How Property Management Can Fight Terrorism
The deteriorating global security landscape has resulted in a heightened risk of terrorism, but the property management industry can fight back. Cushman & Wakefield president of Risk Management Services (and former NYC Police Commissioner) Ray Kelly tells us how.
Following its 2013 attack on the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi, the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab has recently called for a new wave of attacks on specific shopping malls in the US and globally, says Kelly, above. In January, the two deadly terrorist attacks in Paris—inspired by al-Qaeda and ISIS—reminded office and retail property managers of this ever-present threat. “Terrorist groups have become savvy in the use of social media for recruiting and encouraging so-called ‘lone wolf’ attacks,” he notes. “This threat is not likely to recede anytime soon.”
Above, shoppers flee the Westgate Shopping Mall massacre. The ongoing terrorism threat requires property managers to take a fresh look at the vulnerabilities of their properties—from the adequacy of access control systems and guard forces to the back-of-house functions like the loading dock, delivery entrance and garage, Kelly says. The good news, he adds, is that risk can be managed through the more effective integration of security into facility design and the deployment of ever-improving technologies, often at little additional cost.
Above, two men help an injured woman in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Kelly says that effective plans, risk assessments, training, drills and tabletop exercises are key to being prepared for such incidents—it’s one of the main reasons that Cushman & Wakefield established the new Risk Management Services (RMS) team. “We know that building managers and tenants are pressed for time to devote to these important functions,” he says. With expert assistance, building security systems can be improved, security staff can hone their skills and tenants can become more knowledgeable and aware of the risks they face and be competent in responding should the need arise, he says.
As NYC Police Commissioner following the 9/11 attacks, Kelly established the first counterterrorism division in a municipal police agency. “We took a broad view toward the prevention of another attack and worked with corporate partners to strengthen our defenses,” he says. The division was deeply involved in the security assessments and designs of such iconic projects as the new World Trade Center (above), Yankee Stadium, Citi Field and Hudson Yards. “While New York City remains at the top of the terrorist target list, the 16 plots against it have all been unsuccessful,” he says.
Above, Kelly is pictured with C&W RMS director David Kelly and managing director Mike Farrell; David had previously been director of security for law firm Sullivan & Cromwell and a former NYPD assistant commission of counterterrorism, while Mike was former NYPD deputy commissioner of strategic initiatives. Tenants are essential partners in risk management, Ray Kelly says, but “the challenge is that as tenants feel safe and secure in the building—which is our goal—a level of complacency sets in." And that works against efforts to maintain a high level of alertness and adherence to security standards. He says it’s critical to maintain a regular skill of drills and undertake periodic comprehensive risk assessments. Building managers also need to encourage their tenants’ security and management staffs to review the adequacy of their access control and CCTV systems, emergency procedures and business continuity plans. “The building security chain is only as strong as its weakest link."
As technology advances, Cushman & Wakefield sees major improvements in building security devices. CCTV systems (like above) can now be equipped with “smart” cameras that can alert on particular images or movements, Kelly notes. New systems for managing vendor movement and loading dock activity can reduce risk in those vulnerable areas, while Internet monitoring services can provide valuable intelligence about developing threats. And while its broad application is still in development, terahertz imaging technology holds great promise for improving the ability to detect concealed weapons, he adds. “Supplementing a building’s well-trained security staff with the most advanced, effective technology will go a long way toward mitigating risk and being prepared for the next emergency.”
