21 minute read
STADIUM SECURITY
Khalifa International Stadium, one of the 2022 FIFA World Cup stadium with the torch tower in the background
With the Men’s Football World Cup coming up in less than a month, David Stewart takes a look at some of the security challenges faced by the organisers and those responsible for making sure it is a success
SECURITY AT A UNIQUE WORLD CUP
Next month will see what is undoubtedly the most controversial FIFA World Cup ever. Back in 2010 when the announcement was made that the 2022 event would be held in the tiny Gulf State of Qatar, there was uproar from sections of the English press and media. Undoubtedly, the decision from FIFA was unusual as Qatar is not a country with a football pedigree, either internationally or domestically. At that time it had only a single suitable stadium, meaning that at least seven new stadia would need to be constructed. And then there was the timing of the event. World Cups are always held in June/July to avoid clashes with domestic (and other UEFA/FIFA) competitions but, because of the climate in Qatar this would not be possible and so we have the first ever World Cup to be played in the winter, resulting in the rescheduling of football fixtures worldwide.
From a Qatari perspective, they have the kudos of becoming the first Arab country to ever host the World Cup – a significant achievement for a county with an indigenous population of only 300,000 with the remainder of the resident population being foreign workers. There has also been much focus in the press about the welfare of those workers with repeated suggestions of poor treatment and human rights abuses – all of which have been countered strongly by the Qatari government. In addition, the fact that homosexuality is against the law in Qatar, has brought calls from LGBTQ activists for the tournament to be held elsewhere.
LOW CRIMINALITY AND TERRORISM
Notwithstanding debate around individual rights, there is no debate about the fact that Qatar is a nation that enjoys low levels of criminality and terrorism. The Global Peace Index, which considers such criteria as the level of Societal Safety and Security, the extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict and the degree of Militarisation, and the Global E
Terrorism Index see Qatar scoring significantly better than western nations, including the UK and USA.
In fact, the last recorded terror attack on Qatari soil was 2005 when a car bomb exploded outside a theatre in Doha killing a British citizen and wounding 12 other people. The culprit was identified as an Egyptian citizen who had lived in Qatar for 15 years with the motive being the 2003 invasion of Iraq by western forces. Since then, there have been no terror attacks in Qatar and the country has actually played a pivotal role in supporting allied forces in hosting negotiations between the USA and the Taliban in Doha.
SECURITY PLANNING
However, all of this is in the context of ‘normal’ day-to-day life in Qatar and with the eyes of the world truly upon it next month, there is no doubt that the threat level will be significantly increased. Security planning for each of the competition venues, including stadia, training venues, team hotels etc. will all be based on the usual security principles and therefore really should only change with any increased threat.
The biggest challenge will likely be outside of the individual venues and in the public domain of Doha itself. Usually a World Cup event would be spread over geographically remote cities within a country (or countries) and so there would be a limit placed on the number of fans from different teams being co-located. This would normally mean the security operation would need to plan for there being perhaps two, three or four (at most) different nationalities of supporters in any one city. Qatar 2022 however will see fans of no fewer than 32 teams all in relatively close proximity. The furthest distance between the eight stadia is only 55km (34 miles) about the same distance as between Sunderland and Middlesbrough.
1.5 MILLION VISITORS
Organisers estimate that Qatar will see over 1.5 million visitors during the period of the tournament. Accommodation will include hotels, short-term lets of private homes, tented villages (desert camps are a traditional Qatari custom during their winter months) and cruise ships berthed along the coast. In addition, neighbouring countries, such as the UAE, are now selling hotel and flight packages with plans to fly spectators in and out on a daily basis, greatly increasing pressure on air travel and Hamad International Airport. All of these factors place significant demands on security providers and present their own challenges.
Plans are in place to try and encourage fans to remain within fan zones that will be established for them, with entertainment and refreshments available. However, the close proximity of stadia, fan zones and accommodation to each other, and to Doha will undoubtedly lead to the mingling of a multiplicity of nationalities of football fans in Doha itself.
While private security will be heavily involved at venue level, the public domain element will all fall on the authorities, and this will result in challenges for policing and intelligence services. Despite numerous test events over recent years (albeit adversely affected by Covid), added to significant investment in training of police officers, there is little experience in Qatar of the operational policing of such events (and such a fan profile). As with all these international events, there will be an international policing ‘Fusion Centre’ allowing coordination from a public order/fan policing perspective, as well as an Event Intelligence Centre where information will be shared from the international intelligence community regarding more heinous potential crimes.
OUTSIDE HELP
However, even police forces with significant experience in major event policing can be challenged during such events (as evidenced by the Metropolitan Police at the 2021 European Football Championship final at Wembley Stadium) and therefore, it comes as no surprise to see that Qatar has agreed to receive operational support from other countries with significant experience.
It has been reported that Turkey will provide some 3000 ‘riot police’, 40 ‘security advisors’ and search dogs to support their Qatari colleagues. This will obviously need to be managed carefully by Qatar – they will need to overcome language differences (Arabic is only spoken by 1 per cent of the population of Turkey) as well as cultural differences and, more importantly, operational policing differences.
In addition to this, open-source research (all of the following points have been reported in the Doha News – over the past 12 months) also highlights the following headlines; “Morocco to deploy cyber
Al Janoub Stadium is located in the southern city of Al Wakrah, Doha. Al Janoub stadium is one of the eight stadiums being used for the FIFA World Cup 2022
security experts to Doha, as well as ‘thousands’ of police officers”; France providing a BASSALT anti-drone system that helps detect and identify incoming drones and one of its Air Force’s four E-3F Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), which can track hundreds of targets; The UK support will include maritime security from the Royal Navy, and advanced venue search training. The RAF will join forces with the Qatari Emiri Air Force and a joint squadron of Typhoon fighter jets will be used to secure air space; The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) signed collaborative partnership with the Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar (MOI) to identify air passengers linked to terrorism, trafficking, detecting watch-listed travellers, and monitoring potential security risks at Hamad International Airport. The US Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) will also provide support for screening, baggage inspection, insider risk management, and other security-related priorities; NATO confirmed it will help Qatar with security measures including training against threats posed by Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) materials, which will be delivered by Slovakia and NATO’s Joint CBRN Defence Centre of Excellence in the Czech Republic. Turkey subsequently announced that it would also be providing CBRN support to Qatar; Jordan is recruiting former military security experts to be deployed in security roles at the tournament; Switzerland has provided air defence systems, purchased at a cost of $162 million to Qatar; South Korea are providing a number of counter-terrorism police resources; Pakistan is in discussion with Qatar about making troops available to support the security operation.
Most of the threats facing the organisers will be exactly the same as for any major sporting event held anywhere in the world; fan violence, terrorism and criminality (including ticket-touting, fake merchandise, pickpocketing, people trafficking etc.). However, the laws and culture in Qatar, particularly around LGBTQ and human rights issues will also bring the potential for challenges, demonstrations and protests from visiting fans.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol consumption will undoubtedly present a challenge. It has already been announced (despite the fact that main tournament sponsors include those producing alcoholic products) that no alcohol will be permitted inside the stadium bowl, which is a significant departure from normal World Cup and FIFA protocols. Alcohol will be available at the various Fan Zones that are being established, including those inside the stadia cartilage, but those fans partaking will still need to be aware of the fact that being drunk in public remains technically illegal. This fact has recently been reinforced by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in guidance aimed at fans of the English and Welsh teams. The Qatari government has announced a more liberal approach, with the suggestion of training and guidance for police to deal with such issues in a more western context however, there is no doubt that that will be a challenge for the officers of the MOI and we will undoubtedly see any adverse reaction being widely publicised (and criticised) internationally.
The hosts remain hopeful for a trouble-free event with the Foreign Minister of Qatar quoted as saying that the fan experience being delivered in Qatar would ensure that visiting fans focussed on the positives and would act peacefully (Channel News Asia).
There is every possibility that the World Cup will run without a hitch, without violence or disorder and the last thing that Qatar would want to see is any adverse event that affects its reputation. There has certainly been significant investment in the security operation, which is probably more complex and comprehensive than any other World Cup has seen and time will tell whether the optimism of the Qatari government is well-founded. L
Lusail International Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The stadium will host the final game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup
FURTHER INFORMATION https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/ en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/ qatar2022
ANTICIPATION FOR PERIMETER PROTECTION 2023
Anticipation is already strong for the next Perimeter Protection, scheduled for 17-19 January 2023. In 2022, the decision was taken, on account of the pandemic, and in close consultation with exhibitors and partner entities Gütegemeinschaft Metallzauntechnik (Metal Fence Technology Association), Verband für Sicherheitstechnik (German Association for Security Technology, VfS) and UAV DACH (German-speaking Association for Unmanned Aircraft), to defer Perimeter Protection for a year. Plans are now in full swing for the event in January 2023, and 90 per cent of the exhibition area is already booked.
The mood in the sector is excellent, says Hanna Schneider, manager of Perimeter Protection at NürnbergMesse.
“Everyone is looking forward to Perimeter Protection in January 2023. It’s a pity we had to postpone the exhibition in 2022, but the anticipation and the focus on next January are so much greater now. We’re right in the middle of the planning process and are busy arranging the last stand areas. Currently we have almost 130 exhibitors, with a strong international contingent. In addition, nine exhibitors have already registered for the special U.T.SEC exhibition area.”
Trade visitors can look forward to an event that reflects the entire range of products and services for mechanical, electric and electronic security solutions. Rounding out the exhibition is the integration of the U.T.SEC platform, which focuses on the technical, legal and practical opportunities available for the use of drones and other unmanned technologies, and for defence against such systems.
Perimeter Protection 2023 will once again offer an accompanying Trade Forum with high-calibre speakers, presenting practical solutions and offering participants plenty of opportunities for professional knowledge-sharing and discussions with experts for the three days of the event.
The themes of perimeter protection, fencing and building security and unmanned technologies are a firm part of the programme, which is being organized in partnership with the VfS (German Association for Security Technology), UAV DACH (German-speaking Association for Unmanned Aircraft) and CURPAS (Civil Use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems). The presentations will focus on innovative approaches and novel solutions, and will tackle topics of current interest. The Trade Forum will also offer businesses and institutions an opportunity to present their subject-area expertise and products and services to the exhibition and lecture visitors.
The following forum highlights have already been confirmed: The smart gate as part of your security concept; the latest on the standards for doors and gates; status and outlook; drones: Improve your security concept with dynamic systems; and drone detection: Key outcomes from a field test. Because Perimeter Protection will move to the new Halls 1 and 2 in 2023, the supporting programme will also relocate to NCC Mitte.
COLLABORATION ONCE AGAIN WITH NUREMBERG SECURITY CONFERENCE
Perimeter Protection in 2023 will once again include collaboration with the Nuremberg Security Conference. This event, organized by the private security industry, is aimed at business operators and all others with an interest in the theme of security who would like to achieve something either privately or for the industry as a whole. Numerous presentations will cover security topics of current interest. A number of interesting exhibitors from the security sector will round out the event.
REASONS TO VISIT
Perimeter Protection is the only exhibition that presents the latest technologies and developments in electronic and mechanical products and systems for site protection and building security in compact form at one place. Here are 5 good reasons why it pays to visit this highly specialized exhibition in Nuremberg from 17-19 January 2023.
1. Concentration on the growing Perimeter Protection market
Perimeter Protection is the only exhibition that concentrates on the segments of site protection, fencing systems and building security. Architects, security officers and buyers from industry, official agencies, local authorities, building services planners and installers of building security systems meet here for a highly professional exchange of ideas in a friendly atmosphere. You too should update on the new products in 2023 in one of the security sector’s most important growth segments.
2. Practice-orientated exhibition concept
Perimeter Protection was designed in cooperation with leading security associations, such as the Verband für Sicherheitstechnik and the Gütegemeinschaft Metallzauntechnik e.V. This means the product spectrum and supporting programme are tailored 100 per cent to the needs of the security sector. Make sure you don’t miss this important gathering of the sector!
3. Trend exhibition with a fantastic start
The figures for the last event show that the sector has been waiting for an exhibition devoted exclusively to “active and passive site protection”. The sixth edition of Perimeter Protection in 2020 closed with above-average figures. 97 per cent of the visitors were satisfied with the event. So enter the date of your visit in your diary now!
4. Focus on integrated solutions
The need for security and thus investment in alarm systems, video surveillance, access controls, locking systems and fencing systems is growing all over the world. At Perimeter Protection in Nuremberg, architects, buyers, security officers, installers and building services planners obtain a uniquely concentrated market overview of integrated solutions for building security, especially solutions that intelligently combine fencing systems and electronics. Visit Perimeter Protection – the compact trade fair for information in one place!
5. The perfect stage for dialogue and new contacts
You can be sure of making interesting new contacts at Perimeter Protection, because it is the perfect place for intensive communication inside and outside the exhibition areas. The specialist forum offers ample opportunities for exchanging views and the open and friendly atmosphere is ideal for preparing the ground for valuable new business relationships. L If you want to stay up to date before, during and after the trade fair and network with the NürnbergMesse team, you’ll find the event on social media: #perimeterprotection
FURTHER INFORMATION https://www.perimeterprotection.de/en
THE TRUSTED PARTNER IN ANTI-TERRORISM SOLUTIONS
CLD Physical Security Systems talks about their anti-terrorism solutions including fencing and gate systems for areas such as construction sites and crowded spaces at public events
Ensuring sites and areas are impassable to intruders through effective physical security is a cornerstone of counter-terrorism strategy.
As the UK’s largest manufacturer and supplier of rigid mesh fencing and security gates, CLD Physical Security Systems provides innovative and trusted solutions that deliver best-in-class anti-terrorism perimeter protection for both temporary and permanent use.
Products are available for every situation, including high security fencing and access control, as well as hostile vehicle mitigation, together with innovative temporary solutions for protecting sensitive construction sites and crowded spaces at public events.
CLD Physical Security Systems is widely regarded in the security community as providing the gold standard for high security sites - with systems accredited in the Secured By Design Recognised Products for Counter Terrorism list and approved for use in Critical Infrastructure by the CPNI.
With an extensive track record operating in some of the most demanding environments, the business has the knowledge and insight to help security personnel and procurement professionals navigate complex, rapidly changing situations, which can present a variety of challenges to the protection of personnel and facilities.
The company’s expertise in temporary solutions is also called upon to help organisations manage the requirements of Protecting Crowded Places, where those responsible for publicly accessible locations should take appropriate and proportionate measures to protect the public from attacks.
THE ANTI-TERRORISM EXPERTS
With a reputation largely based on word-of-mouth recommendations, CLD Physical Security Systems’ experts offer guidance to the best possible security fencing and gate systems, bringing international experience, backed up by local level intelligence and service delivery on the ground that is second to none.
CLD’s dedicated, in-house team includes security experts, research and development specialists, CAD Designers, Structural Engineers, technical representatives and manufacturing professionals, with the vision and insight to constantly deliver the innovative solutions clients need.
With many decades of combined experience, this dynamic team offers a 360-degree view of clients’ requirements, combined with defined processes, procedures and efficiencies in place to deliver a world-leading offer that ensures the company retains its position at the forefront of industry.
CLD Physical Security Systems’ customers value the company’s discreet, confidential and considered advice.
And, as trusted advisors, CLD’s expert team know a project has to be right first time.
A REPUTATION BUILT ON HERITAGE
Established almost 50 years ago, CLD Physical Security Systems is now the UK’s largest manufacturer
and supplier of rigid mesh fencing systems and security gates.
Decades later its values still remain the same, namely to provide the very best in quality products, backed-up with outstanding customer service.
The company is proud of its British heritage and its worldrenowned, globally recognised position in the world of security.
Since its formation the business has been run by the Wells family, with its headquarters in Cheshire in the north of England.
Its first security project started in Crewe, in Cheshire, home to one of the UK’s largest rail networks, where it was tasked with offering a protective solution for the rail service.
Today, that fencing remains intact – and the high levels of service delivery, knowledge on the ground and exceptional products used in the project remain at the heart of the business philosophy.
This approach that has led to sustained growth across the business. Over the years, CLD Physical Security Systems has gained recognition internationally for its pioneering approach, with its first works abroad in South Africa, where the company was tasked with protecting precious stone mines and other sites where security was paramount,
Its heritage and future are built on innovation and a bespoke approach to meeting the needs of clients. Over the decades it has consistently blended British ingenuity, engineering prowess and a creative approach to deliver exactly the type of solutions customers want.
CLD has also expanded to include offices in London, Sydney, Washington, Dubai, and most recently Buenos Aires, as well as distributors in more than 10 countries. This international footprint enables clients to have the same tried and tested solution on all their sites globally.
A SHOW OF STRENGTH – AND A NEW LOOK – UNVEILED AT INTERNATIONAL SECURITY EXPO 2022
CLD showcased the scope and scale of its operations recently, at the International Security Expo 2022.
The company also unveiled its new look branding and revealed its new name of CLD Physical Security Systems.
The move away from the previous company title of CLD Fencing Systems represents the more inclusive nature of the business in providing complete security solutions. It reflects the company’s emergence over the years, which has seen it transform from the UK’s largest supplier of rigid mesh fencing, to being at the forefront as a trusted provider of physical security solutions - with a truly consultative way of working, rather than the offer of an “off-the-shelf” product.
CLD Physical Security Systems also demonstrated its suite of physical security systems at the event, independently third party tested by the Loss Prevention Certification Board, (LPCB), which offer the ultimate in protection against attack.
This included showcasing Securus S4, the latest addition to the Securus fencing range.
Well-received at the show by members of the security industry, the new system is right at the cutting edge of perimeter protection and seen as a great addition to CLD Physical Security System’s portfolio.
It joins the existing Securus range as a highly responsive solution, which keeps intruders out in even the most demanding circumstances, bringing maximum security and protection in a fast installation format.
Tested and certified to LPS 1175 Issue 8, Securus S4 has achieved a D10 (SR4) Rating, ensuring that assets have a guaranteed delay against an attack of 10 minutes minimum, using tools such as bolt cutters, hacksaws, jigsaws, drills and sledgehammers.
Of significance is the minimal amount of assembly required on site, which means it is faster to install with less risk of downtime on site due to lost components.
Securus fencing also includes the ability to swap out panels to achieve a different security rating, ensuring the perimeter security fencing adapts to changing operational needs, while specific zones can be selected to deliver targeted protection too.
And with both permanent and temporary options, Securus can be introduced from the construction stage through to permanent operations, with matching access control available to ensure a seamless security process.
All this is achieved whilst maintaining excellent visibility to support security operations on site, with no visible fixings in place, no sharp edges that could cause injury and small apertures to keep objects out. Securus is also virtually impossible to climb over.
Russell Wells, Sales Director of CLD Physical Security Systems, said: “Securus 4 is our latest offer to meet the critical demands of today’s security sector.
“Our focus is to deter, detect and delay perpetrators from gaining access, with a CLD Physical Security System solution for every site and project.
“Together, we make safe. To achieve this involves working to understand our clients’ needs, the threats they face, their challenges and pain points, then assess and evaluate on-site requirements before producing a gold standard system for their estate.
“The nature of our clients ensures our business is about much more than providing perimeter security products. Our catalogue of project references reflects our industry-leading position as a valueadded, trusted partner in this sector.
“Key to that is our vision. We see what the security sector needs now, and in the future, and constantly look at how we can best support that.
“We are focused on innovation – introducing the very best means to deliver the ultimate in security.
“That includes the emergence of 3D renders and 3D printing in our work to drive forward our operations. Wireless connectivity is another key area under development, as well as the use of renewables in our fencing and access solutions.
“We are also committed to introducing more environmentally focused products, to reduce our carbon footprint and to help our clients achieve their own sustainability goals.
“There are more opportunities than ever for security to be breached, but we have the experience and foresight to anticipate these challenges and put appropriate deterrents in place.
“The end result is that those tasked with protecting environments against terror attack can be certain that their reputation is safe with us.” L
