Being secure is a concern of every human being. Safety is not merely the absence of danger, but rather, a consistent mindset of feeling secure, mentally and physically. We are familiar with the Latin quote by Juvenal who asked, Quis custodiet ipcos custodies? Which translates, “Who guards the guards themselves?” Ancient history reveals that personal security had been a priority for many. The Bible records in the book of second Chronicles that King David had an officer named Benaiah, who was in charge of his bodyguards. In the recent past the need for security has evolved into a very lucrative enterprise globally, with thousands of former military men and women serving as CPOs (Close Protection Officers) working in teams, locally referred to as squads. The squad must display quick response, teamwork and dedication.
In late February, the nation was pushed into a state of shock when the prison bus transporting a high profile prisoner was suddenly subject to a pre meditated violent assault, which claimed the lives of 5 inmates and 2 prison guards. The attackers were shooting with precision skill and completing their mission in Hollywood blockbuster style. The incident has raised concern about the safety of the public who could be caught in the crossfire. The ambush is significant as it was witnessed in broad daylight!
Convoy Safety
People rely on each other, this is basic human behaviour. Again, history reveals that convoys began in ancient civilizations, as people wanted mutual support and protection. Maritime history helps us understand the concept of convoys as merchant ships sailed together. Travelling on land presents many potential risks to a convoy. The primary concern of the convoy should be route safety, where a desired route from point A- B must be analyzed at least 3 days before the movement. The reason for this is to identify impending dangers, such as, bottlenecks in traffic, ongoing road repairs, isolated buildings with high vantage points a bonus to concealed snipers (balconies and towers), railway crossings that can slow the convoy and uphill roads that can force you to reduce speed. Even inclement weather, like rain or fog can be used by an attacker to their advantage. Today, with advances in technology the convoy’s newest threat can be a drone attack, where there is no human presence at the scene of ambush. The next step is an assessment of threat. This is based on the person being protected, and what levels of animosity and revenge exist towards that individual. The convoy leader must take responsibility to go through available intelligence of suspicious persons, hostile intentions and other threats that can breach and ambush the convoy. In order to mitigate a possible attack one must use all the resources at his disposal in a discreet manner.
Once this is done the convoy leader must focus on the physical aspect of the motorcade formation. In what kind of vehicle is the person to be transported, how many escort vehicles and any “decoy” vehicles to be included in the convoy. The overall aim of the convoy is to build a 360 degree safety net for the person transported. The security team can use an assortment of tactics that include convoy deception and increase speed while in places considered most vulnerable to attack. The squad members must not use mobile phones, but only their two way sets. Many opine that the Prison bus had taken a familiar route, and became an easy prey. An armed convoy is not an ad hoc team selected off a duty roster, but must be a sustained operation.
Response to assault
As we witnessed last week, and before that, during the years of conflict – a convoy can be subject to many forms of deadly attack. The high velocity automatic weapons of today, which discharge more rounds, can unleash death in a bloody manner. This was evident in the Kalutara attack as the guards armed with T-56 rifles were not able to counter attack. Having a loaded gun is not the same as having it cocked and ready to fire. At this point we don’t know where the guards were positioned in the bus and what view they had of the road ahead (except the driver). What was their ambush response drill? One photo after the attack shows the deflated front tire of one bus, which the attackers wisely disabled by gunshot.
The Prison authorities must enhance their present fleet with at least 2 MRAP vehicles (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected). It is possible that in future, prison convoys can be subject to an IED ambush as they move through built up areas (Improvised Explosive Device)
During my residence in the USA, I was able to gain deeper insight into the movement of prisoners by visiting a penitentiary operated by the CCA, a corrections facility. Inmates are segregated here in terms of black, white, Hispanic (Latino) and in order of gang affiliations often indicated by symbolic tattoos. Of course, we can’t make comparisons in terms of resources. Our prisons don’t operate on the same budget. Our prisons are overcrowded, which increases the probability of internal fights among inmates.
The foreign guards always wear bullet proof vests during a movement and are armed. They use other non fatal methods like spraying a violent inmate with pepper maze, simply to subdue. In addition, they have trained teams that can respond to any “code red” situation inside the jail and on vehicular transit. It is interesting to note that each inmate is restrained as per his criminal history by use of hand cuffs and cuffs that also bind your feet (as portrayed in the famous movie Con Air). High profile federal prisoners (escorted by the US Marshals Service and FBI) are afforded a bullet proof vest! Were the Sri Lankan prisoners taught how to respond to an ambush while in transit (lower head and drop onto floor of the bus). In the local scenario it is unfortunate that the guards could not shoot at least one attacker?
Stockholm syndrome
Human interaction is vital in any relationship. There exists a theory in criminal profiling known as Stockholm syndrome where there is an ‘emotional alliance’ for survival. It originated during a bank robbery in 1973 in Sweden, where four victims taken hostage later became sympathetic towards the armed robbers. During the trial the four civilians had ‘emotionally’ bonded with the robbers and refused to testify against them in court!!
We have heard of prison officers being kind to inmates, this is okay as we are all human and kindness is a powerful tool in the process of rehabilitation. One must remember that criminal tendencies arise in minds that lack self esteem, love and acceptance. It is possible that inmates serving long sentences and on death row do get to know the guards. Every suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty. Thus, they must be protected, more importantly to continue the trial and deliver justice.
The Superintendent of each prison has the authority to ask the Officer in Charge of the local station for security. The OIC can also make submission to his SP and obtain additional security if so required. There are violent and high profile inmates. A Senior DIG said, if the prison authorities make a formal request to IG Police, the STF can provide security for such prisoners in special circumstances.
There is concern today about the safety of staff and civilians within court premises. The public should take care not to aimlessly meander around courts complexes. The security duty of each court is within the jurisdiction of the local police wherein that court is situated. Years ago, since the murder of Justice Ambepitiya the Police set up a Judicial Security Division (JSD) which provides escort to Judges.
The Commissioner General of Prisons and the Prisons Media Spokesman was not contactable for comment and verification. It is best for the Prisons Department, which has many sincere officers to adjust to changing security needs, upgrade their weapon capacity and escort tactics. Protective body armour for jailers and guards must be an immediate priority. If all this falls into place in a streamlined manner the prisoners and guards will remain safe and justice will be delivered.