SGTM 6: Personal Security Awareness

Transcription

1 SGTM 6: Personal Security Awareness The 6 th Standardized Generic Training Module (SGTM 6) describes policies and procedures regarding personal security of United Nations peacekeepers and suggests ways of enhancing their personal safety during deployment in the field. SGTM 6 is not a technical training module; it contains generic information for all peacekeepers. Security officers at all levels must receive specialized training separately. Background Personal security is a personal responsibility. Personnel from formed units are normally in an environment that has been secured through regular military measures. However, at some time every peacekeeper may find himself or herself alone and at greater than normal risk of danger. Peacekeepers are finding themselves in more diversified security environments than ever before. They must have a clear understanding of the principles of security awareness and responsibilities so that they can effectively perform their duties. Peacekeepers need to consider the personal preparations against potential threats they should make to enhance security at their residence, outdoors when walking or jogging, on the road in the country of assignment or elsewhere, and wherever they might experience a vehicular breakdown, accident, ambush, carjacking or hijacking. Aim The aim of SGTM 6 is to provide peacekeepers with the information they need for increasing their awareness of personal safety issues in United Nations peace operations. Learning Outcome After completing module 6, peacekeepers should be familiar with the United Nations security system and the simple techniques, considerations and actions that they should practise to increase their safety when they are on or off duty. Assessment Criteria On completion of this module, every peacekeeper should be able to Describe individual responsibility for security. Explain the five basic principles of personal security. Outline the actions to take for residential security, car accidents or carjacking. Duration and Time Schedule The syllabus of a 90-minute presentation on SGTM 6 is outlined below. No more than 60 minutes should be used for the lecture. The remaining 30 minutes should be given to questions and general discussion on case studies or real-life examples. The trainer should modify the time allocated for this module according to national training requirements. Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping 1

2 Personal Security Awareness Syllabus Outline Structure of the presentation Security management overview Common sense principles Strategies to enhance security Field travel advice Summary Notes on Methodology, Content and Teaching Materials SGTM 6 is not an all-inclusive presentation on security issues for peacekeepers. They should also receive a detailed security orientation briefing from the chief security officer on arrival at the mission. SGTM 6 has a practical orientation and is best presented by a trainer who has had first-hand experience in a United Nations peace operation or with different cultures. At the outset of the presentation, the trainer should inform trainees of the content, format and timing. Knowing what to expect, trainees can improve their ability to focus on the subject and benefit from the presentation. Videos, pictures and anecdotes are excellent tools for supporting the presentation. In addition, trainees should be encouraged to provide examples to their classmates that highlight the importance of personal safety awareness for the mission and daily life. References 5to to to to to Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping

3 Personal Security Awareness 6 MODULE CONTENT Structure of the Presentation A standard presentation on personal security issues for United Nations peacekeepers at the basic level should cover: Security management overview Common sense principles 1 2 Strategies to enhance security Field travel advice. Security Management Overview All peace operations entail an agreement with the host Government regarding the security of United Nations personnel and property. Although a host Government generally has primary responsibility for the security of all United Nations personnel within its borders, the reality is that its authority may not extend to all areas where conflict and crisis exist. In some instances, the host Government may not have the required capability. To deal with such situations, United Nations agencies organize their own system for planning and managing security issues at each mission location. 3 In a peace operation, the peacekeeping force has the ability to defend itself; therefore it can often provide for its own security. In a military observer mission, the observers are not armed, so responsibility for security remains with the host Government, local authorities or even a regional peacekeeping force, if one is present in the country. The Field Security Handbook is a cornerstone of United Nations security management (reference 118). It documents security policy of the United Nations and the system-wide security management plan. The handbook is revised every two years. 4 Department of Safety and Security The Secretary-General is the highest authority for security in the Organization. The Department of Safety and Security, headed by the Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security, has technical responsibility for security matters. The Department s responsibilities include: Advising the Secretary-General in security matters. Acting on behalf of the Secretary-General in security matters. Providing for a unified, system-wide approach to security. Coordinating responses to security threats. Evaluating security measures in the field. Maintaining databases and disseminating information related to security. For each duty station, including field operations, the Secretary-General designates a specific person to act on his behalf in security matters who is called the Designated Official for Security. Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping 3

4 Personal Security Awareness Designated Official for Security (DOS) 5 The DOS is responsible, among other duties, for: Ensuring the security and safety of United Nations personnel in the country. Constituting a security management team to advise him or her on all security-related matters. Preparing the country-wide security plan for UN personnel, in consultation with the security management team. Ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place for the security of locally recruited staff members. Head of Mission (HOM) 6 The HOM is responsible for the security of all personnel assigned to the peacekeeping mission. He or she reports to the Secretary-General through the Department of Security and Safety with regard to security of the civilian staff of the mission. In some cases the HOM has overall responsibility for the security of personnel of other United Nations agencies, funds and programmes in the mission area, in which case the HOM also carries the title of DOS. Chief Security Officer 7 Each newly established peacekeeping mission has a security section which is managed by its chief security officer. That individual is a mission appointee and is responsible for advising the HOM on security matters affecting the mission. The chief security officer focuses primarily on the security needs of the civilian component and routinely advises the HOM and force commander (or chief military observer) and police commissioner on security-related issues regarding the force (or observers) and police officers. The chief security officer: Advises the HOM on security matters. Prepares the mission security plan. Coordinates activities involving mission, other United Nations entities and local authorities. Conducts assessments. Manages the security guard force. The chief security officer also: Briefs staff and dependants on security measures. Confirms effectiveness of security measures for locally recruited staff. Establishes travel clearance system. Provides staff with appropriate security instructions. An alternate may be designated to support the Chief Security Officer, who is a member of the mission s senior management team. 4 Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping

5 Personal Security Awareness 6 Field Security Coordination Officer For United Nations duty stations where security is tenuous, a full-time field security coordination officer is appointed to assist the DOS. The field security coordination officer, who is a United Nations system officer, plays a key role in organizing and implementing relocations/evacuations of United Nations staff and their eligible dependants in times of crisis. The field security coordination officer: 8 Assists the DOS in carrying out his or her responsibilities regarding security of staff members and their dependants. Ensures that all staff members and their dependants are kept fully informed on matters affecting their security. Conducts security surveys of residential areas and premises. Coordinates United Nations responses to crisis situations on behalf of the DOS. Reports all cases in which staff members and their dependants have been victims of conventional crime and submits a quarterly incident report recording such cases. The mission s chief security officer works closely with the field security coordination officer on all security matters in the mission area. Area Security Coordinator Some of the larger countries have specific areas that differ from the capital city in terms of distance and exposure to emergencies. For such areas, the DOS and security management team appoint area security coordinators who coordinate and control the security arrangements in their area. Area coordinators responsibilities are similar to those of the DOS in their specific area. In addition, they keep the DOS informed of all incidents or developments that relate to security and protection of staff members and their dependants. 9 The area security coordinator is responsible for coordinating security matters of the mission and United Nations agencies, funds and programmes operating in the area. Once the peacekeeping mandate ends, those other United Nations organizations assume the coordination responsibility so that the transition is seamless from mission to agency responsibility for security. Military officers may be appointed as area security coordinators. If that is the case, a civilian staff member of a United Nations agency is appointed as his or her deputy. Where the area security coordinator is a military officer and the deputy is a United Nations staff member, the control of the DOS extends to remote areas and ensures good security coordination between the mission and the United Nations agencies operating within the area. Security Plan Every mission has an area security management team that consists of the security focal points of all United Nations system and partner agencies and offices in the mission area. They are responsible for: 10 Summaries of the security situation in different parts of the area Personnel matters, including international staff and dependants Security plans for areas and zones within the country Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping 5

6 Personal Security Awareness Emergency communications Coordination centres or concentration points Safe havens and means of evacuation Essential reserves and/or supplies. Every country and every peacekeeping mission has a security plan. The plan may be simple or elaborate, depending upon the country and the mission. Every member of a peacekeeping mission should be aware of his or her responsibilities with regard to the implementation of the mission security plan. Common Sense Principles Using Common Sense Against Threats 11 First of all, peacekeepers must understand that the United Nations cannot protect them 24 hours a day. For the most part, an individual s security and safety depend on the particular situations that he or she is involved in and his or her response to such situations. Peacekeepers must constantly be aware that: We are responsible for our own security! Personal security awareness is often just common sense and involves using good judgement in day-to-day situations to protect oneself. Common Threats 12 Threats commonly facing United Nations staff around the world are listed below. Identify those that exist in your mission: Kidnapping/hostage-taking Violent attacks, including sexual attacks Armed or violent robbery Protests and other political actions Natural disasters Vehicular accidents Verbal harassment Gratuitous violence ( wrong place, wrong time ). Basic Principles 13 The following paragraphs set out basic principles to apply in enhancing your personal security awareness. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings be suspicious. Look for the unusual: loiterers, unauthorized parked cars, your car being followed, and similar uncommon circumstances. 6 Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping

7 Personal Security Awareness 6 Be methodical be disciplined in establishing and maintaining your security precautions. Do not be complacent. Try to avoid routines like using the same route to go to and from work. When you go to the field, use a preparation checklist and make sure that you have everything you need. Also ensure that you have completed all the necessary procedures for official coordination. Don t be too conspicuous try to blend in with your new environment, try not to stand out. Thieves always look for people who are not sure of where they are or what they are doing. Try to show confidence even if you are lost. Do not wear excessive jewellery. It may be cheap for you but look valuable to a criminal. Plan for the worst presume that you will be a victim and be prepared to react if you find yourself in a threatening situation. Simply ask yourself If such-and-such happens, what shall I do? Use common sense we all have it, but sometimes we are distracted and fall victim to human nature. The best example of this is the vehicle seatbelt. Everyone knows that using the seatbelt can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in an accident. Yet many United Nations staff drive without using the seatbelt - a great illustration of not using common sense. Strategies to Enhance Security Many of the tips and considerations in the next few slides are basic you are likely to have heard of them already. Nonetheless, numerous staff members report having been a victim of a crime because they did not follow those same common-sense suggestions. 14 The mission must take the time to brief staff and dependants and employees, such as domestic staff, on security procedures. Each home and office should have a fire evacuation plan that everyone understands and rehearses at least once a year. Peacekeepers who have been assigned a radio must carry it at all times. Leaving it at their house or in their office in the charger does no good in an emergency. Basic Tips and Considerations Staying away from isolated areas is critical to avoid becoming a victim. Criminals prefer to attack when in an isolated area and not on a crowded street. Our risk is much higher when we travel through such an area. 15 Much of the criminal activity against staff members occurs at night or during the early morning hours. Sometimes we cannot avoid going to the office early or staying late, but we should not do so routinely. We should also avoid creating clues to our whereabouts and routine that might get into the wrong hands. For example, we shouldn t label our sets of keys with our name, office or home address. Many of us have to travel as a part of our business. For our own safety we might need to tell others what we are doing or where we are going. Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping 7

8 Personal Security Awareness 16 Tell associates and housemates your travel plans: Where you are going. When you are leaving. When you are returning. And don t forget to call them when you arrive! Such simple practices can save your colleagues and your family needless worry because they need to know that you are taking the right precautions. Walking and Jogging Precautions 17 Besides having to walk just to get around, many people go walking or jogging to stay fit and healthy. While health-promoting practices are encouraged, peacekeepers need to be sure of their surroundings and determine whether they are safe enough. Some suggestions to consider are. Be aware of your surroundings and alert. Only carry what you need only carry what you can afford to lose. Keep valuables in front pockets or under clothing to discourage pickpockets. Walk near the curb or in the open and away from bushes, buildings or doorways that could serve as hiding places. Do not use a set of earphones or a Walkman. While using a Walkman is a personal decision, it removes one of your key protective capabilities: your ability to hear. With headphones on your ears, you cannot hear whether someone is coming from behind you! (If you insist on doing so, set the volume low.) Do your walking or jogging with a friend. Common sense tells you that the presence of another person helps protect you in many ways, including discouraging would-be attackers. 18 Peacekeepers who are in a hostile or unknown environment should avoid many sorts of social courtesy or interaction with strangers that might be normal in a safe place. For example, if you are on foot and someone in a vehicle asks you for directions or some other information, don t approach the vehicle. United Nations personnel have been pulled into cars and robbed or have been victims of an express robbery in which they are driven to several ATMs and forced to withdraw cash. You should answer from a safe distance away from the vehicle. 19 It is becoming increasingly common to be followed or stalked. Attackers usually need to watch and follow their targets before they strike. If you suspect that you are being watched or followed, you should go into a store, cross the street or turn down another street to see if someone is actually following you. After you do so several times and the suspect is still present, immediately get to safety a police or fire station, a United Nations office or other public place. Do not be afraid to ask for help. If you have a cellular telephone, call for help from a safe area. 8 Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping

9 Personal Security Awareness 6 Field Travel Advice Travel and Vehicle Security Mission personnel are required to travel as a part of their official duties. Appropriate precautions are suggested here for peacekeepers who are travelling, whether from one duty station to another or from the mission headquarters to the sectors. Hotel Considerations Generally speaking, the price you pay for hotel accommodation reflects the standard of service you receive; a cheap hotel provides an equal grade of security and other aspects. Don t be reluctant to pay for a safe night s sleep. 20 In addition, you should: Ask for a room by an elevator, especially if you are a woman travelling alone. You can reach your room quickly and the area around an elevator has more people passing by than distant rooms have. Thieves generally target rooms at the end of the hall so they are not easily seen or discovered. Keep the door locked and curtains closed. Get and use a rubber doorstop many staff travel with their own doorstop and use it at night in some hotels when they go to bed. If someone attempts to enter the room with a passkey, opening the door should create a noise that hopefully alerts those sleeping. Identify fire escape routes upon checking in. Read the fire plan when you reach your room. Survey the hall and find the exit door. Count the number of doors to the exit. In a fire there may be smoke and you should drop to the floor and crawl counting the doors until you reach the exit. Pre-Departure The following pre-departure steps are considered essential. Obtain a written security clearance from the DOS if required. 21 Get updates on the security situation. Your security officer or focal point can provide such information. Do not depend on others make sure to get it yourself. Tell your office your travel plans; especially tell your communications room your plans and when you expect to contact them next. Prepare a checklist so you won t forget anything be methodical. Make sure that your communications equipment works and you know how to use it. Research your route: know where you are going and where you are at all times. Calculate the total distance and divide your trip into sectors. Check your personal communications equipment. Never travel alone: it is always safer to travel with a buddy. Go in convoy, if possible. 22 Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping 9

10 Personal Security Awareness Make sure yourself that your vehicle is prepared. Do not assume that the driver has checked everything; ask or look for yourself. If you find everything in order, compliment the driver for having a fully prepared vehicle. Know the local emergency actions procedures and what you should do in case of an accident, breakdown, ambush or hijacking. Make periodic contact with your office conduct radio checks and advise of your location with pre-arranged code words. Take a guide or escort: It is best to have someone with you who is familiar with the area you are visiting. Accept no hitch-hikers. General policy is that no non-united Nations persons may ride in United Nations vehicles. If you have an accident, you may be personally liable for costs of treating injuries of non-united Nations companions; or worse. Prominent Threats 23 The most prominent threats facing staff travelling in the field are Accidents Breakdowns Checkpoints Hijacking. Peacekeepers must be aware of local procedures for responding in such situations. General guidelines are provided here. All peacekeepers must be briefed on the specific procedures at their respective duty station. Accidents or Breakdowns 24 Vehicular accidents are increasingly common in the United Nations field missions. If you are involved in an accident, you need to act as follows. Remain calm and do not panic; panic only worsens the situation. Avoid further damage or injury by moving to the side of the road. (Another vehicle might hit you or crash into your vehicle.) Give first aid to those who need it. Call for help with a radio or telephone. Notify your office that an accident has occurred and ask for help most missions have an investigation section that will respond. Obtain police assistance, especially in receiving a police report of the accident. Your security office can provide further guidance on that. Wait for official assistance. Remain at the scene unless otherwise directed. 10 Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping

11 Personal Security Awareness 6 Checkpoint Precautions Checkpoints are the scene of the most common security problems that mission personnel encounter in the field. Official checkpoints may have been established by the host Government or the peacekeeping forces. A wide range of unofficial checkpoints may also exist. You should be able to identify quickly which type of checkpoint it is. Ask yourself are the people manning the checkpoint armed? Are they intoxicated (with alcohol or drugs)? 25 The following procedures are standard in passing through a checkpoint. Reduce speed. If at night, dim your headlights and turn the interior light on, so the checkpoint personnel can see who is inside. Stop if told to do so. Lower your window no more than 1 inch. Be friendly and courteous if you yell, shout or scream, you may have difficulty in passing through. Show ID if asked, but do not surrender your papers. Stay in your vehicle if you are ordered to get out, try to stay by the vehicle. Observe any search of the vehicle. (Mission personnel have had possessions and equipment taken and they have had illegal items placed in the vehicle.) Protest the removal of personal or official items but do not resist. (In most cases checkpoint personnel are armed you should never argue with an armed person.) As soon as you can, report the incident and obtain further instructions. Security problems at checkpoints vary from location to location. Men might be manning some while women and/or children might be manning others. You should never become complacent about crossing checkpoints because they can become extremely dangerous at any time. Before travelling in country, make sure that you know the local procedures for actions you should take during an accident or breakdown and at checkpoints. Guidelines For Your Response in a Hijacking Incident Follow the guidelines in conjunction with advice in the Hostage Incident card (references 37 42). 26 Taking evasive action is your own judgement call. Stop and do not resist, if escape is not possible. Keep hands in view; do not make sudden moves. Explain what you are doing, where you are going. Comply with your hijackers demands. Do not provoke the hijackers. Do not look directly at your hijackers. Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping 11

12 Personal Security Awareness The Hostage Incident Card Your only job is to survive. If you are seized, do not fight back. The first 15 to 45 minutes are the most dangerous. Do not play the hero; do not talk back or act tough. Be sure that you can explain everything you have on your person. Do not carry items that may call into question your motives or status within the mission. Fear is a normal reaction try to relax, take a deep breath and accept the situation. Keep a low profile. Try to gain your captors respect and try to build rapport with them. An excellent topic of discussion is family and children. Emphasize that as a United Nations employee, you are neutral and not involved in politics. Encourage your captors to let the authorities know your condition and whereabouts. Take care of yourself; exercise, stay well groomed, eat and drink even if you are not hungry. Be patient and mentally prepared for isolation. Focus your mind on pleasant scenes, memories or prayers. Do not attempt to escape unless you are certain that you will succeed. If there is a rescue attempt by force, drop to the floor and keep your hand over your head. Once the situation stabilizes, you may identify yourself. Summary 27 Review the main points: United Nations security structure Common sense principles How to enhance personal security Strategies for field travel. 12 Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping

13 Personal Security Awareness 6 Slides 1-8 Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping 13

14 Personal Security Awareness Slides Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping

15 Personal Security Awareness 6 Slides Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping 15

16 Personal Security Awareness Slides Standardized Generic Training Modules for United Nations Peacekeeping