Home » Protection Manual for Human Rights Defenders » Chapter 6: Preparing a security strategy and plan.

Possible elements to include in a security plan

‹ Implementing a security planupChapter 7: Assessing organisational security performance - The security wheel ›

This “menu” lists detailed suggestions for elements to include in a security plan. After doing a risk assessment, you can pick and mix these ideas to complete your security plan.

  • The organization’s mandate, mission and general objectives.
  • An organizational statement on security policy.
  • Security should cut across all aspects of daily work: Context assessment, risk assessment and incident analysis, as well as security evaluation.
  • How to ensure that all staff are properly trained in security to the necessary level and that people’s security responsibilities are passed on when they leave the organisation.

  • Allocation of responsibilities: Who is expected to do what in which situations?

  • How to handle a security crisis: Setting up a crisis committee or working group, delegating responsibility for handling the media, communicating with relatives, etc.

  • Organizational security responsibilities: Planning, follow-up, insurance, civil responsibility, etc.

  • Individual security responsibilities: Always reducing risk, how to handle free time or leisure activities, reporting and recording security incidents, sanctions (some of these points could be included in work contracts, if applicable).

  • Organizational policies on:

1. rest,free time and stress management;
2. serious incidents, such as kidnapping, disappearance, personal injury, etc;
3. the security of witnesses;
4. health and accident prevention;
5. links with authorities, security forces and armed groups;
6. information management and storage, handling confidential documents and information;
7. your own image in relation to religious, social and cultural values;
8. security management in offices and homes (including for visitors).

  • Prevention plans and protocols on:

1. Preparing field trips;
2. Handling cash or valuables;
3. Communication means and protocols;
4.Vehicle maintenance;
5. Landmines;
6. Reducing the risk of getting involved in common crime, armed incidents or sexual attacks;
7. Reducing the risk of accidents when travelling or in risky areas.

  • Plans and protocols for reacting to security crises, such as:

1. Medical and psychological emergencies (also in the field);
2. Attacks, including sexual attacks;
3. Robbery;
4. Reacting when a person does not show up when supposed to;
5. Arrest or detention;
6. Kidnapping;
7. Fire and other accidents;
8. Evacuation;
9. Natural disasters;
10. Legal or illegal searches or break-ins into offices or homes;
11. If a person comes under fire;
12. If someone is killed.
13. If there is a coup d´etat.

»