powers and monetary sanctions.
Failures in response to the crisis were detected on the night of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. The bomber took 22 lives and left many others seriously injured. To meet the new levels of compliance and prevent inadequacies, enhanced training and communication methods might also be required. The security industry might also be tasked with additional responsibilities in terms of coverage. The bar could also be raised in terms of guard experience.
The efforts to increase industry standards are also in tune with an increased demand for guards in the UK, which is expected to continue to rise over the next few years due to more crime and major national events, such as Martyn’s Law, according to an IBIS report.
Achieving security compliance with integrated software
Security contractors tasked with meeting the increased governmental standards and compliance concerns can utilize integrated software tools made specifically for industry professionals. These software tools can improve security response time for reported issues, aid with communication and help mitigate hazards.
Increased visibility
To increase visibility and better monitor distributed workers, contractors may utilize near-field communication (NFC) tags, QR codes or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. Managers can better ensure safety by monitoring where guards are located at all times. Additionally, tracking technology provides a record of where guards were located at specific times.
Proof of service
Proof of service supports guards concerned with compliance. It provides security companies with evidence that workers met governmental and contractual standards. Specifically, contractors can access data that shows which processes were taken, timelines followed and equipment used.
Security companies have used this resource to protect themselves against liability. Proof of service can establish that guards perform specific tasks and respond to threats in the appropriate manner.
Hiring and retention
Guard companies responsible for attracting and hiring highly qualified guards with experience can utilize applicant tracking software designed to aid employers in traditionally high turnover industries, such as security. Employers can use guards to generate more applicants and better screen for fit. Additionally, the hiring software is designed to automate processes. Automating steps can help ensure that qualified applicants are found efficiently while reducing application errors.
Venue security and TEAM Software
Professionals tasked with the responsibility of ensuring safety and public venues can take advantage of TEAM Software. It offers products and features to support industry professionals in preventing terrorist threats. For more information on our tools, schedule a time to speak with one of our experts.