Security Awareness Considerations After the Manchester Arena Bombing

As Ariana Grande’s concert at the Manchester Arena (UK) came to an end Monday night, a loud boom rang throughout one side of the building. It was determined by police that the boom was indeed a bomb strapped to the chest of a “lone wolf” terrorist — a suicide bomber identified as Salman Abedi. In the aftermath of the bomb explosion, 22 people have been found dead and 59 injured with many in critical condition.

Reports on the bombing have been consistently updated in the last 24-plus hours, revealing that the attack was sudden and shocking not only to concert-goers but to those who work the arena as well. This reveals an unfortunate short-sight into situational awareness that is critical to ensuring public safety.

Hosting an internal bomb threat training in your organization could be the difference between life and death. AEGIS Security & Investigations, located in Los Angeles, Calif., offers numerous training opportunities, including bomb threat training. Our Workplace Violence & Security Awareness training program is designed to provide information on how to identify, predict, mitigate and respond to workplace violence, crime and terrorism.

Training for terrorism, including bomb threats, is essential to companies operating locally and abroad in the private sector. Facilities and events, such as large arenas like the Manchester Arena where concerts can be hosted, that are defined as soft targets should be particularly aware of the threat posed. Large events, bustling buildings, and public spaces render themselves susceptible to security hazards, including bomb and improvised explosive devices, which is why workshops and trainings from security experts are essential to maintaining a safe workplace for all.

In the U.S., the Department of Homeland Security offers a bomb threat checklist and quick tips on how to handle a bomb threat, noting that these instances are serious and should not be taken lightly. While the Los Angeles has not seen a sudden increase in threats because of the Ariana Grande concert bombing in Manchester, England, all large venues and events must prepare themselves for the worst to prevent and respond to terrorist incidents such as this.

The gravity of bomb threats, active shooter situations and security breaches is best understood when you are placed in a real-life scenario. The unfortunate experience for the Manchester bombing victims is not to be taken lightly; however, venue and event staff can learn a how to best handle and cope with such terrorist activities before they ever become a reality.

Trainings from AEGIS are hosted in a controlled, safe space that imitate real-world threats and orient participants to appropriately react and protect themselves and others should such a scenario become a reality. Specific training on bomb threat protocol can be incorporated into your personal resiliency program to enhance your workplace’s ability to effectively and safely handle such a situation. The training program lasts between two and eight hours dependent on the needs of the company and is a part of AEGIS’ training series for corporate needs.

AEGIS’ expansive list of Corporate Training Solutions offers ideal for overall workplace safety and security, amplifying employee readiness in the event of an emergency. Topics ranging from pre-incident indicators of threats to active shooters can be trained in a rememberable format to resonate with participants, ensuring they walk away certain of their abilities to effectively respond to a variety of threat-related situations. Contacting AEGIS today can offer your employees and clients the assurance necessary to feel safe in the workplace.

We offer our deepest sympathies to the victims and loved ones of the Manchester terrorist attack. As the social climate of the world continues to change and terrorism rears its ugly head more often, we continue to fight terrorism at home by providing top-notch training that ensure you and your colleagues know how to prepare, respond and stay safe.

AEGIS Security & Investigations is a Los Angeles region company that is licensed and insured in the State of California to provide high-end armed and unarmed regular and temporary off-duty police officers, bodyguards, security officers, loss prevention agents, and event staff. Additionally, we offer services for private investigation, consultation, people tracing, and background investigation. Our trainings and workshops in the field of security licensure and counter-terrorism have been featured in news media and are renowned for their efficacy. For more information or to contact us, visit www.aegis.com.