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Threats
Intruders, Demonstrations and Crowds

Action by protesters, intruders and crowds has become a threat to all business and public authority premises in recent years. Whilst the instigators of such actions may intend these types of incident to be a peaceful protest, in practice they can be very intimidating and frightening for staff. Staff can experience violence, and damage to buildings may occur.
 
 
Staff Actions
It is recommended that the number of staff in direct contact with protesters is kept to a minimum.  A Facilities Manager or senior member of staff should assume an Incident Manager role.  It is recommended that the majority of staff are kept safe, inside the building, if possible out of sight, and away from the nucleus of the protest.
Staff should be advised to take the following actions:
 
  • Switch off all computer equipment including laptops.
  • Remove any paperwork from their desks.
  • Lock filing cabinets.
  • Close and secure windows.  Pull down blinds.
  • Lock office doors (otherwise protesters may ransack the office looking for information to support their cause).
  • Stay in their office (if appropriate), or make their way to the designated assembly area. 
 
Once the incident manager has notified staff that it is safe to resume their normal duties, they may return to their offices. However, if the fire alarm sounds at any time during the protest it is imperative that all personnel and visitors follow the fire drill and leave the building immediately.
 
If staff members do come into contact with the protesters, they should be encouraged to remain calm and adopt a non-aggressive demeanour. They should not respond to personal or emotive comments.
 
If a protest is against a programme editorial stance, it is sometimes beneficial for a BBC representative to meet a delegation of protesters. However, this course of action carries risks to the BBC representative and that the ensuing discussion could inflame the situation, therefore this must be undertaken in controlled circumstances after taking police advice.
 
 
Contact with Protesters
The incident manager or designated management representative should ask the protesters to leave the site/building, reminding them that it is private property.
 
If the protesters refuse to move, they should be informed that they are trespassing.
 
Efforts should be made to move photographers/cameramen away from buildings. However, under no circumstances should staff attempt to snatch or cover their cameras.
 
If the protesters take anything (e.g. documents, equipment) they should be informed that it is an act of theft and that it will be reported to the police.
 
 
Handling Other Media
It is important to remember that the words and actions of staff may be recorded by other media.  Staff must be reminded of this fact, and should not be drawn into an argument or use bad language. By acting professionally it is possible to turn the voice of protest around so that a balanced view can be gained when reported.
 
If staff are approached by other (non-BBC) media they should not get drawn into making any comment but refer them to the designated member of the management team (Incident Manager) or Press Office representative.
 
Contact should be avoided with any trespasser or intruders.
It should be noted that unless a criminal offence has occurred (e.g. theft) the Police can only assist to prevent a breach of the peace. They cannot expel protesters just because they are requested to.
 

Action to be taken by Staff who Witness a Criminal Act
If criminal offences have been committed or are being committed these can be dealt with by the police. Those who witness it should report the incident to the incident manager or police. 
 
As soon as possible, they should write down a detailed description of the offender including any name/nickname used. A note should then be made of exactly what happened, and the time and location of the offence.
 
These notes will assist the witness when making a statement to the Police, which may be necessary to support any resulting court proceedings.
 
Do not react to intimidation at the entrance or gate. Inform the incident manager, site security staff/reception, or immediate line manager of any incidents. 
 
If driving, remember to concentrate at all times. Do not drive fast in an attempt to avoid a confrontation.  Do not engage in any conversation or argument with demonstrators -they want you to react.  Keep your doors and windows locked when driving past demonstrators.
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