Ariana Grande Concert Attack: Experts on Lessons for Singapore

TODAY

24 May 2017

Security measures for events, such a pop concert, need to be implemented on a broader scale, rather than localising them at the designated venue. This is especially necessary if there are major transport nodes nearby, so as to cover the commute to and from an event, said security analysts in the wake of the Manchester bombing.

The bomb tore through an entrance hall of the Manchester Arena at about 10.30pm on Monday (local time) as a concert by the American pop star Ariana Grande was ending, and crowds of teenagers had begun to leave, many for an adjacent train station.

Analysts interviewed by TODAY noted that while the recently-passed amendments to the Public Order Act in Singapore requires organisers of large-scale events to put in place security measures — from deploying armed security officers to conducting bag and full-person checks — the Manchester bombing highlights new gaps that could be exploited: Security post-event, and routes to public transport facilities.

“Pre- and post-event security is important SOP (standard operating procedure) and should encompass nearby major transport hubs like train and bus stations,” said Associate Professor Kumar Ramakrishna, head of policy studies at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).

Security personnel and clear screening points should be activated at the exits and around the venue to deter post-event brawls and suss out suspicious activity, said research analyst Nur Diyanah Anwar from the Centre of Excellence for National Security at the RSIS.

Security coverage should be extended not only to transport nodes, but surrounding nearby areas that may expect to see “high human and vehicular traffic” pre- and post-event, she added, citing parking areas and malls as examples.

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Last updated on 26/05/2017