Addressing Mass Transit Attacks with Proven Threat Detection Methods

Mass transit locations, easily accessible and frequented by large crowds, remain highly attractive targets for perpetrators of terrorist attacks and mass violence. These venues present challenges around monitoring the perimeter and identifying concerning behavior and concealed weapons amidst masses of people. A multi-layered security posture backed by effective, prevention-oriented security measures is essential to stopping these attacks before they occur.

Challenges

According to the Bureau of Transportation, attacks have been on the rise in recent years, and it can be easy to feel helpless and reactive when they occur. However, we can learn from the past and implement systems and training that proactively identify concerning behaviors and coordination among agencies. For example, the 2005 London subway bombing highlighted the pressing need to coordinate efforts between law enforcement agencies in different police jurisdictions.

Strategy

To address the surge in recent attacks in mass transit environments, Rozin Security partnered with several U.S. transit agencies and airports to train employees to identify high-risk individuals before an incident occurs. By leveraging technology, employees can swiftly assess and intercept potential threats.

Rozin Security has provided comprehensive security training to law enforcement, security personnel, and non-security staff, enhancing their ability to detect and prevent violent acts. Their training program utilizes Rozin Security’s Suspicion Indicators Recognition and Assessment (SIRA®) tool, which is based on proven field behavior threat detection and security interviewing methods.

The following U.S. transit agencies and airports have received SIRA training:

• Metro Transit.
• Metra.
• Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.
• Minneapolis Airport.
• Savannah Airport.
• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
• Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)

SIRA training courses are effective and proactive courses that teach security and law enforcement professionals how to identify high-risk individuals – such as terrorists, active shooters, or violent criminals – before an incident occurs. enhancing security and law enforcement agencies’ abilities to prevent violent attacks. Training is offered in a variety of formats and areas of focus so clients can select what works best for their organization. Examples of training courses include:

• 5-Day SIRA Certification Course
• 24-Hour SIRA Certification Course
• 4-Hour SIRA Awareness Course
• Specialized tactical SIRA Counter PBIED Course

Results

Rozin Security has received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the quality and effectiveness of the SIRA courses. This tool empowers mass transit agencies and airports with the confidence to identify and track suspicious behavior, potentially preventing attacks. Here are some of the specific outcomes:

• Interception of a Potential Perpetrator: A trained transit law enforcement officer identified and intercepted an individual planning a violent act. This intervention was reported to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, and confirmed the individual was planning a targeted mass violence attack on the transit system.
• Increase in Reporting Suspicious Activity: The training has led to a significant increase in the reporting of tangible suspicious activities. Enhanced reporting allows law enforcement agencies to identify and investigate cases that might have previously gone unnoticed.
• Improved Quality of Reports: Since implementing the training, there has been not only an increase in the number of suspicious activity reports but also an improvement in the quality of the information reported. This has resulted in federal authorities initiating more investigations based on the enhanced reports, thereby improving overall security and threat prevention efforts.

Testimonials

“The SIRA course was very applicable to my job and the instructor had very strong subject matter knowledge.”

– Officer, Metro Transit Police Department

“SIRA  training will save lives. It is a must for every law enforcement agency in this country.”

– Officer, Metro Police Department