PSSA Newsletter - December 2019

ISSUE 25 December 2019 | NEWS – 7 – The Handa Centre at the University of St Andrews celebrates Silver anniversary The Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at the University of St Andrews is the oldest centre dedicated to the study of terrorism in Europe – this year the Handa Centre is celebrating its 25th anniversary! During that time, it has developed a number of education programmes for those interested in learning more about terrorism, counterterrorism and specific challenges faced in these fields. In partnership with Informa Connect, the centre is delighted to offer the Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Terrorism Studies, accredited by the University of St Andrews. This award-winning programme has welcomed more than 4800 students from countries around the world to develop their knowledge and understanding of topics such as Critical Infrastructure Protection, Homeland Security, Aviation Terrorism and Terrorist Financing, with a wide number of specialised modules to choose from. The course is recognised globally and delivers excellence via accessible e-learning and can be studied from anywhere – all you need is a reliable internet connection! Materials provided have been compiled by academics and practitioners with expertise in these topics. Progress is assessed through written coursework, for which the student will receive support, feedback and guidance. This course enables students to learn while working, and progress according to their own schedule. Nick Brooke, Associate Lecturer in Terrorism and Political Violence at the Handa Centre said, “It is ideal for those seeking to develop, update or refresh their knowledge, as well as for anyone already working in the sector, curious about the topic, interested in a career in security, counter-terrorism or homeland security, or for those planning to return to education and study at higher academic levels.” Through studying individual modules or a choice of four modules for the Certificate or eight for the Advanced Certificate, students can tailor their study to ensure they are undertaking the learning that will benefit them the most in their particular employment field. Both the Certificate and Advanced Certificate are now accredited as SCQF Level 8 (20 & 40 credits respectively). To find out more information about the Certificate programme, visit http://www.terrorismstudies.com Dr TimWilson, Director of Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at St Andrews University Meesons announce HVM distributor agreement with PPG Meesons, a leading UK specialist in entrance control solutions, has announced an exclusive agreement with Perimeter Protection Group (PPG) to distribute its Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) solutions. The exclusive distributor agreement covers the installation and maintenance of PPG HVM products in the UK. PPG is a world leader in perimeter protection products with over 65 years’experience in the security field. The agreement provides Meesons with exclusivity to a range of high quality HVM solutions that meet internationally recognised approvals, including PAS68, IWA14-1, ASTM and UK government approval. PPG’s HVM products are tried and tested and have been installed in a number of high- profile locations in the UK and worldwide where they prevent hostile vehicles reaching their intended targets. The HVM products complement the Meesons existing Security Portals, Speed Gates and Full Height Turnstiles, that are specified as anti-tailgating, physical barriers to secure entrance spaces, building façades and external perimeters. Following the growth and increased threats posed by vehicle-borne attacks over the last few years, Meesons identified HVM as a key addition to their product range. These risks encompass theft and vandalism, through to sophisticated or aggressive attack by determined criminals or terrorists. They are exacerbated with the capability of hostile vehicles to carry large explosive devices. The distributor agreement extends Meesons’ability to be a full solutions provider, allowing the company to offer clients a complete range of options when specifying internal and external physical security barriers. Jeremy Terry, CEO at Meesons, said:“HVM and PPG are a natural fit, strengthening our existing portfolio of entrance control solutions. It will help us build on our relationships with existing and new clients by offering them a complete façade, building and perimeter security solution. PPG are a well-established European manufacturer of high quality HVM solutions, backed by internationally recognised approvals and we look forward to working together. This is an exciting time for our business and the agreement with PPG builds on our strengths as the trusted brand in the Security industry.” Morten Andreasen, CEO at Perimeter Protection Group, said:“We could immediately see a strong strategic fit between Meesons and PPG because they were already offering a range of high security products up to the building façade. Extending the range to include perimeter with our HVM products creates a compelling proposition for clients looking to create safe, secure buildings and estates. Their extensive growth in the UK security market working with high profile projects and clients along with nationwide coverage for both installation and maintenance gave us confidence that Meesons were the right partner. The UK market leads the way in HVM solutions, and it was key to our business to find the right strategic partner to match our long-term objectives.” The Meesons HVM range is featured on the Meesons stand (K40) at International Security Expo in December, 3-4 at Olympia. To discover more about Meesons HVM range, visit: www. meesons.com/products/hostile-vehicle-mitigation/