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Physical Security

How SBD is working to protect against a range of threats and vulnerabilities, including terrorism

The threat from terrorism is an ongoing concern and while the chance of getting caught up in a terrorist incident remains extremely low, organisations need to ensure that their protective security measures and plans are kept up to date with the latest counter terrorism security advice.

Physical security is important in protecting against a range of threats and vulnerabilities, including terrorism. Incorporating appropriate physical security measures into buildings and developments can either prevent an attack or reduce the potential damage and injuries should an incident occur.

For most organisations the recommended response will involve appropriate investments in products that deter as well as detect; measures that will also protect against other criminal acts such as theft and vandalism.

SBD recognise that in some cases, whether due to the nature of the asset being protected, the function of the building or the gathering of large numbers of people, more robust security measures that offer better protection, are required.

Why SBD?

  • Protect UK is the official platform (one stop shop) that provides information, guidance and leading advice, to help detect vulnerabilities and connect with some useful resources from a CT perspective, involving National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) previously known as CPNI, NaCTSO and others. SBD is referenced within this resource and can be accessed via the Protect UK webpage here for further information.
  • All products listed on the SBD website meet Police Preferred Specification – SBD is the only way companies can obtain police accreditation for security-related products in the UK
  • SBD has produced a series of authoritative Design Guides to assist incorporating security measures into developments, which can be downloaded for free here. The guides cover a range of building sectors, including residential, education, health, transport and commercial
  • Contact details for police Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), who can provide site specific advice, are available here
  • The DOCOs, who are trained by SBD, are recommended as a source of assistance by National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) previously known as CPNI, due to their comprehensive, specialist training
  • ‘Protecting Crowded Places: Design and Technical Issues’ encourages designers to adopt designing out crime methods to effectively develop safer and more secure environments. It also describes the role of the DOCO, how they can assist in the planning and development process and makes reference to the SBD Design Guides and award scheme
  • ‘Crowded Places: The Planning System and Counter Terrorism’ discusses designing out crime and advocates the SBD trained DOCOs as a source of counter-terrorism advice
  • A Planning Application Protocol is in place between Counter Terrorist Security Advisors (CTSA) and DOCOs to ensure they work together effectively to provide formal responses to relevant planning applications
  • The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) promote creating safe and accessible communities encouraging pre-application discussion between planners, CTSAs and DOCOs and involving architects, developers and key stakeholders
  • Security Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work - The National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) in collaboration with the RIBA and SBD have developed a Security Overlay to provide guidance on implementing security focussed design through each RIBA Plan of Work Stage to enable informed decision making at the right time and order, to enable practical guidance on the best ways to embrace security. The document is attached below and further information can be found on the RIBA Website via following link: RIBA - Security Overlay Plan of Work

Important Guidance Documents and Websites

Publicly accessible locations guidance (PAL's) - Physical Security
Protecting Crowded Places: Design and Technical Issues
Security Overlay to RIBA Plan of Work

We work with National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) previously known as CPNI. who are the UKs government’s National Technical Authority for physical and personnel protective security.

SBD recognised products for Counter Terrorism

SBD has developed this specific area listing security products that have passed more stringent security tests than those used for traditional residential and commercial purposes, such products may provide greater protection prior to or during a terrorist attack. All products that gain a listing on this page have passed exacting and demanding assessments.

Higher Physical Security Performance Rated Products & Services