ABC News - Bourbon Street security measures under fire after attack
Robert Boyce, a former NYPD Chief of Detectives, discusses the security failures in New Orleans due to inadequate barriers meant to prevent vehicle-borne attacks. He highlights the importance of having robust infrastructure like bollards to protect against such threats, citing New York's response to past attacks by installing barriers at key locations. Boyce emphasizes the need for comprehensive perimeter security and the use of physical obstacles to prevent vehicles from accessing pedestrian areas. He also mentions alternative measures like using cement barriers or sand-filled dump trucks when bollards are unavailable. Boyce warns of the ongoing threat from radicalized individuals and the importance of law enforcement being prepared for major events like the Super Bowl, as ISIS remains a significant threat. He stresses the need for strong policing and resource allocation to prevent future attacks.
Key Points:
- Ensure robust barriers like bollards are in place to prevent vehicle-borne attacks.
- Use alternative measures such as cement barriers or sand-filled trucks if bollards are unavailable.
- Comprehensive perimeter security is crucial for protecting pedestrian areas.
- Law enforcement must prepare for major events with strong policing and resource allocation.
- ISIS remains a threat; vigilance and proactive measures are necessary.
Details:
1. 🚧 New Orleans Security Shortcomings
- Security barriers on Bourbon Street, intended to prevent attacks, were under construction due to previous malfunctions, highlighting a gap in permanent protective measures.
- The barriers were not yet installed, necessitating the use of patrol cars to block streets as a temporary measure, which may not provide the same level of security as the intended barriers.
- These temporary measures could impact both traffic flow and the perception of safety among residents and visitors.
2. 🛡️ The Role of Barriers in Urban Safety
- In 2017, New York experienced two vehicle-borne attacks, highlighting the need for stronger urban security measures.
- Following these attacks, New York invested in infrastructure by installing bollards at key and sensitive locations, which has been described as a 'game changer' for urban safety.
- Despite resource limitations, effective deployment of security measures, such as police presence and physical barriers, is crucial for preventing and mitigating threats.
- The importance of perimeter lockdown with physical obstacles to ensure public safety is emphasized.
3. 🔧 Innovative Security Solutions for Public Events
- Cities have utilized dump trucks filled with sand and other barriers like cement blocks to prevent vehicle-borne attacks, inspired by incidents like the Christmas Market attack in Europe.
- Security strategies need to address threats from vehicles over 6,000 pounds traveling at high speeds, emphasizing the importance of effective barricades.
- Despite comprehensive planning, security plans can be bypassed, highlighting the necessity for exhaustive checks and contingency strategies.
- Vehicle-borne attacks are a recognized terrorist strategy, as noted in the Isis Playbook, necessitating proactive and innovative security measures.
- Technological advancements such as drones and AI surveillance are increasingly being integrated into security protocols to enhance monitoring and response capabilities.
- Successful implementations at past events provide actionable insights into effective security planning and execution.