G20 Summit is Example of Layered Security Approach

Posted on June 25, 2010 by Wellesley Consulting Services

Pedestrians are reflected in a glass building as they walk alone a security fence on Front Street in Toronto, Thursday, June 24, 2010, as the security fencing is in place around the Metro Toronto Convention Center for the upcoming G8 and G20 Summits. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

A perfect example of a layered, or “onion”, approach to security planning is presently on display at the G8 and G20 Summits being held in Huntsville and Toronto, respectively.

The layered approach is often advocated in CTPED (crime prevention through environmental design) textbooks, and is a familiar concept to security industry experts and practitioners.

A strict CTPED approach involves strategies for access control within the built environment, and express use and maintenance of the “protected space”. An access control strategy incorporates the ability to provide for natural surveillance of one’s surroundings, defined points of entry and access control measures, and territorial reinforcement.

The G20 Summit will be held in the heart of Canada’s largest urban centre, necessitating an artificial “built” environment to augment the existing one. And, as various media and the Integrated Security Unit in charge of security have reported, that artificial environment – namely a security fence estimated at 6 km in total length – is quite large.

In fact, there are two fences, which reinforced another CTPED concept – that of “defensible space”. In security circles, this is also referred to as “sterile space”. The area between the outer fence and the inner fence is sterile in the sense that severe access restrictions have been placed on those wishing to enter.

Most will require pre-registration or accreditation, and for the most part include media, policing and security authorities, and attending delegates. The ISU has said that members of the public who show identification and have a valid need to enter will be permitted to do so, depending on the current security situation. Since the outer perimetre includes several hotels, a residential condominium building, and the CBC building, it is likely that unregistered members of the public would be heading to one of those locations, potentially with an escort.

The concept at the outer perimeter is to isolate any threats that manage to make it past that perimeter. The inner area is blanketed with surveillance – again reinforcing a CTPED concept, that of “natural surveillance”. The size of the secure zone requires CCTV, and as has been reported, there is plenty of it: 77 additional CCTV cameras in all.

The inner fence, it can be expected is strictly off limits to anyone but particular media, delegates and security personnel. This again reinforces the CTPED concept of territorial reinforcement by restricting private activities to clearly defined private areas.

We see from the G20 Summit example that the security measures known and announced to be in place are in reality no different than what a security consultant, service provider, or even community police officer would recommend for a private residence, retail shopping mall, residential high-rise or commercial property – just scaled up to meet the particular needs of a major international event.

Applying a layered security approach is not just for heads of state.

Applying a layered security approach is not just for heads of state. A residence can be adapted to provide natural surveillance by curtailing shrubs that obscure windows, and a lawn mowed weekly reinforces territorial use.

A coffee shop posting a sign that limits customer visits to 20 minutes provides notice that follow access control principles straight out of a CTPED manual. The policy doesn’t even need to be enforced rigourously to provide a psychological message to undesireable elements that their presence is not welcome.

The Toronto G20 Impact Zone

Posted on June 2, 2010 by Wellesley Consulting Services

The RCMP-led Integrated Security Unit, which has responsibility over security for the G8/G20 Summits in Huntsville and Toronto this month, recently released road closure information.

Toronto G20 Summit road map of security barrier and traffic changes. (RCMP G8-G20 ISU website)

The area within the orange box will be generally inaccessible to the public, and access will be restricted to G20 delegates, accredited media, and other authorized persons. Residents who live within this area are asked by the ISU to register and obtain a pass, however, unregistered persons will still be able to access the zone provided they are willing to show identification and give specific information about where they are going, and are willing to wait or possibly be escorted.

This area contains the CBC building, the CN Tower, the Rogers Centre, and several business that are mostly restaurants and commercial office towers.

According to the CN Tower website, the attraction will close during the G8/G20 summit, from June 25 to 27, as a result of anticipated security restrictions on travel in the area. It is also worth noting that the main observation deck altitude of 346 metres, and proximity to the G20 site, provide for an ideal observation post for security forces to coordinate and observe activities in and around the summit facility.

The CBC is a 24 hour news media operation, and is unlikely to be significantly impacted overall. Its vehicle entrance does not face Front St, which is likely to be closed entirely to vehicle traffic.

The Toronto Blue Jays announced on May 11 they will play their three game series against the Phillies in Philidelphia, instead of at home as originally scheduled, and issue refunds to ticket holders. Their last home game before the summit will be June 24. It is expected that the Rogers Centre will be closed for the duration of the summit.

Because Bremner Blvd provides direct access to the convention centre’s south building, it is probable that it will be closed or access severely restricted. Such closures may affect businesses like the Steam Whistle Brewery, who declined to comment on G20 matters, and other businesses and condos in the area.

The Royal Bank building at 325 Front St W is also likely to see access restrictions, as vehicle access to the buildings underground parking is from Front St, which is likely to be closed betweek Blue Jays Way and York Street. The banks headquarters is adjacent to the Royal York Hotel, which is also located within the security zone and is a likely location for accomodations for delegates.

The security zone is not as large as previously projected by some media outlets, including the Globe and Mail, which suggested the security zone would extend as far as Queen Street to the north, and Queen’s Quay to the south, and Spadina to Yonge to the west and east.

Access within the blue “traffic” zone will be permitted, according to the ISU, however at this point vehicles can expect to “engage with a Toronto Police Service officer”. It is within this zone that the heaviest police presence can be expected, and the removal of street furniture such as mail and newspaper boxes, and transit shelters, will take place. Utility access covers will likley be welded shut and the bulk of the 77 additional CCTV cameras monitored by Toronto Police will cover this zone.

Toronto to Host G20 in 2010

Posted on December 7, 2009 by Wellesley Consulting Services

Toronto is now confirmed as the site of the G20 summit next year. Image: WELLESLEY CONSULTING SERVICES

The Prime Minister’s Office has confirmed that Toronto will be the location of the G20 summit next June.

The summit, which will run June 26 and 27, was originally to have been held in Huntsville, the location of the next G8 summit the same month.

The relocation of the G20 summit is expected to have significant security requirements and a noticeable impact on residents in Canada’s largest city. During the 1988 G7 summit, which was also held in Toronto, security was handled by the RCMP and Toronto Police, involving hundreds of officers, patrolling helicopters, motorcades, road closures and logistics.

Next years’ summit is expected to be larger than the Pittsburgh G20 summit, held earlier this year, and according to some sources required 4,000 rooms for accommodating leaders, staff, media, and other personnel.

Large summits also give an opportunity to showcase the latest in security technology, and the Toronto G20, as well as the Muskoka G8, are expected to be no different. Toronto has already implemented CCTV monitoring in key public areas, and partner agencies have already tried and tested personnel screening technology such as “see through” X-ray scanners, which are already being implemented in Canadian airports.

Security is expected to be coordinated by the G8 Integrated Security Unit (ISU), an RCMP, OPP and military partnership modelled after the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics ISU.

No location has been announced for the Toronto G20, although it is likely a single facility will be chosen for the majority of the events. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre was the host of the 1988 G7 summit, and could likely reprise its role. It is a large facility located downtown in close proximity to major hotels and has ready access to highways and downtown transit networks.

The Canadian National Exhibition grounds have both the Direct Energy Centre and the newer, 160,000 sq. ft. Allstream Centre, both of which are capable of hosting large events, and can be isolated to enhance security.

The CNE grounds also have an advantage of being located close to the Billy Bishop Airport, located on Toronto Island, and two military establishments located nearby can provide support and facilities for security personnel.

Finally, Downsview Park – also located in proximity to an airport, which occupies the same site – is another possible location for the summit. Security requirements would be made simple, since it is a former military base, and military facilities still exist there. While the facility lacks indoor conference space, several large events have been held there in the past that required temporary facilities built, including World Youth Day in 2002.

Protester presence could be very high, since isolation of the G8 site in Huntsville may result in protest groups choosing a more accessible and more impactful site to carry out demonstrations. Toronto has the largest population in Canada, is an hour from the U.S. border, and is an air travel hub.