Firearms

Terrorist attacks with firearms have been seen repeatedly, e.g. in the attack on two mosques in New Zealand in the spring of 2019.

To secure against ballistic attacks, a threat assessment should be conducted. This will help determine the appropriate security level for the building and associated spaces.

Firearm attacks are challenging to protect against in public spaces; here, attackers could get very close to their victims without necessarily being a visible threat. Like the protection against edged, pointed and blunt weapons at an event, electronic surveillance measures such as scanners and CCTV, can be utilised as part of perimeter protection or access control for early detection.

As in the case of defence against an attack with edged, pointed and blunt weapons, buildings can be designed with access-controlled sections and safe rooms. Strategically positioning employees to shield them from openings and access routes can also have a mitigating effect. 

In addition to working with the interior design of the building, the building exterior can also be protected against ballistic assaults. When using certified products, standards for ballistic resistance should be used. In addition, changes in landscape design, such as manipulating line of sight to the building, can also contribute to overall security.