The network of quick responders has been implemented since April 2017 and gives members of the UIC Security Platform the possibility to exchange information quickly about arising security questions. If a member has an upcoming security topic, the UIC Security Platform circulates these questions among their members. After about three weeks the questioner and all the responders receive a summary with an initial overview of the current situation. Further activities will be organised regarding this member feedback.
Since its start, members have used the network 12 times already to ask their questions regarding:
- Awareness of radicalised employees
- Use of air drones
- Attacks related to religious extremism
- Attacks against maintenance staff
- Anti-smoking policy at railway stations
- Security of women in railway transport
- Use of FFCCTV
- Aggression against ticket inspectors
- Mystery Customer
- Use of AEDs
- Use of body cameras
- Security Organisation (ongoing)
The last survey relates to the use of body cameras, which was carried out together with UITP. Next to the safety and security of our passengers, the health of our staff is essential. Unfortunately, in recent years, physical and verbal aggressions against railway staff have increased. In addition to training and self-protection equipment, the use of body cameras could have a de-escalating effect or record video images for investigations.
33 companies participated and answered questions inter alia regarding use, different types of body cameras, the equipped staff, visibility, data transmission, the procedure to use a body camera in case of third-party violence/aggression and data protection. According to member experience, the use of body cameras has a de-escalating effect and physical as well as verbal aggressions decreased.
In the light of the strong demand by responders, the UIC Security Division will continue to work on the topic with interested responders in cooperation with UITP. As a first action, a webinar will be organised on the 13 December 2018 to present the survey results and the expert Sander Flight will give a presentation regarding the understanding of bodycams on policing. To deepen the exchange and discuss various aspects, a one-day-event in spring 2019 is foreseen as a second action.
Forthcoming security events are as follows:
- 5 – 6 December 2018, Brussels: Security Research Event 2018 organised by the EU
- 22 January 2019, Brussels: SHERPA EU Project Workshop on Terrorist Risk Assessment and Management
- 13 – 14 June 2019, Stockholm: Colpofer General Assembly
- 8 – 9 June 2019, Stockholm: UITP SEC COM Meeting
- 9 – 12 June 2019, Stockholm: UITP Global Public Transport Summit
- 18 – 20 June 2019, Paris: UIC Security Week with the annual seminar on topics resulting from the network of quick responders, SHERPA progress meeting and the UIC Security Awareness Day
