The UK National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) recently published a new hostile vehicle mitigation and guidance report to help public safety officials determine their risk from vehicle-borne threats, assess facility strengths and vulnerabilities, and identify suitable options for “Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM).”

Vehicle-borne threats can range from vandalism to sophisticated or aggressive attack by violent extremists, terrorists, or determined criminals. Indeed, many water and wastewater utilites frequently report security incidents to WaterISAC in which a hostile vehicle caused some type of damage, such as a vehicle smashing through a perimeter gate. Terrorists and violent extremists typically employ vehicles in three main ways to enable an attack: Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), Vehicle as a Weapon (VAW), or a Layered Attack Vehicle - transporting attackers and / or weapons.

Based on these threats, HVM, according to NPSA, is a protective security discipline focusing on reducing risks associated with vehicle borne threats posed by terrorists and criminals. “HVM is the delivery of measures that are informed by the threat and how it manifests itself, the multiple consequences of an attack, the vulnerability of a given location and the needs of the enterprise requiring protection.” The fundamental aspects of HVM include security risk assessments, security planning, and design and deployment of risk-based measures. Accordingly, this report offers guidance on operational requirements, physical security standards, design and building elements of HVM, and other considerations. Ultimately, vehicle-borne threats may manifest in a combination of methods and tactics. Therefore, effective HVM efforts requires a layered security approach. Access the full guidance at NPSA here or read more about vehicle-borne threats at these first responder toolboxes (Vehicle-Borne Attacks: Tactics and Mitigation and Best Practices for Screening Against Terrorist Attacks).