Securing the Gate – Managing Ingress and Egress Threats

Welcome to Securing the Gate, the podcast dedicated to the critical phases of venue operations that often present the highest risks: ingress and egress. Drawing on expert guidance from the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), we explore why the arrival, departure, and dispersion of crowds are predictable windows of vulnerability for terrorist threats such as Marauding Terrorist Attacks (MTA), Vehicles as a Weapon (VAW), and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).

Each episode delves into the complexities of crowd dynamics, from the psychological impact of targeting "soft targets" to the challenges of managing Grey Space (or Zone Ex)—those areas outside a venue’s direct control where responsibility for security is often shared or disputed. We provide venue owners, security managers, and event planners with a scalable approach to security, covering everything from Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) and advanced search regimes to the "Power of Hello" through SCaN training.

Learn how to move beyond mere compliance to a culture of "not here, not today" by recording, testing, reviewing, and revising your security plans. Whether you manage a 950-seat theater or a 30,000-capacity stadium, this podcast offers the insights needed to protect your staff and visitors when they are most exposed.

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The research aimed to identify actions necessary to enhance the perception of private security, revealing that views within the sector itself are mixed. Strikingly, less than half (45%) of security professionals surveyed held a positive view of the sector, and only 20% believed the general perception in society is positive. Security professionals identified the police, politicians, and the general public as the groups likely to hold the most negative perceptions.

Two major barriers impede image improvement:

1. Lack of Recognition of Value (79% barrier): This is largely a conceptual challenge, as security is primarily viewed as a "cost centre" where success is defined by the "absence" of negative outcomes. This paradox leads to undervaluation, causing security to slide down corporate priorities. Consequently, key roles such as frontline security officers and guarding companies are considered the least recognised for their value. This lack of recognition overlooks the critical societal role private security plays in filling resource gaps and reducing the burden on public resources to protect people and places.

2. Actual Performance Weaknesses (75% barrier): This practical issue undermines professionalism and includes concerns over poor recruitment practices, insufficient training, lack of skills (especially communication), and poor appearance among frontline individuals. Interviewees highlighted a major paradox: frontline officers are often perceived as low-skilled and low-paid, yet they carry immense responsibilities, putting themselves at risk and dealing with abuse and violence to keep people safe. This issue is exacerbated by client demands to buy "cheap" security, fostering a "race to the bottom" where suppliers cut corners, perpetuating poor quality provision.

Since no single shortcoming exists, a multi-pronged approach is necessary to gain respect, as all explored actions were highly valued. The top-rated actions (90% importance) focus on enhancing competence and strategic value:

• Demonstrate that security leaders are as competent as other business leaders.

• Demonstrate that private security acts as an 'enabler' (allowing organisations, events, and sites to operate successfully).

• Raise better awareness of the full range of work and skills across private security beyond frontline roles.

• Promote procurement practices that prioritise obtaining good-quality security products and services.

A crucial prerequisite to enhancing perception is tackling the weak points in the quality of security delivered.

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Vehicle Ramming Attacks: Tracking the Surge in a Growing Global Threat
Explore the crucial findings from the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) on the global phenomenon of vehicle ramming attacks (VRAs). Drawing on MTI’s proprietary database, which catalogues thousands of attacks against public surface transportation dating back to January 1970, this description summarises an update examining the frequency, lethality, and necessary mitigation measures concerning this tactic.
The report highlights a recent, significant surge, with 27 vehicle ramming attacks reported worldwide during the nine months ending July 31, 2025. Since 2012, the vast majority of these incidents have occurred in economically more advanced countries (Group 1 countries). The United States has experienced the most attacks (85) since 2012, followed by Israel and the Palestinian Territories (70). Crucially, the volume of attacks and the number of fatalities are both gradually increasing over time in the U.S..
The motivation behind these attacks is complex: while some are ideologically or terrorist-motivated (such as the deadly 2025 New Orleans attack, the deadliest VRA in the United States, carried out by an army veteran claiming allegiance to ISIS), others stem from non-ideological factors. Mental health issues are commonly reported in many cases. Attacks are often observed to occur in clusters, demonstrating a contagion effect.
We detail the factors that make these incidents lethal, including attacks involving larger, faster vehicles in crowded, narrow spaces, and the high lethality seen in attacks on pedestrianised streets and public gatherings in Group 1 countries. High-casualty incidents often involve rented or stolen vehicles.
The research supports considerations for adapting transportation planning, street design, and event security to the growing threat. Although VRAs can achieve high body counts, the risk of death or capture for perpetrators (approximately 27.1 percent) is a significant barrier compared to historical airline hijackings.