Training for Security Control Room operators

A new, pioneering training course for Security Control Room operators has been launched by CPNI

As the national technical authority for physical and personnel protective security, the Centre for Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) has launched a new course for security control room operators.

The course and associated guidance produced by CPNI enables businesses and organisations to plan, prepare nd respond to terrorist incidents, increasing the capabilities of Security Control Room operators and other security personnel.

Uniquely based around research undertaken since 2017, the course offers world-first immersive exercises that simulate multiple terrorist incident scenarios, enabling delegates to practice decision-making in real-time, as if they were in a real control room.

The course is informed by the recently updated guidance, developed through detailed analysis of previous terrorist incidents, extensive research that has included live simulations of attacks (as part of CPNI’s ASCEND trials) and surveys of existing Command and Control capabilities.

The importance of security control room operators

Through five years of research, we have found that most casualties in a terrorist incident occur within the first few minutes.

In the initial period before emergency services have arrived on scene, the security control room is the front line of defence, leading and organising the initial response to the terrorist incident. Every second counts during an attack and every second that passes is an opportunity to keep the threat as far away from people as possible, assist those who need urgent help and assist the emergency services.

Effective command and control is critical to mitigating the impact of terrorist incidents. Sites are unlikely to provide an effective response to a terrorist incident unless:

  • Security control rooms are provided with the appropriate equipment, policies, and procedures.
  • Operators are given the necessary training and time to practice and exercise the response.

A need for better preparedness

However, CPNI’s research has shown that UK businesses and organisations are not sufficiently prepared for terrorist incidents. Security Control Room operators are often unclear on what tasks need to be completed and whose responsibility each task is, resulting in duplication of effort and essential tasks.

Terrorist attacks are perhaps the most challenging types of incidents an organisation will ever face. Fortunately, they are also rare, and most people will never encounter one. Training and rehearsal are often the only ways for SCR operators to gain and practise the necessary skills.

Where and when

The course is specifically designed for operators who work in Security Control Rooms within National Infrastructure sites and crowded places. It is also valuable for those directly responsible for the SCR operators.

Over 120 delegates have attended pilot courses in 2022, including operators from transport, retail, sports stadiums and arenas, major events, office buildings, government buildings and other Publicly Accessible Locations across the country. Their feedback confirmed the need for the course and particularly the value of the fully immersive exercises in making operators more knowledgeable, more confident, and more experienced in acting appropriately, fast and effectively.

Regarding the course, a CPNI spokesperson has said: “Our goal is to make Security Control Room operators across the country feel as ready as possible to respond to a terrorist incident, as this is crucial to ensuring the safety of the British public. Understanding responsibilities, and a quick response can only be achieved by being well prepared.

“Existing training courses tend to consist of “tabletop exercises”, but our new course is the first to be informed by comprehensive research and offers delegates realistic immersive exercises to give them practical, hands-on experience of operating under the pressure of simulated terrorist incidents. We have received fantastic feedback from recent attendees and look forward to working with many more security control operators over the coming months and years to enact our belief that acting fast saves lives.”

The 5-day course only hosts a small number of delegates at a time (maximum 24) to enable them to get the most out of the experience as they are supported by expert trainers. Spaces are available from January 2023 onwards at locations across the country.

To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here.

Never miss a story… Follow us on:
LinkedIn Security Buyer
Twitter logo @SecurityBuyer
Facebook @Secbuyer

Media Contact
Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, Security Portfolio
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: [email protected]

About Security Buyer

Security Buyer is the leading authority in global security content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the security sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Rebecca Spayne picture 2025

Rebecca Spayne

Managing
EDITOR

Georgina Turner image

Georgina Turner

Sales
Manager

Afua Akoto image - Security Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

OneLink

Product Spotlight – Gallagher’s OneLink

Gallagher Security presents, OneLink – the product that is elevating remote security through the power of the cloud 
Pinaccle systems

Pinnacle Systems further supports Installers and System Integrators

Pinnacle Systems has launched the Pinnacle Partner Programme, a new initiative designed to provide enhanced support for installers…
Stephen Tickle

Comelit-PAC Appoints Stephen Tickle as Regional Sales Manager

Comelit-PAC has appointed Stephen Tickle as its new Regional Sales Manager.  Stephen will focus on supporting PAC’s access control…
Intersec Saudi

Intersec Saudi Arabia returns with record exhibition space

Intersec Saudi Arabia, the premier industry platform for security, safety and fire protection, will return to the Riyadh…
Abloy UK

Abloy Academy breaks attendance records

Abloy UK has achieved record breaking attendance at its Academy, with more professionals than ever attending its…
Hikvision

Hikvision Introduces X-ray Baggage Inspection System

Hikvision India has recently introduced X-ray Baggage Inspection System with AI- enabled Intelligent Recognition Capabilities…
GBV

IFPO Column: The Quiet Signals of Danger

Yoyo Hamblen of IFPO and Gary Simpson, Nonverbal and Behavioural specialist discuss the important topic of Gender-Based Violence..
Doorbird Carousel

Product Spotlight – Door Communication for the “Neue Wallufer”

 A customised solution case study for a residential complex is presented by DoorBird and CompuNet Systems GmbH 
suprema

Suprema Achieves EN 60839 Certification

Suprema, a global provider of AI-powered access control and security solutions, has achieved EN 60839-11-1:2013 Grade 3 certification
ASSA ABLOY

Electric locks are a vital component in digital access

To protect the important openings in their buildings, organizations need locks they can trust. This means more than just strength…
Scroll to Top