Search and detection are key components of most security regimes and yet are often poorly executed and not well understood, reports Al Prescott of consultants HZL. From the July print magazine.
In most instances, people supposedly undertaking searches do little more than have a cursory look. To be effective, searches must be planned, systematic and thorough and the searchers must know what they are looking for, how items are hidden and the limitations of equipment.
Search is the management and application of systematic procedures and appropriate detection equipment to locate specified target items. These may include terrorist resources, conventional, improvised and CBRN devices, missing and hiding persons, drugs, stolen goods, contraband, information and evidence. As well as locating hidden, lost, abandoned or discarded items search provides a risk management tool, isolates threats and facilitates safe access to the target, whilst minimising damage and disruption to routine activity, thereby enabling subsequent actions. Search is an active capability whereas detection is passive relying on the response of personnel or equipment to a signature produced by the target item.
To achieve success those undertaking systematic search must also possess a sound knowledge of how people hide items. We all hide and unremarkably we tend to hide things in similar places and no matter how imaginative we are it is highly probable that the same places or techniques will have been used previously. To most of us hiding is about concealing from view, to those with criminal intent hiding may also involve shielding from detection technologies, disguise or disassembly to preclude recognition and normalisation so as not to rouse suspicion.
It would be interesting to see if this will be taken on as a security issue; or as most in the security industry believe it is just a case of having a quick look; so anyone can teach or practice search!
