Measure type: Actuators

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Actuators could be used for warning, intercepting or eliminating.

The following chart includes various Actuator solutions that can be implemented as event driven-measures to mediate the risk of a high-impact crime (such as a terrorist attack) at an event in a designated area. These are examples derived from the PRoTECT project.

Tech description Threat type Threat phase Tech use Tech criteria
Influence attacker in communication (for example, negotiation strategies, security questioning, communication skills) all Execution Respond Performance


Deception of attacker (for example, distract (i.e., slow down) by unexpected noises or physical barriers) all Execution Respond Readiness /  Performance
Loudspeakers all Execution / post-attack/escape Alert Physical
Lights on pathways (maybe in combination with sensor) all Execution / post-attack/escape Respond Physical / readiness / performance
Crowd control (for example, influence techniques or use of social media) all Execution Alert / protect / restrict Readiness / Performance
Non lethal weapons (acoustic, electroshock, et cetera) Fire arms, sharp object, PBIED attack Execution Pre-attack preparations


Physical / cost
Weapons to stop the terrorist during the attempted attack Fire arms, sharp object, vehicle, PBIED attack Execution Pre-attack preparations


Cost / compliancy
Intervention to stop the terrorist during the attempted attack Fire arms, sharp object, PBIED attack Execution Pre-attack preparations


Other: effectiveness
Use of animals as actuator (for example, influencing behaviour in an overt manner (for example intimidation) and a covert manner) all Execution Surveil / respond / detect / restrict


Readiness / Performance

In the first column, under 'Tech description', technological solutions are listed.


The next column indicates which 'Threat types' can be mitigated with these technological solutions:

  1. Fire arms attack - small calibre pistol or semi/full-automatic rifle;
  2. Sharp object attack - knifes, machete, other sharp and blunt objects;
  3. Vehicle attack - use of vehicle as a weapon by ramming large crowds;
  4. Improvised Explosive Device (IED) - left/concealed in objects or goods (based on home-made or commercial explosives);
  5. Person-Born Improvised Explosive Device (PBIED) - explosives concealed on a person (suicide or carrier);
  6. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Improvised Explosive Device (UAVIED) - explosives delivered by a remote-controlled airborne device;
  7. Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devise (VBIED) - explosives concealed inside a vehicle (or its cargo);
  8. Chemical attack - threat object concealed in goods or carried items (e.g. canister or UAV dispensed);
  9. Biological attack - threat object concealed in goods or carried items (e.g. canister or UAV dispensed);
  10. Radiological attack - threat object concealed in goods or carried items (e.g. canister or UAV dispensed).


The 'Threat phase' column states in which phase of the attack the technological solution has the most effect:

  1. Initial Target Identification (before the attack);
  2. Operational Planning (before the attack);
  3. Pre-Attack Preparation (before the attack);
  4. Execution (during the attack);
  5. Post-Attack/Escape (after the attack).


Finally, the 'Tech use' column states the appertaining security function of the technological solution:

  1. Alert - used for alerting public (e.g. sirens, texting service);
  2. Surveil - used for situational awareness (e.g. cameras, social media tools);
  3. Respond - used for responding to an attack (e.g. security personnel, non-lethal weapons);
  4. Protect - used to protect assets (people, buildings, infrastructure);
  5. Detect - used for detecting a weapon or weapon use (e.g. entry scanning equipment);
  6. Overcome - used for overcoming a sudden vulnerability (e.g. extra concertina wire);
  7. Improvise - created on the spot from available means (e.g. use police vehicle as a road block);
  8. Restrict - used for restricting public access (e.g. safety barriers);
  9. Adapt - used for changing circumstances (e.g. moving assets to a safer location);
  10. Other.


Other measure types are: