UCL Security: advice to the UCL community
24 May 2017
Following the Manchester Arena terror attack, the threat level for international terrorism in the UK has been raised to CRITICAL by the independent Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC).
The Metropolitan Police and UCL Security are implementing a number of measures in response to the threat level. UCL staff and students are asked to take note of these, and to follow the following advice and procedures.
UCL Security advice
UCL Security maintains ongoing contact with the Metropolitan Police in order to liaise on security issues in and around the UCL campus. UCL Security will have an increased presence across the campus and surrounding areas over the next few days and we are asking everyone to:
- Look out for anything that seems out of place, unusual, or doesn't seem to fit in with day-to-day life. It may be nothing but if you see or hear anything that could be terrorist related trust your instinct no matter how small then ACT and call one of the numbers below.
- If possible wear your UCL identification so that it is visible.
- Challenge those you feel suspicious about not wearing identification and that you do not recognise, if you feel confident to do so or call us if you are unsure.
- If you are expecting visitors and there is a Security/Reception presence in your building please provide them with their details before they arrive.
- Visitors to be escorted if possible.
- Restrict deliveries to essential items only.
Security staff will be increasing their checking/searching procedures during this heightened state so we ask everyone be understanding, assist and comply.
If you require any further advice on any of the above, please feel free to contact UCL Security Manager Mark West (mb.west@ucl.ac.uk) or Deputy Security Manager Oliver Curran (o.curran@ucl.ac.uk) who will be happy to speak to you.
Metropolitan Police presence
In response to the incident the Metropolitan Police Service has increased the number of officers on patrol. You can also expect to see the military deployed alongside the police at certain locations. This will free up armed officers from some guarding duties to release Police officers to support the wider response. This is part of an agreed and well -rehearsed plan and military personnel will remain under the command and control of the police service.
The Police are asking the public to remain calm but alert. If you see anything that causes you concern on campus, then please either inform UCL Security by:
- Calling us from any internal phone (ext. 222)
- Calling us from a mobile phone (020 7679 2222)
- Speaking to a Security Officer
Or, if off campus
- Call the Police on 999
UCL Security