In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, ensuring the life safety and security of public spaces has become a paramount concern.
The threat of terrorism and acts of violence in crowded places has necessitated the implementation of effective measures to protect individuals and communities. Most seen following the devastating 2017 attack at the Manchester Arena.
One significant step forward is the introduction of Martyn’s Law, a legislative initiative aimed at enhancing the security of public venues. It aims to place a requirement on those responsible for certain venues to consider the threat from terrorism, and implement appropriate and proportionate mitigation measures.
Understanding Martyn’s Law: A Brief Overview
Martyn’s Law, named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, is a campaign striving to make it a legal requirement for venues to implement stringent security and fire safety measures.
The law focuses on enhancing preparedness and response capabilities to reduce the risks posed by potential terrorist attacks and other emergencies in crowded public spaces. These include (but are not restricted to:)
- entertainment venues,
- shopping centres,
- sports arenas,
- education and healthcare facilities,
- transportation hubs.
In practice, the 56-page Bill encompasses an array of measures, spanning the spectrum from defining eligible premises and events falling within its scope to their registration, alongside the assessment of terrorism risk and the provision of terrorism protection training.
Highlights from the initial draft include:
Establishment of Regulatory Authority: The proposal introduces a Regulatory Authority, with the right to conduct inspections and enforce compliance.
Identification of Qualifying Premises and Events: The Bill outlines qualifying premises, specifying the applicable segments of these premises and categories of events encompassed.
Such parameters encompass spaces capable of accommodating over 100 individuals. Added responsibilities will be incumbent upon premises with a public capacity of 800 individuals or more, labelled as ‘enhanced premises’.
Registration Mandate: A crucial aspect highlights how a responsible party must ensure the registration of qualifying premises with the designated regulatory body.
Minimum Standards for Terrorism Risk Assessment: The Bill sets minimal obligations placed upon responsible entities regarding the assessment and evaluation of terrorism risk.
This includes a standard terrorism evaluation, with additional provisions for ‘enhanced premises’ (or events), encompassing more extensive measures such as a terrorism risk assessment.
Terrorism Protection Training Requirement: A significant stride is a requirement for terrorism protection training directed towards relevant personnel at qualifying premises. This aims to bolster the preparedness of these individuals in the face of potential threats.
Updated Security Plans: Enhanced premises and qualifying public events are mandated to update their security plans periodically. This dynamic approach ensures security measures remain current and responsive.
Enforcement Authority – Contravention Notices: The Regulatory Authority poses significant consequences for non-compliance. These notices may also encompass restriction orders, with an initial duration of up to six months, for those accountable for enhanced duty premises or qualifying public events.
Financial Penalties: The Bill extends the capacity to impose ‘appropriate and proportionate‘ financial penalties on entities deemed non-compliant. Notably, the maximum penalty amount for standard duty premises is set at £10,000. For enhanced premises, the maximum penalty levied will be the higher of £18 million or 5% of its qualifying worldwide revenue.
The underlying principle of Martyn’s Law is to ensure those responsible for these venues take proactive measures to protect the public, considering various scenarios that might pose a threat.
Advantages of Enhancing Security
Venues impacted by the introduction of Martyn’s Law have a role and responsibility to do as much as possible to implement necessary protection, technologies and strategies to ensure compliance.
This should be completed as a priority and duty of care to visitors, not only to address the communication aspect of emergencies but also to encompass a holistic approach to security enhancement and protection against the threat of terrorism.
Installations must balance the need to retain a welcoming environment for visitors, ensuring operations behind the scenes can maximise the data and analytics to act quickly and calmly in any unfolding situation.
Comelit-PAC is proactively working with venues to understand the implications and provide an essential toolkit for operators to adhere to the principles of Martyn’s Law.
- Real-time Communication and Alerts
In critical situations, clear and effective communication is essential. Comelit-PAC’s solutions empower venue operators to quickly notify staff and the public. By integrating advanced public address systems, digital signage, and emergency notification capabilities, these solutions ensure people receive accurate and timely instructions during emergencies.
- Evacuation and Crowd Management
During emergency evacuations, chaos can prevail, leading to confusion and delay. Comelit-PAC’s solutions aid coordinated evacuations by providing clear guidance and direction. This is achieved through automated access control to assist with opening escape routes quickly and efficiently.
- Remote Monitoring and Control
For security personnel to manage various aspects of a venue’s security infrastructure from a central location, Comelit-PAC’s systems offer remote monitoring and control capabilities, allowing
This includes monitoring CCTV cameras with night vision capability, access control and emergency alarms. In the context of Martyn’s Law, this level of control enables rapid response to unfolding situations, aiding law enforcement and emergency services.
- Integration with Access Control
Access control is a critical component of security, particularly in managing entry points to public spaces. Comelit-PAC’s product portfolio seamlessly integrates with access control systems, ensuring only authorised individuals can enter specific areas of a venue. This integration enhances security by preventing unauthorised access and potential threats.
- Analytics and Surveillance
In any unfolding situation, time is of the essence. Whether it is a suspicious package that has been abandoned and identified on CCTV or a human or vehicle intrusion detection analysed through access control, Comelit-PAC systems enable sophisticated threat prevention and tracking techniques, including heat-mapping, face detection and counting to ensure a rapid response.
- Lockdown
As integral as it is to ensure a safe escape route for staff and visitors, there is equal consideration in the event of an external threat, where premises can be locked down to keep staff and members of the public safe. This is to ensure only authorised personnel have access. Comelit-PAC systems can manage this by disabling access to selected doors, exit buttons and relocking doors held open by time zones.
- Fire Safety
Whilst the majority of Martyn’s Law’s focus is on security, ensuring the safety of individuals within public spaces necessitates a multifaceted approach to incorporate fire safety.
Fire safety measures should encompass robust evacuation plans, clearly marked emergency exits, and regular fire drills to ensure an effective response in the event of an emergency. The installation and maintenance of fire detection and suppression systems are vital components.
The law’s emphasis on preparedness highlights the importance of training staff and stakeholders in fire response procedures.
By balancing fire safety practices with the overarching security objectives of Martyn’s Law, a comprehensive strategy is created to safeguard against multiple potential threats, fostering a resilient and secure environment for public gatherings.
Supporting you with a compliant approach
The introduction of Martyn’s Law represents a significant stride towards security in public spaces, acknowledging the importance of preparedness and prevention.
As the world continues to navigate a dynamic threat landscape, the collaboration between legislative initiatives like Martyn’s Law and innovative security and life safety solutions like those offered by Comelit-PAC serves as a beacon of hope, ensuring communities can gather and thrive in spaces that prioritise their safety.
For more information on Comelit-PAC or its product range, please visit www.comelitgroup.com
