The Manchester Arena Inquiry, led by Sir John Saunders, investigated the 2017 terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals during an Ariana Grande concert. The inquiry produced three volumes: Volume 1 examined security shortcomings and missed opportunities by SMG, Showsec, and British Transport Police; Volume 2 assessed the inadequacies in the emergency response by Greater Manchester’s police and rescue services; Volume 3 focused on the radicalization of attacker Salman Abedi and preventability of the attack. Findings highlighted systemic failures in security measures, communication, and emergency preparedness. Key recommendations included the implementation of a Protect Duty for venues, enhanced training for security staff, improved surveillance measures, and better integration of counter-terrorism strategies within communities. The inquiry aimed to honor the victims by ensuring lessons are learned to prevent future attacks.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inadequate Security Training | Security staff lack adequate training in counter-terrorism and situational awareness. | Shift from generic security training to specialized counter-terrorism measures for staff. | In ten years, security personnel may have enhanced skills, reducing terrorism vulnerabilities at public venues. | Increased awareness of terrorism risks prompting rigorous training adaptations. | 5 |
| Blind Spots in Surveillance Systems | CCTV blind spots at venues pose significant risks during large gatherings. | Transformation from poorly monitored to highly surveilled event venues to capture suspicious activities. | Future venues will likely employ advanced surveillance technologies to cover all areas effectively. | Advancements in technology drive the need for comprehensive security coverage in public spaces. | 4 |
| Failing Prevent Strategy | Persistent issues in the Prevent Strategy raised concerns about its effectiveness. | Evolving from ineffective preventive measures to robust community engagement and intervention strategies. | Successful integration of preventive measures may see a significant reduction in extremist threats. | The necessity for a more proactive approach to community and educational engagement on extremism. | 5 |
| Poor Coordination Among Emergency Services | Emergency services exhibited poor coordination during the attack response. | Movement towards integrated, well-structured emergency response systems with clear command. | In a decade, emergency responses may include better command structures for quicker, effective action. | Lessons learned from past incidents fueling reforms in emergency response protocols. | 5 |
| Public Involvement in Security | Members of the public played a critical role during the incident’s chaos. | From passive observers to active participants in immediate security and first response efforts. | Greater public training may lead to enhanced community resilience and immediate support during crises. | Increased emphasis on community training initiatives in emergency response and safety measures. | 4 |
| Reliance on Part-Time Security Staff | Venues often employ part-time, inadequately trained security personnel. | Shift towards full-time, well-trained security professionals focusing on public safety. | In the future, venues may favor permanent security staff with comprehensive training over temporary workers. | Rising public expectations for safety and professional security services driving industry changes. | 5 |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Insufficient Threat Detection and Response | Failures in current threat detection and emergency response measures may lead to future terrorist attacks and increased casualties. |
| Inadequate Security Training | The reliance on poorly trained security staff can result in missed opportunities to prevent or mitigate threats, risking public safety. |
| Intelligence Oversight | The downgrade of threat assessments by intelligence agencies can leave communities vulnerable to well-planned attacks. |
| CCTV and Surveillance Limitations | Ongoing blind spots in surveillance systems can be exploited by potential attackers, compromising public safety. |
| Flawed Coordination Among Emergency Services | Lack of a coordinated response plan among emergency services can delay assistance during critical incidents, increasing casualties and chaos. |
| Prevent Strategy Failures | Ineffectiveness of the Prevent strategy may not adequately address the radicalization of individuals, leading to future security threats. |
| Neglected Community Involvement in Prevent | Failure to integrate anti-radicalization efforts with local communities may perpetuate isolation and extremism, threatening public safety. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Security Awareness | Greater emphasis on situational awareness and behavioral detection among security staff as a preventive measure against potential threats. |
| Collaboration in Emergency Response | Increased focus on multi-agency preparedness and clear command structures for coordinated emergency responses in crisis situations. |
| Proactive Risk Management | A shift towards proactive risk assessments and tailored security measures to counter terrorism threats, particularly in high-traffic public venues. |
| Integration of Community Strategies | Greater integration of Prevent strategies within communities, educational institutions, and local policing to combat radicalization. |
| Standardization of Security Training | Calls for reform in the training and accreditation of security personnel, moving away from generic practices to specialized counter-terrorism training. |
| Technological Advancements in Surveillance | Increased implementation of advanced CCTV and surveillance systems to eliminate security blind spots and improve monitoring capabilities. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Integrated Security Systems | Advanced frameworks integrating CCTV, behavioral detection, and crowd management technologies for real-time threat assessment and mitigation. |
| CCTV Enhancements | Technological improvements to CCTV systems that eliminate blind spots and enhance situational awareness among operators. |
| Multi-Agency Coordination Tools | Digital platforms designed for real-time information sharing and command structure coordination during emergencies. |
| Emergency Response Training Programs | Innovative training regimens focusing on behavioral detection and emergency responsiveness for security personnel. |
| Community-Based Prevention Strategies | Engagement initiatives that integrate community resources to enhance awareness and prevent radicalization. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Security Failures in Public Venues | A persistent issue of inadequate security measures and training at large public events, risking safety if unaddressed. |
| Emergency Response Coordination | Challenges in coordinated emergency responses highlight the need for improved communication and preparation among responders. |
| Intelligence Oversight in Counterterrorism | Failures in monitoring and assessing potential threats reveal gaps in intelligence practices and investigations. |
| Radicalisation and Community Engagement | The ongoing necessity for effective community strategies to prevent radicalisation and engage at-risk individuals. |
| Training Standards for Security Personnel | Low standards in security personnel training contribute to inefficient threat detection and emergency response. |
| Integration of Technology in Security | The need for advanced technology solutions like enhanced CCTV and situational awareness to strengthen security infrastructures. |
| Prevent Strategy Effectiveness | The ineffectiveness of the Prevent strategy indicates serious problems in community policing and intervention methods. |
| Crisis Management in Emergencies | Poorly defined command structures during crises reveal the importance of clear leadership in emergency scenarios. |
| Public Awareness and Participation | Encouraging public vigilance and reporting suspicious behaviors needs to be improved to enhance community safety. |