The 4 key elements to an institution’s preparedness are: An animal program of impeccable integrity A security program based on risk assessment An integrated communication plan with descriptions of research projects in lay terminology, spokespersons, & a phone tree An internal and external community outreach program Also see: How NIH Can Help

Be Prepared

2. A security program based on risk assessment

“The first step in developing a security program is to conduct a risk assessment of the institution’s facilities, and evaluation of the existing security system. Organization of a security and communication plan then follow. Some key points include:

1. Determine facility vulnerability
2. Evaluate the security system
3. Check storage of research data
4. Organize a security plan
5. Organize a communication plan in the event of an incident during the day, after hours, weekends and holidays"
   >>More in the ARENA/OLAW Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Guidebook Section B.6.a.        
   

Further resources:

Security programs should reflect the unique risk assessments of an institution, but may share many elements with institutions that have similar regional or programmatic characteristics. There are a variety of resources that can help institutions and investigators proactively develop strong and efficient security programs, including:

• OLAW’s Disaster Planning and Response Resources site includes articles, lessons learned, and other resources in crisis management planning.
• OLAW IACUC Staff Outreach is a free online seminar series to help Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) staff explore their responsibilities in the oversight of PHS-funded research that involves the use of live vertebrate animals; the series includes topics like “Role of the IACUC in PHS-funded Research”, “Preparing for Animal Rights Extremist Activities at Your Institution”, “Freedom of Information Act Policies”, “When Terms and Conditions Are Not Met”, and “Reporting Noncompliant Events to OLAW”
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): regional FBI offices are key resources in developing preparedness plans with institutional security and local law enforcement.
• National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR): provides expertise to its member institutions and investigators regarding anti-animal research activism, including a crisis management guide.
• Professional associations like the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) offer suggestions for crisis management regarding questions of animals in research.
  

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