Enhancing building security for embassies along the Maritime Silk Road against terrorist attacks

Chun-Lin Liu; Jeslin Quek

doi:10.24294/jipd.v3i1.1118

Enhancing building security for embassies along the Maritime Silk Road against terrorist attacks

Chun-Lin Liu, Jeslin Quek

Article ID: 1118
Vol 3, Issue 1, 2019

VIEWS - 2193 (Abstract) 596 (PDF)

Abstract

Embassies are important buildings, involving the diplomatic image of a country’s government in another foreign country. Given the rising tensions between countries, either political, economic, religion or war, attacks on embassies have been increasing in recent years. Thus, it is evident that appropriate measures are to be taken to reduce the potential impact of an attack. The paper discusses the measures in enhancing building security of embassies. The principles for Security Planning and Design are discussed, followed by an introduction to a systematic security risk assessment framework. The framework is evaluated regarding the potential security risk posed by an attack against elements of the mega infrastructure using explosives. Further options to increase the security of embassies are also explored to reduce the risk of a potential attack. A security-enhanced building, planned and constructed well to specifications, can provide benefits to the client, including greater cost advantage and increase of value for the structure.

Keywords

mega public infrastructure; security risk assessment; threat; vulnerability; terrorist attack

Full Text:

PDF

References

Bonner R (2002). At Least 14 Die in Attack on French Group in Pakistan [online]. New York, USA; The New York Times. May 9, 2002. Accessed on: Jan 30, 2019. Available from: https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/09/world/at-least-14-die-in-attack-on-french-group-in-pakistan.html

Cooke C (2018). Remembering the 1998 Embassy Bombings [online]. Washington, DC, USA: US Department of State. Aug 3, 2018. Accessed on: Jan 30, 2019. Available from: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/rls/284888.htm.

Coole M, Corkill J and Woodward A (2012). Defense in Depth, Protection in Depth and Security in Depth: A Comparative Analysis Towards a Common Usage Language. Australian Security and Intelligence Conference. Perth, Australia: SRI Security Research Institute, Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.4225/75/57a034ccac5cd.

Ekmer K (2018). 7 killed in attack on Chinese consulate in Karachi claimed by local terrorist group[online]. Hong Kong; South China Morning Post Publishers. Nov 23, 2018. Accessed on: Jan 28, 2019. Available from: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/2174655/gunmen-police-exchange-fire-near-chinese-consulate-pakistans

Gall C (2008). Bombing at Hotel in Pakistan Kills at Least 53 [online]. New York, USA; The New York Times. May 9, 2002. Accessed on: Jan 30, 2019. Available from: https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/22/world/asia/22islamabad.html

Khan I and Masood S (2009). Militants Strike Hotel in Pakistan, Killing 11 [online]. New York, USA; The New York Times. June 9, 2009. Accessed on: Jan 28, 2019. Available from: https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/10/world/asia/10peshawar.html

Khan K and Vick K (2002). Bomber Hits U.S. Consulate in Karachi. [online]. Washington USA: The Washington Post, June 15, 2002. Accessed on: Jan 28, 2019. Available from: https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2002/06/15/bomber-hits-us-consulate-in-karachi/fc0ee347-591d-4b05-b40b-99139fafd1f7/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.1c3121b3e02d

Liu C (2018). An Introduction to Urban Security Planning and Design. 7th International Conference on Protection of Structures against Hazards. Hanoi, Vietnam, 29–31 Oct, 2018.

Liu C, Tan C-K, Fang Y-S and Lok T-S (2012). The Security Risk Assessment Methodology. Procedia Engineering, 43: 600–609. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2012.08.106.

Navqi SM (2006). Pakistan blasts kill U.S. diplomat [online]. Georgia USA: Cable News Network, March 2, 2006. Accessed on: Jan 28, 2019. Available from: http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/03/01/karachi.blast/

Perlez J & Shah PZ (2008). Embassy Attack in Pakistan Kills at Least 6. [online]. New York, USA; The New York Times. June 3, 2008. Accessed on: Jan 28, 2019. Available from: https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/03/world/asia/03pakistan.html

Prevatt JS (1998). Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and the Role of Facilities Planning in Force Protection. Monterey, CA, USA: Naval Postgraduate School.

Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs (2005). Enhancing Building Security. Singapore: Ministry of Home Affairs.

Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs (2010). Guidelines for Enhancing Building Security in Singapore (GEBSS). Singapore: Ministry of Home Affairs.

Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs (2018). Guidelines for Enhancing Building Security in Singapore. Singapore: Ministry of Home Affairs.

US Department of State (2011). Embassy Perimeter Improvement Concepts and Design Guidelines. Washington, DC, USA: US Department of State, Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations.

United States Government Accountability Office (2014). Diplomatic Security- Overseas Facilities May Face Greater Risks Due to Gaps in Security-Related Activities, Standards, and Policies. Washington, United States Government Accountability Office.

Young W (2013). Embassy Security: From The Outside In. Santa Monica, CA, USA: RAND Corporation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v3i1.1118