Protecting people in crowded spaces

NATIONAL PLAN TO PROTECT CROWDED PLACES

* Crowded places are defined as locations easily accessible by large numbers of people on a predictable basis

* They include sports stadiums, public transport, shopping centres, pubs and clubs, places of worship, movie theatres, parks or pedestrian malls

* Owners and operators of crowded places have primary responsibility for protecting their sites and the people who work or visit there

* Security considerations must be incorporated into planning - including executive decision-making, training staff and encouraging them to report vulnerabilities and incidents

* Police will run crowded places forums where business and venue owners and governments can share information

*Forums will report regularly to a national advisory group

* An online self-assessment tool will help decide how attractive a particular crowded place might be as a terrorist target

* Assessment factors include historical, religious, cultural or political symbolis, how many people can gather there, and whether the timing of crowds is predictable

* Crowded places security audit available online plus suggestions for how to hire a reliable security consultant to do an assessment

* Deterrence and detection measures include fences, CCTV cameras, lighting, security patrols, barriers or bollards, alarm systems, and screening procedures

* Measures to respond to a potential attack include having trained security staff, an emergency communication system and comprehensive security plans

* Detailed guidelines for dealing with armed offenders, bombs, chemical weapons and vehicle attacks are available online at www.nationalsecurity.gov.au

* Police will provide specific information on local threats to owners and operators

* General public encouraged to report suspicious or unusual behaviour to local police on 131 444 (in Victoria 1800 333 000) or the national security hotline on 1800 123 400