Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty)
Martyn’s Law, also known as the Protect Duty, is a proposed UK legislation focused on enhancing public safety by mandating that businesses and organisations take proactive steps to protect the public from the threat of terrorism. The law aims to ensure that public spaces are equipped with the necessary counter-terrorism measures to prevent and respond to potential attacks. By enforcing consistent security standards across venues and public spaces, Martyn’s Law seeks to create a safer environment for everyone.
Businesses and organisations that will be affected by Martyn’s Law should begin preparing now by conducting risk assessments, implementing security measures, and arranging for staff training to ensure compliance once the law is active.
This piece of legislation is not yet enacted. The below process is believed to meet the legislative requirements onceit has been published.
Based on the risk assessment, businesses are required to put in place proportional security measures. These might include physical barriers, controlled access points, and surveillance systems to detect and deter potential threats. Businesses should also establish procedures for emergency response, such as evacuation plans and lockdown protocols.
Businesses must work closely with local law enforcement and counter-terrorism agencies. This collaboration ensures that there is a coordinated response to any threats and that businesses receive timely advice and support in the event of an emergency.
Businesses must assess the vulnerability of their venues to terrorist attacks. This involves evaluating the location, size, and nature of the venue or event, as well as considering the current threat level. The goal is to identify potential risks and determine the appropriate counter-terrorism measures needed to mitigate them.
All employees, especially those interacting with the public, must receive training in counter-terrorism awareness and emergency response. This training will enable staff to recognise suspicious behaviour, understand the importance of reporting concerns, and know how to act during a security incident.
To maintain a high level of security, businesses must regularly review and update their counter-terrorism measures and risk assessments. This continuous improvement ensures that businesses remain vigilant and responsive to evolving threats.
TRAINING FOR MARTYN’S LAW COMPLIANCE
To meet the requirements of Martyn’s Law, businesses will need to ensure that their staff are well-trained in counter-terrorism awareness and emergency response. Several specialised training courses are available to help businesses comply with the law:
COUNTER-TERRORISM
AWARENESS TRAINING
This course introduces staff to the current terrorism threat landscape, helping them understand the importance of vigilance and how to identify suspicious activities or items. Participants will learn the basics of what to do in different types of incidents, such as bomb threats or active shooter situations.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING
This course focuses on preparing businesses for potential terrorist incidents. It covers the development and implementation of comprehensive emergency response plans, including evacuation procedures, lockdown strategies, and communication plans during a crisis.
ONGOING REFRESHER COURSES
Given the constantly evolving nature of terrorism threats, ongoing refresher courses are essential. These courses help keep staff up-to-date with the latest counter-terrorism practices and ensure that businesses continue to comply with Martyn’s Law.
SPECIALISED COUNTER-
TERRORISM TRAINING
This training is delivered by counter-terrorism experts and focuses on specific tactics used by terrorists and how businesses can counter these threats. It includes modules on threat detection, crowd management, and protecting vulnerable areas of a venue.
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
AND CRISIS RESPONSE
Aimed at management and security teams, this advanced course covers the steps to take during a terrorist incident, including coordinating with emergency services and managing the aftermath of an attack. The training often includes simulations and role-playing exercises to ensure readiness.
These training courses are crucial for businesses not only to comply with Martyn’s Law but also to genuinely enhance their counter-terrorism capabilities, protecting both the public and their staff from potential threats.