Without extensive physical alterations and an extensive security program, defending against truck and car bombs is extremely difficult. Nevertheless, individual awareness as well as those physical security precautions your institution may take represent an important improvement over doing nothing at all. There is a terrific option in using software to manage “known” vendors provisioning authorization.
Truck and car bomb prevention is a matter of physical security first, search and evacuation second. Your key defense is to exclude potentially dangerous vehicles from your institution. Ideally, all vehicles entering your facility’s grounds should be scrutinized and authorized before being admitted; that is exactly what our loading dock system is all about.
Truck and car bombs might be identified by the outward appearance of the vehicle and the behavior of the driver. Suspicious facts include, but are not limited to:
• The person driving the vehicle does not enter the facility, but rather runs or walks away. Make certain you articulate clearly to the 911 operator that you have rea- son to believe you are dealing with a chemical, biological, or radiological situation.
• The car or truck appears to be sitting very low on its springs, indicating great weight.
• The car or truck is parked illegally (or too) close to your building. Your facility should restrict parking closest to the building.
In an urban environment where on-street parking is close to the facility, consider making a request to the local police department for no-parking designations. Your institution may consider adding physical barriers (cement barriers) between the street and your facility.
• Note that older cars and trucks are more likely to be used in a car bombing (as are rental vehicles). Be wary of any type of vehicle that appears to have been abandoned (e.g., inspection sticker, registration or license plate expired or missing, etc.).
• The police should be called immediately if any doubt exists about the legitimacy of such trucks (e.g., no fuel delivery expected or such deliveries are not expected at your institution or are atypical of the neighborhood).
None of these behaviors are perfect indicators of the potential for violent behav- ior — and many are consistent with perfectly innocent behavior — however, they are clues worth considering.
* Observation and rapid response are key to dealing with suspicious vehicles.
You should think through how you will respond to the observation of a suspicious vehicle well in advance of the discovery of one. Suspicious vehicles may require immediate action, including evacuation and calling emergency services. Remember, it may be appropriate to evacuate to a location that puts another structure between you and the explosive threat. Discuss this possibility with your fire marshal or bomb squad.
Incremental Steps for Truck Bomb Security
1. Seek to restrict parking closest to your buildings (perhaps no parking at all or limited to staff/key lay leader vehicles). You may choose to use a wind shield identification sticker to determine quickly who belongs and who needs further scrutiny.
2. Train staff and security to be aware of the possible appearance of vehicles used in these incidents.
3. Use barriers, gates, etc. to prevent access to the facility by non-authorized persons.
