NCJ Number
221447
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 55 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2007 Pages: 14,16,19
Date Published
December 2007
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes Project Argus, an initiative designed by the United Kingdom's National Counter Terrorist Security Office in order to prepare town-center managers and retail businesses for a terrorist incident.
Abstract
Project Argus helps business people prepare for the prevention of and a response to a terrorist attack in the vicinity of their business location by taking them through a probable scenario and guiding them in the development of plans for preventing and responding to a terrorist suicide bombing near their business. On the day of the presentation, approximately 50 business representatives recruited through program advertisements, meet with counterterrorism specialists. A film showing a typical retail and leisure environment is presented, with people engaged in the typical activities of shopping, eating, and enjoying themselves. Suddenly, there are explosions, followed by people running and screaming. A number of questions are then projected on the screen, and participants are asked for their responses. At the end of this session, participants should be able to identify the four vital parts of the business that might be affected by a terrorist attack (people, buildings, customers, and suppliers); identify what can be done to reduce the negative impact on those affected; assess how the aftermath of an attack might impact commercial activity in the city; and identify those who can assist in the recovery process. The session then moves toward prevention measures. It focuses on alertness to preattack reconnaissance by terrorists prior to an attack, with attention to recognizing and reporting suspicious activity to the authorities. Finally, the presenter encourages the participants to present to their organizations the issues raised in the sessions, so that positive changes can occur in counterterrorist planning by town-center businesses.