LSE Personal Security Booklet for Fieldwork in Heightened Risk Environments

LSE Personal Security Booklet for fieldwork in heightened risk environments

(Draft)
Contents

Introduction
General Security principals
Travel Security
International travel
Passports and visas
Health
Cards and cash
Destination confirmation
Baggage
Country brief training and risk assessment
Arrival
Departure
Internal travel
Vehicles
Walking
Some handy tips
Residential security
Hotels
Homes and Apartments
Postal and telephone threats
Postal threats
Anonymous calls
Mobile phones
Hijacking/Hostage situations / Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this guide is to provide you with personal security advice and guidance in order to reduce your exposure to the threats that exist when travelling in areas where there is a heightened level of security risk. Incidents that you are likely to encounter may be opportunistic or planned and could include robbery or violence against you, your family or your travelling companions.

These situations can be traumatic and, on occasion, life threatening. The greatest contribution that you can make to your personal security is to recognise and understand the threat. This can be done by developing your sense of security awareness and encouraging friends, family and colleagues to do the same. This guide outlines sensible measures that you can take to enhance your security awareness and improve your personal security.

The advice in this booklet serves as a guide only. It is based on common sense and experience. If adapted to individual needs it should substantially reduce your personal risk.

Remember, regardless of any assistance that may be provided by others, your personal security remains your responsibility.

GENERAL SECURITY PRINCIPALS

Being fully aware of the possibility of an attack in the area where you live or work is the key to preventing the attacker from being successful. People are most vulnerable when answering the door of theirhome, when walking to and from their home through stairways and lobbies, exiting from lifts (elevators), and walking to their car and preparing to drive off.

At these particular times it is important that you remain fully aware and alert to the possibility of attack. You may not always be able to avoid an attack, but remaining alert you will be better prepared to meet the attack or take evasive action.

Do not allow yourself to be taken by surprise. Try to vary your routine and be extra vigilant.

Remember that attackers will only be successful if they havesurprise on their side. A potential attacker who can see that you and your associates are security aware will be forced to reconsider his/her approach. This will increase your chance of evading an attack by taking evasive action.

Ask Yourself:

Where/when am I most vulnerable to an attack?
Can I alter my routine?
Am I taking sufficient precautions?
Am I presenting myself as an easy target?
Am I doing all I can to lower my profile?

Remain aware of the security situation in the area where you live and work.

Be suspicious of incongruous behaviour by people close to you or in the vicinity of your home or workplace
Be sensitive of areas of threat or controversy arising from your job or personal circumstances
Keep family members, staff and colleaguesaware of any changes to the security situation
Call for assistance at the first sign that something unusual has happened or is about to happen. Call security/Police, shout for help or sound your car horn
Always carry a mobile or satellitetelephone or radio
Remember that raising the alarm can effectively deter a potential attacker from pressing home an attack
Remember that your spouse, partner, children or friends may feature in the plans of an attacker. Ensure that your family understand these general guidelines.

Don’t

Become predictable by adopting a routine pattern of behaviour which allows an attacker to:

Predict your future movements

Plan his/her attack

Intercept you in conditions favourable to the attacker

Isolate you from effective assistance
Disclose any information about your job, research, study, family or domestic life to anybody other than those who need to know
Become involved in transactions that are:

Illegal or borderline in their legality or

Not in a recognised place of business.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

When travelling to and from high risk areas planning and preparation are essential to reduce personal risk, ease travel problems and allow you to be more comfortable in your assignment. A well prepared traveller keeps one step ahead and thereby avoids problems.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Check your passport is in date (some countries require them to be valid for 6 months from the date of entry into the country – check the national rules)
Obtain a second passport if you are a frequent traveller
Photocopy your ticket, passport, visa, driving license and credit cards
Leave one of these copies in a safe place in the office or at your home
Take the other copies with you when travelling, but keep them safely and separate from the originals
Scan these documents and email them to yourself
Carry some spare passport photographs with you
Check your visa requirement well in advance

HEALTH

Seek health advice and information before travelling. These are some useful websites:

Carry a small medical kit and any medication that you need on a regular basis
Check that it is legal to bring your medicines into the country you will be visiting – you may need to change your prescription to avoid prohibited substances in your medication
Take a copy of your prescriptions with you
Carry information on any allergies or serious medical conditions you have
Check your employer’s health insurance policy
Make sure your vaccinations and immunisations are up to date and appropriate for the country/area you will be visiting
Only eat or drink from reliable sources

CARDS AND CASH

Have a separate credit card for business travel
Register all the cards you carry so they can be stopped with one phone call if they are stolen
Check your statements carefully
Carry some spare US dollars or Euros, they are useful currency and generally accepted
Obtain some local currency at the airport
If you need a significant amount of cash, have it transferred electronically, then collect it while accompanied by someone you know and trust

DESTINATION CONFIRMATION

Confirm with your destination “meet and greet” transport and accommodation
Make sure that you have an in-country contact number

Don’t

Put your home or destination details on your luggage labels where they can be read easily.

BAGGAGE AND DRESS

Take enough clothing and accessories to cover your needs
Obtain local advice on local dress codes prior to your departure
Take a robust pair of outdoor shoes
Ensure that your bag is strong and secure, mark it with a distinctive marker
Check what you are permitted to carry in hand and hold baggage
Keep luggage to a minimum.You should be able to carry everything that you are taking
Carry a change of underwear, shirt, sweater and washing kit in your hand baggage
Check that you are not carrying any items that are subject to control regimes for import or export (antiques, artwork etc)

Don’t

Wear clothes or carry baggage that carries corporate logos that identify your employer or institution
Ever leave your baggage unattended
Wear clothes which could be regarded as inappropriate and cause offence

COUNTRY BRIEF, TRAINING AND RISK ASSESSMENT

Ensure that your Department has carried out, and that you have read and understood,the LSE risk assessment for fieldwork
Get an up to date country intelligence or security brief
Be aware of any upcoming events such as elections
Familiarize yourself with local customs and attitudes
Check US and UKor similar,as appropriate for your nationality,travel web sites:

Undertake training appropriate for the environment that you will be operating in. Environmental training may be necessary to deal with extreme weather conditions. In areas of war or conflict hostile environment training should be considered before you travel. LSE Security can provide you with information on appropriate training.

ARRIVAL

Have the following handy prior to disembarking:
Passport and immigration form
Yellow fever certificate(if required)
Baggage reclaim stubs
Cash for change at the airport
Emergency contact numbers
Be wary of people who claim to be from your company or institution
Only use official airport taxis
Check the taxi charge before you depart
Keep your baggage in the car with you
Remain at the airport if you are unsure
Get local small denomination money at the airport
Send a message to your family, colleagues and contacts to let them know you have arrived safely

Don’t

Offer bribes
Give out any information about yourself

DEPARTURE

Confirm your return flight with the airline at least two days before you fly
Check in well before the flight – take into account the time required to clear airport security
Use e-booking or early book facilities where available

Don’t

Offer to carry any item with you
Look after anyone else’s luggage for them
Offer bribes

INTERNAL TRAVEL

Within the secure environment of your hotel or apartment it is easy to forget the threat outside. It is when you leave these secure environments that you are most vulnerable; you are moving in an unfamiliar environment and subject to circumstances that are beyond your control. You must be most aware of the threat at these times. You should carefully plan your movements. Know where you are going and how you are getting there. More importantly know how to get back to your place of work or accommodation.

VEHICLES

Take clearly marked taxis normally from the hotel taxi rank
If possible get the hotel to call a registered cab for you
Beware of unmarked cabs
Check taxi charges with the concierge or bell hop before departure
If using taxis do not tell the driver your exact destination before entering the vehicle. Tell him/her a general area. Provide the details of the exact destination as you get closer to the end of your journey
Keep car doors locked at all times and wear seatbelts
Watch out for car-jackers especially at traffic lights
Watch out for gangs at congestion points
Generally be aware of what is going on around you whether you are the driver or the passenger
Check that you are not being followed. If you are, drive to a Police station or a large hotel
In certain areas you may need to consider travelling with a security escort. Arrange this well in advance. Use a recognized provider of security services, be this a government or commercial entity. LSE Security can assist you with advice on providers of security services in different regions
Vary your daily routine if possible –change your routes and times of departure. This is the single greatest contribution that you can make to your personal security. Be unpredictable
Make it a habit to check the area around your car from a distance before approaching it. Check again prior to driving off. Take notice of any suspicious persons or strange vehicles at the start and finish of your journey
Be alert to any parked cars containing occupants, especially if they re-appear the following day. If you suspect a strange vehicle and occupant is watching your movements, drive around the block and return. If the stranger has also left you should report this concern to your security office immediately
Make a habit of checking that everything appears normal each time you begin and end a journey
Check your car for damage before you get in
Make an effort to be inconspicuous. Drive an ordinary car
Ensure your driver is known to you. Never assume that he is simply a ‘new company driver’. Always check his/her credentials
Never enter a vehicle containing two or more people whom you do not know
Keep car doors locked and your boot/trunk locked at all times when driving your car and when parked on the street or in a garage
Check your car windows are closed when parked. When driving ensure that the windows open only sufficient for ventilation (no more than 5 cm/2 inches)
Check the rear seat before entering your vehicle. Ensure that a potential attacker is not concealed here
Keep your car in a garage if you have the opportunity. If you do not have a garage leave it in a well lit location where it will be seen by members of the public or by building security
Always carry in your car the recommended safety equipment such as a torch, spare batteries, a small toolkit and a first aid kit. Some countries require you to carry a fire extinguisher and emergency triangle – check the requirements in advance. 4-wheel drive vehicles should carry off road rescue equipment. In hotter regions carry water. In colder regions carry spare warm clothing
Ensure that you switch on any anti theft device fitted to your vehicle
Always travel in convoy with other vehicles you know if travelling beyond the city limits. Plan your journey to ensure that you have enough time to return before dark
Keep you fueltank topped up to avoid breaking down or stopping at isolated fuel stations. Consider 1/3 of a tank of fuel to be ‘empty’. Carry spare fuel.
Always drive at a steady speed and keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. Leave a bigger space between yourself and military vehicles, police vehicles or civilian vehicles that may contain armed security
Do not allow yourself to be boxed in by other vehicles. In stationary queues leave a car’s length between you and the vehicle in front. Always be prepared to drive off
Beware of accident scenes on lonely roads – they may be faked. If the accident has blocked your route stop a safe distance from the incident and observe. At the first sign of danger reverse away
Always drive to a safe place before stopping to change a flat tyre
Avoid narrow and lonely streets – keep to main highways where possible.
Be alert to anyone approaching your car when you are stopped at traffic lights. Be prepared to drive off
Frequently check your rear view mirrors for vehicles that could be following you. If you think that you are being followed drive directly to a safe location: a Police station, an Embassy or return to your work and report the incident to security
Always drive at the safest speed for the road and weather conditions. Be conscious of, and honest about, your own driving ability. Go on a “defensive driving” course.
Check whether your driving license is valid in the country you will be visiting.
Learn the local “Highway Code” and observe local driving rules
Check whether you may share a car with a member of the opposite sex who is not related to you.

Don’t

Stop in a remote area if you vehicle knocks down a pedestrian unless you are specifically obliged to by law. Drive directly to a safe location and report the incident immediately
Leave valuables on show in your car. Put them out of sightin the boot/trunk
Drive yourself. Where possible have someone drive for you
Pick up strangers
Get out of the car if there are suspicious individuals nearby, drive away
Publicize your journey in advance to anyone who does not need to know
Use the same restaurant, hotel, bar or other venues on a regular basis. Avoid establishing patterns of movement
Travel in conditions that isolate you from persons able to assist you
Give full details of your destination to taxi drivers until the vehicle has set off
Open vehicle doors or fully open windows to deal with people whom you do not know
Accept a Police officer or other official in uniform as bona fide. Ask to see his/her identity card before leaving your vehicle or leaving your apartment
Leave parcels, briefcases, clothes or other items on show in you car. This prevents you from seeing other unusual items that may have been left in the vehicle while you were absent
Drink alcohol and then drive
Leave your car parked outside your apartment block for long periods while you are away. Park your car at your place of work or in a guarded car park
Attempt to remove any suspicious object placed under your car or against the wheels. Call security or Police immediately.

WALKING

Ensure that your handbag is closed or that your wallet is in a front pocket of your clothes
Only carry what you need for the journey
Use the same commonsense when overseas that you would at home
Be especially cautious in, or avoid, areas that you know to be dangerous or problematic.
Walk in company if you are walking at night or through areas that you know to be risky during the daytime
Walk near to the curb or in the best lit part of the street. In quiet poorly lit side streets it is sometimes better to walk in the centre of the road. However watch out for traffic
Keep away from shrubbery, dark doorways, alleysor other places of concealment
Avoid shortcuts through deserted parks, unlit alleys and underpasses. Take the longer and safer route
Avoid public demonstrations or other civil disturbances
Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments
Avoid scam artists and beware of strangers who approach you offering bargains or offering to act as a guide
Beware of pickpockets. They will often have an accomplice with them who will attempt to distract you
Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as though you know where you are going. When possible ask directions from a person in authority or who is acting in an official capacity
Know how to use a pay telephone and have the proper change or tokens to hand.
Learn a few phrases in the local language so that you can communicate that you need help, the Police or a doctor
When walking carry with you:
A mobile phone or radio
Emergency numbers
Minimum cash (separate from credit cards)
Business cards
Identity card or passport copy
In conflict or former conflict areas, be aware of the threat from mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO - shells, bombs, grenades, rockets and other munitions). These items can remain dangerous for many decades. Take advice on areas contaminated by mines and UXO. Do not touch or dig up items that you cannot identify or that may be mines or UXO. If you have to enter an area that you do not know to be clear of mines or other UXO then try to stay on paved areas, tarmac or hard standing. LSE Security can assist you in accessing or commissioning reports on mine and UXO contamination prior to your journey. Other information may be available from official sources in-country.

Don’t