Written by Fran Bonny at Simoda
The introduction of Martyn’s Law marks a significant step forward in protecting public spaces from the threat of terrorism. Named in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, this legislation, also known as the Protect Duty, aims to ensure that venues are better prepared to respond to potential threats.
The genesis of Martyn’s Law
Martyn’s Law is the result of tireless campaigning by Figen Murray, Martyn Hett’s mother, who has been a vocal advocate for increased security measures in public spaces. Figen’s efforts have culminated in a law that places a legal obligation on venue owners and operators to enhance their security protocols. This legislation is not just a tribute to Martyn, but a proactive measure to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Scope and applicability
Martyn’s Law applies to a wide range of publicly accessible locations, including shopping centres, sports stadiums, music venues, schools and public transport hubs. The law categorises venues into two tiers based on their capacity:
Standard tier: Venues with a capacity of 100 or more.
Enhanced tier: Venues with a capacity of 800 or more.
Each tier has specific requirements tailored to the scale and nature of the venue, ensuring that security measures are proportionate and effective.
Key requirements of Martyn’s Law
The legislation outlines several critical measures that venues must implement to enhance their security preparedness:
Risk assessment: Venues must conduct thorough assessments of potential terrorism risks, identifying vulnerabilities and evaluating the likelihood of threats.
Security plans: Operators are required to create and maintain a security plan tailored to their venue, detailing preventive measures and response protocols in case of an attack.
Staff training: Regular training for employees is essential to help them identify suspicious behaviours, understand evacuation procedures, and manage crowd control during emergencies.
Incident response plans: Detailed plans for responding to terrorism-related incidents must be developed, ensuring swift and effective actions to protect lives.
Collaboration with authorities: Venue operators are expected to coordinate with local police, emergency services, and other agencies to align their security measures with broader public safety strategies.
Simoda’s role in enhancing security
Simoda offers comprehensive solutions to help venues comply with Martyn’s Law through advanced communication, CCTV and access technologies. Partnering with RingCentral, Simoda provides robust cloud communication solutions that ensure seamless coordination and rapid response during emergencies. RingCentral’s tools enhance conversation intelligence, enabling venues to unlock valuable real time insights and improve their security protocols.
Additionally, Simoda is adding AI camera systems to their business AI solutions, powered by AICuda, offering cutting-edge video analytics to enhance surveillance and incident response. These systems use deep learning algorithms for intelligent video search, object detection, and real-time notifications, making them ideal for security applications in public spaces.
By integrating these technologies, Simoda is helping venues create a safer environment for their visitors.
Preparing for compliance
For organisations, preparing for compliance with Martyn’s Law involves several proactive steps. Investing in security technology, such as CCTV systems, access control measures, and metal detectors is crucial. Additionally, engaging with professional training providers to offer staff training on recognising and responding to threats is essential.
Get in touch
If you would like to discuss how Simoda can help your organisation comply with Martyn’s Law through our advanced communication solutions and camera systems, please contact us at:
info@simoda.co.uk // 0114 553 3600 // www.simoda.co.uk
