The use of bullion vans for transporting valuable items, including cash and precious metals, is a common practice among banks, financial institutions, and security companies in Ghana.
However, the alarming rise in attacks targeting these vans, resulting in the tragic loss of lives, calls for immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future.
To address this pressing issue, the Ghana Police Service has put forth a series of recommendations aimed at bolstering security measures surrounding bullion van operations. These proposed measures, if implemented, have the potential to significantly enhance the safety of personnel and valuable cargo. They are as follows:
1. Physically Fit Bullion Van Drivers: It is crucial for bullion van drivers to undergo rigorous physical fitness assessments. This ensures that they possess the necessary physical capabilities to handle the demands of their role effectively, especially during emergency situations.
2. Training on Emergency Response Protocols: Comprehensive training on emergency response protocols, such as Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), should be provided to both drivers and security personnel. This training equips them with vital skills to navigate critical situations, safeguard lives, and secure valuable cargo until medical assistance arrives.
3. Personal and Driving Security Courses: Drivers must undergo specialized personal and driving security courses. These courses cover a range of essential topics, including strategies to avoid predictability by varying transport routes and schedules, identification of potential risks, and the development of effective risk mitigation strategies.
4. Defensive Driving Skills: Excellent defensive driving skills are imperative for bullion van drivers to ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers, and valuable cargo. This includes maintaining awareness of road conditions, anticipating and responding to potential and immediate hazards, and adhering to safe driving techniques.
5. Thorough Background Checks: Stringent vetting processes, including thorough background checks, should be conducted for all bullion van drivers. These checks, including criminal record verifications, are vital to identify any potential risks or vulnerabilities.
6. Proficiency in Arms: Bullion van drivers should possess proficient skills in the use of weapons and firearms. This enables them to effectively handle firearms for self-defense or protection of the cargo, if necessary. This strategy also allows them to serve as backup for the police escort.
In addition to the security measures for bullion van drivers, the Ghana Police Service also suggests implementing specific measures for the police escorts accompanying these vans. These measures include:
1. Proper Attire: Police escorts should be equipped with fragmentation jackets, providing them with additional protection during their escort duties.
2. Proficiency in Arms: Police escorts should be skilled in the use of firearms, equipped with assault rifles and pistols, enabling them to swiftly respond to any potential threats.
3. Knowledge of Emergency Response Protocols: Police escorts should receive training in emergency response protocols, including TCCC, ensuring they can provide immediate medical assistance to themselves and others during attacks.
4. Carrying Medical Gear: Police escorts should carry essential medical gear, including tourniquets, to provide immediate aid in the event of bullet wounds.
5. Application of MARCH Algorithm: Police escorts should be trained in the MARCH algorithm, a systematic approach to managing trauma cases. This equips them to effectively respond to injuries sustained during attacks.
6. Varying Routes: Police escorts should schedule and vary their routes to avoid predictability, meeting operational standards, and reducing the risk of attackers anticipating their movements.
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Kobina COLEMAN writes, Life in Military
Furthermore, the employment of honorably retired servicemen who are still physically capable of driving can be a cost-effective solution. These individuals often possess relevant experience and skills, thereby reducing the expenses associated with training new drivers.
By adopting these proactive measures, the Ghana Police Service aims to enhance the overall security of bullion van operations.
By: Edwin Kobina Coleman
