A new approach to protect soft-targets from terrorist attacks. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cuesta, A.; Abreu, O.; Balboa, A.; Alvear, D.
• Is Part Of: Safety science. Volume 120(2019)
• Page Start: 877
• Page End: 885
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Soft targets -- Terrorism -- Risk assessment -- Mixed method -- Improvised Explosive Device (IED); Industrial accidents -- Periodicals; Accident Prevention -- Periodicals; Safety -- Periodicals; Travail -- Accidents -- Périodiques; 363.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2019.08.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0925-7535

Abstract

Highlights: We propose a method to assess the relative probability of terrorist attacks against soft targets. Quantitative variables of each potential target and expert opinion are used. Results consists of a screening of zones for counter-terrorism efforts. The method is tested in a case of study for an IED attack. Abstract: This paper presents a method to evaluate hazard level of soft-targets spaces based on their susceptibility to terrorist acts. This contribution illustrates a mixed approach (qualitative-quantitative) to assess an unknown probability of situations which may well put the lives of citizens in serious danger. A case study is conducted on a building adapted from one of the University of Cantabria campus in case of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) delivered by a terrorist. The present study shows how the method can provide valuable information to decision makers based on quantitative results for use in risk management. Potential applications and opportunities of this approach are discussed in detail.