What is Hostile Vehicle Mitigation

Hostile Vehicle Mitigation

Vehicle-borne threats range from vandalism to sophisticated or aggressive attack by determined criminals or terrorists or simply a mentally unstable individual losing control. The mobility and payload capacity of a vehicle offers a convenient delivery mechanism for a large explosive device, although the vehicle itself may be used as a weapon. Determining a vehicle-borne threat, assessing site strengths and vulnerabilities, and identifying suitable options for Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) measures is simply sensible planning.

Determining the type of vehicle-borne threat being faced

When specifying the nature of the vehicle-borne threat it is important to understand:

• Modus Operandi (MO).  This includes parked, penetrative, encroachment, deception and duress or a combination of attack methods including surreptitious and forcible attack on the barrier, or simply opportunistic and unplanned chaos
• Threat vehicle(s) – Unmodified road vehicles with specific characteristics – mass, speed and structure, as well as vehicle specific capabilities

For explosive situations:

• Blast effect – especially if considering VBIED attack
• Blast stand-off distance – must be considered in conjunction with the site operational needs and security plan

How to assess the strengths and vulnerabilities of my site to vehicle-borne threats?

Once the nature of threat is understood, practitioners should take a methodical and considered approach to determine their safety objectives and highlight security vulnerabilities:

• Develop detailed security requirements for Hostile Vehicle Mitigation – Operational Requirements (OR)
• User Requirement Document (URD) if not covered in the detailed requirements – addressing additional business needs e.g. stakeholder liaison, planning and design
• Practical site assessment – a layered approach incorporating the local area, blast stand-off, traffic management and vehicle access control
• Technical assessment –  Vehicle Dynamics Assessment (VDA) at specific locations based on the relevant threat vehicle(s)
• Liaison with technical or security

How can I reduce the vulnerability of my site and mitigate vehicle-borne threats?

Based on the agreed objectives and site assessment, a range of options can be incorporated into the design of a robust HVM strategy:

• Principles of hostile vehicle mitigation – determine the aims of the HVM strategy and how it will integrate with other site security measures
• Traffic calming – can be used to limit vehicle approach speeds to a manageable level
• Vehicle Security Barriers (VSB) –  provide proven vehicle impact protection and maintain blast stand-off.
• Traffic management – when and how legitimate traffic will access the site
• Vehicle access control – consider deployment of active Vehicle Security Barriers solutions, access procedures, long term operational management and emergency access

Public realm integration

Integration of HVM measures within the public realm is increasingly common and whilst requiring the application of informed design choices meeting the needs of numerous stakeholders, can provide proportionate security measures without impinging on the needs of local businesses or functionality

Source: https://www.cpni.gov.uk/hostile-vehicle-mitigation

One of the best options is the Meridian Defence Group’s specially designed Crash Barriers.

AML Risk Management are the Australian providers of the Meridian Defence Group’s Crash Barriers – the Archer 1200 system. The Archer 1200 system has been deployed here in Melbourne at the South Melbourne Market for the Mussels and Jazz Festival, as well as at several Anzac Day Commemoration events. These events attracted large pedestrian crowds. The Archer 1200 units provide real protection from hostile vehicles. A vehicle weighing 1.5 tonnes travelling at 30mph is stopped instantly and effectively by these barriers.

The Archer 1200 units can be easily deployed by one or two persons as well as demounted in the same manner.

With significant crowds gathering in places not specifically designed for crowd movement there is real need to protect such people from hostile vehicles.

To arrange a free no-obligation quotation or simply to facilitate an informational consultation please call 9326 2244 and ask for M/s Emerald Forrest, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Supervisor or her colleague M/s Irene Rentifis. Emerald can provide an accurate assessment and analysis of your event’s exposure to hostile vehicle intrusion and recommend strategies to protect your event and its patrons.

AML Risk Management – for real Planning, Protection and Prevention.