Securing UK Fire & Rescue Service Vehicles

In the United Kingdom, Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) vehicles are more than just transport; they are crucial assets, symbols of safety, and lifelines in emergencies. Yet, their very nature – often parked openly, frequently accessed, and designed for rapid deployment – presents unique security challenges. In an era where security threats are constantly evolving, particularly from terrorism and organised crime, safeguarding these essential vehicles is paramount. This goes beyond simple theft prevention; it's about mitigating the catastrophic potential of a stolen emergency vehicle being used for malicious purposes, such as a Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED). Balancing the need for immediate operational readiness with stringent security protocols is a complex but vital task for every FRS.

Understanding Automatic Vehicle Locating (AVL) and Telematics

One of the most significant advancements in modern fleet security and management is the integration of Automatic Vehicle Locating (AVL) systems, often referred to as telematics. These sophisticated systems are designed to discreetly track and monitor vehicles, providing invaluable data to fleet managers and security personnel. By obtaining information from global positioning system (GPS) satellites, AVL systems can report crucial details such as a vehicle's precise location, its current speed, and even where and when it has made stops. For FRS, this technology is not merely about efficiency; it's a critical security tool.

For instance, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) currently has telematics installed in approximately 55% of its fleet. While primarily utilised as a fleet management tool to ensure the right vehicle is in the right location at the right time for optimal economic, efficient, and effective deployment, its security implications are profound. In the event of an unauthorised movement or theft, an AVL system can provide immediate alerts and pinpoint the vehicle's exact whereabouts, significantly increasing the chances of recovery and mitigating potential threats. Some advanced AVL systems even feature remote disabler facilities, allowing for a stolen vehicle to be safely immobilised from a secure control room.

The Imperative of FRS Vehicle Security: A Strategic Overview

The security of FRS vehicles is a multifaceted concern, extending across every stage of a vehicle's lifecycle and operational deployment. The aim is to prevent, or at the very least, drastically reduce the opportunities for theft and subsequent misuse. This strategic imperative is driven by the recognition that an emergency vehicle, with its blue lights illuminated and sirens sounding, is often granted unchallenged access to cordoned areas. If such a vehicle were stolen and repurposed as a VBIED, the consequences could be devastating.

Vulnerabilities Across the Vehicle Lifecycle

Security considerations must be embedded from the initial build of a vehicle, through its time held at fire stations, during active operational use, whilst undergoing maintenance and repair, and finally, at the point of disposal. Each stage presents unique vulnerabilities:

• Initial Build: Ensuring security features are incorporated from the design phase.
• At Fire Stations: Balancing rapid response with robust physical security.
• Operational Use: Managing risks when vehicles are deployed, often in public or unsecured areas.
• Maintenance and Repair: The potential for compromise, especially when outsourced to third-party contractors.
• Disposal: Preventing decommissioned vehicles or equipment from falling into the wrong hands.

Staffing and Outsourced Services: A Critical Link

Personnel security is as crucial as physical security. All staff, including contractors and those involved in collecting and delivering vehicles, should undergo appropriate checks. The HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) is considered a minimum requirement. For outsourced services, the security of their premises and staff must be a contractual obligation, extending even to sub-contractors and smaller garages. This ensures that the security chain remains unbroken, regardless of who is handling the vehicle.

Premises Security: Fortifying the Hubs

Fire stations and maintenance depots, whether in-house or contracted, are key points of vulnerability. Site security problems often include a lack of secure compounds or easy access from surrounding streets. Robust measures are essential:

• Secure compounds with good perimeter fencing and access gates.
• High-quality locks or close-shackled padlocks on gates.
• Adequate lighting, ideally equivalent to secure car parks.
• CCTV coverage, preferably with remote monitoring capabilities by local police.
• Central station alarms linked to monitoring stations with immediate police response for enclosed premises.
• Notification of all outsourced garages/compounds to local police for 'flagging' on their command and control systems, ensuring urgent response to any suspicious activity.

Key Security Measures and Specifications for FRS Vehicles

Implementing a comprehensive security policy requires a commitment to integrating advanced features and meticulous procedures into the fleet.

Integrated Security Systems and Features

When specifying new vehicles and equipment, security requirements must be a priority. A key consideration is equipping all vehicles with an Automatic Vehicle Locating System (AVLS) tracker service. Ideally, this should include a remote disabler facility and a security alarm that notifies a secure control room if the vehicle is taken without consent. The goal is to always pinpoint a vehicle's location, especially if stolen.

Another vital system is Run Lock, designed to prevent a vehicle from being driven when its engine is running for PTO (Power Take-Off) or ancillary power. This is crucial for vehicles operating at incidents, ensuring they cannot be driven away while equipment is in use. Consideration should also be given to a Run Lock type system to provide controlled/managed drive-away from fire stations, adding an extra layer of security.

Furthermore, Fleet Managers should explore new 'plug and play' technology that allows for the easy removal of certain specialist technical equipment, reducing the risk of valuable or sensitive items being stolen with the vehicle.

Equipment Security and Supplier Involvement

High-risk equipment, such as forced entry tools, extrication gear, and communication devices, must be secured within vehicles, ideally in separate, lockable cabinets. When enhanced security features become available, FRSs should consider retrofitting their existing fleet to maintain necessary security levels.

Suppliers of FRS vehicles also play a critical role. During manufacturing, testing, and delivery, the security of vehicles and high-risk equipment must be paramount. Robust and auditable arrangements for storage, tracking, control, and records are essential. Marked vehicles in transit are particularly vulnerable and must never be left unattended.

Demonstration vehicles and high-security risk equipment require strict control, with accurate records kept and manufacturers made aware of the risks of vulnerability to theft or attack. Ideally, these vehicles should also be fitted with tracking systems, and if not sold to an accredited emergency service, must be fully decommissioned with all markings and equipment removed or destroyed.

Security During Operational Use

The risks of theft are naturally higher when vehicles are at a fire station or actively deployed. Fire appliances spend the vast majority of their time in operational care, making good practice among operators and station staff critically important.

Fire Station Security and Operational Procedures

Fire station security must be a central focus. Any open gates, doors, or windows must be compensated by alternative security measures to prevent vehicle and equipment theft. These measures must be documented in the FRS security policy and embedded into daily working practices. Operational policies should address the risk of hoax calls or arson incidents designed to facilitate vehicle theft, emphasising vigilance among crews.

Vehicles should never be left unattended. If operational requirements make this impossible, the use of a Run Lock system is strongly recommended. FRS's civil disturbance and riot protection procedures should also be integrated into vehicle security policies where appropriate.

Key Management and Personnel Checks

The traditional policy of leaving vehicle keys in ignition switches poses a significant security risk. Where practicable, keys should be secured in a safe area within the fire station. A higher level of key management security, such as computer-controlled key cabinets, should be considered. If secure key storage compromises turnout readiness, then more sophisticated vehicle immobilisers with controlled secure vehicle start technology should be explored. All staff with access to emergency response vehicles and high-security risk equipment must undergo appropriate personnel security checks.

Security Policy: Fleet and Equipment Maintenance and Repair Undertakings

Vehicle security risks persist, and can even increase, when vehicles are undergoing service or repair. This is particularly true for outsourced maintenance and repair services.

Outsourced vs. In-house Maintenance

While in-house facilities have their own security considerations, outsourcing introduces additional complexities. Individual FRSs must have documented security policies and procedures in place for outsourced work, and contractors must explicitly agree to their obligations regarding the items' security. Best practice dictates that suitable BPSS checks should be carried out on all contractor staff, including sub-contractors, prior to commencing work.

Premises Security for Maintenance Depots

The security of both in-house and outsourced premises is paramount. Unattended vehicles should always be stored in a secure compound or building, never on the street. Vehicle keys must be secured in a safe area within the buildings and never left in vehicles. As mentioned previously, higher-level key management systems are advisable.

Open-air compounds require robust perimeter fencing with secure access gates fitted with high-quality locks. Hinges on gates should prevent them from being lifted off. Good lighting is essential, especially with CCTV. Local Crime Prevention Officers can provide valuable advice on these aspects.

Enclosed premises housing vehicles overnight should ideally have a central station alarm linked to a monitoring station with immediate police response. Furthermore, all outsourced garages/compounds should be notified to the local Police Force and flagged on their command and control systems as a designated emergency services vehicle repair depot. This ensures an urgent police response to any calls, alarms, or suspicious persons in the vicinity.

Collections, Deliveries, and Sensitive Materials

Collections and deliveries to and from FRS premises must be carried out by authorised staff only, carrying appropriate identification at all times. Vehicles collected on the street should never be left unattended prior to collection. All contracted staff should be issued photo identification passes, worn prominently when on FRS premises or driving/towing FRS vehicles.

Crucially, prior to collection or delivery of FRS vehicles to outside contractors, all sensitive materials/documents must be removed. Where reasonable and practicable, radios, Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs), specialist equipment, and camera equipment should also be removed. If Firelink, Airwave, or other radio systems, MDTs, etc., cannot be removed, they should be locked out, stunned, or otherwise secured. For marked emergency response vehicles under maintenance or during road journeys, sirens and emergency lights should be disabled, roof-mounted blue beacons covered, and markings either covered or conspicuously display 'out of service' and 'on road test' signs.

Security at Disposal of Vehicles and Equipment

The end-of-life stage for FRS vehicles and equipment presents its own set of security risks. A fully documented and auditable disposal policy and procedure are essential.

This policy should identify the decision to dispose, the method, the third parties involved, and for complete units, the verified name and address of the new owner. All livery, emergency service markings, sirens, beacons, emergency response lighting, radios, communication equipment, and high-security risk equipment should ideally be removed before the vehicle leaves FRS care for disposal. If not by the FRS, then by their authorised disposal company, with this service explicitly written into their contractual agreement. A detailed log of each item's disposal process should be returned to the FRS for archived records.

The most effective method of reducing security risks at the end of a vehicle's life is to scrap and break all emergency response vehicles and high-security risk equipment. This prevents the potential for 'Trojan Vehicle' use, where a decommissioned emergency vehicle could be repurposed for malicious activities. A final thorough check of the vehicle should be made at the point of handover to minimise the risk of high-security risk equipment being left on the vehicle. Where vehicles are not broken up, an information sheet should be provided to auctioneers/new owners regarding the penalties of prohibited use of a vehicle with emergency services markings.

Comparative Security Measures Across Vehicle Lifecycle

Information Sharing and Collaboration

Effective security is not an isolated endeavour. FRS Fleet Managers and Counter Terrorist Security Advisors (CTSAs) should actively share good practice with their counterparts in other emergency services, including the Police, Ambulance Services, MOD, HM Coastguard, and Blood Transfusion services. This collaborative approach fosters a stronger, more resilient national security posture.

Similar to the DVLA's 'SORN' (Statutory Off Road Notification) system, FRSs should keep local police and the National Police 'Operation Camion' informed of all emergency response fleet vehicles, including details of when and how they are disposed of. This intelligence sharing is vital for tracking assets and preventing their misuse.

Conclusion

The security of Fire and Rescue Service vehicles is a dynamic and critical aspect of national safety. With 'Alert States' changing frequently, the implementation of a robust and adaptable security policy for vehicles—both whilst on operational duty and when under maintenance and repair—enables FRSs to respond more effectively to evolving threats. Enhanced venue security, rigorous personnel checks, and continuous vigilance are fundamental to maintaining an appropriate level of security, allowing essential services to continue unhindered and improving overall resilience.

The guidelines discussed aim to ensure the continued safety, control, and protection of FRS vehicles, whether under operational use, maintenance, or in the control of other organisations, and crucially, when they are disposed of. This proactive approach is essential in light of potential changes in terrorist threats and methodologies, safeguarding not only valuable assets but, more importantly, public safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is vehicle security so important for FRS?

FRS vehicles are easily identifiable and often granted access to restricted areas during emergencies. If stolen, they could be used for malicious purposes, such as a Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), posing a catastrophic threat to public safety and national security. Robust security prevents theft and misuse.

What is a "VBIED"?

VBIED stands for Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Device. It refers to a vehicle that has been loaded with explosives and is intended to be detonated to cause mass casualties or significant damage. The risk of FRS vehicles being used as VBIEDs is a primary driver for enhanced security measures.

What is "Run Lock"?

Run Lock is a security system designed to prevent a vehicle from being driven away when its engine is running to power ancillary equipment (e.g., pumps, generators). It allows the engine to remain on for operational needs but immobilises the drive system, preventing unauthorised movement.

What is BPSS?

BPSS refers to the Baseline Personnel Security Standard. It is a set of pre-employment checks required for individuals working with government assets or information, including contractors. For FRS, it ensures that personnel handling sensitive equipment and vehicles meet a minimum security clearance.

Do all FRS vehicles have tracking?

While not universally mandated across all FRS fleets, there is a strong recommendation and a growing trend to equip all vehicles with Automatic Vehicle Locating Systems (AVLS) or telematics. For example, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) currently has telematics installed in approximately 55% of its fleet, primarily for fleet management and security.

What happens to FRS vehicles when they are decommissioned?

When FRS vehicles are decommissioned, they undergo a strict disposal policy. This includes removing all livery, emergency service markings, sirens, beacons, and specialist equipment. The most effective method recommended is to scrap and break the vehicles to prevent 'Trojan Vehicle' use. If sold, strict procedures are in place to ensure all emergency features are removed, and new owners are informed of penalties for prohibited use of emergency markings.

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