Equipping for Security

On this page - pointers to checklists for the following:

• Personal security equipment
• Checklist of team security equipment
• Checklist of vehicle security equipment
• Inventory control procedures

The security equipment necessary will depend on the situation, and the type of work envisaged. A checklist of personal security-related equipment is at Annex 8 of the ECHO Generic Security Guide for Humanitarian Organisations (see the credit at the bottom of this page). A checklist of team security equipment is at Annex 9.

Both national and international staff should be provided with the equipment necessary for their security. A key item, in most contexts, is suitable vehicles. Whether owned or hired, they should be thoroughly checked by a competent mechanic, for roadworthiness and correct equipment. See Annex 42 for a suggested list of vehicle equipment.

Secure stores for equipment will be needed from the outset. Staff should be discreet about the presence of any valuable equipment.

Inventory control of equipment is necessary to reduce theft and loss – which result in considerable cost to humanitarian programmes. It is at the start of the crisis, and when the emergency is most pressing, that this issue becomes even more difficult than usual.

A good system, prepared in advance, and a named staff member with the proper briefing and training, help to ensure good inventory control in even the toughest situations.

Poor inventory control can have a direct impact on security, for example if vital communications equipment is lost or stolen. It is also an indicator of a poorly managed operation.

See Annex 18 for suggested inventory control procedures.

This is an extract, with minor adaptations, from the ECHO Generic Security Guide for Humanitarian Organisations, © Copyright the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid – ECHO. Available here as a free download online, in English, French, Spanish and Arabic.