These days we are all encouraged to be fearless agents of counter-terrorism, even those “sofa-hugging imbibers of the skinny latte” otherwise known as architects. Yes, security is on everyone's minds and, along with the rest of us, those sofa-huggers, which is how Building (May 9) refers to them, have a role to play in keeping Britain safe.

The Home Office has teamed up with RIBA, the architects' professional association, to run a series of events to encourage designers and planners to put counter-terrorism at the heart of major new developments. But participants seem sceptical, Building reports. Asked how they might reduce the risks of terrorism, one developer is heard to mutter: “Don't invade other people's countries.”

Security is taken more seriously at MI5, which, says Supply Management (May 8), is recruiting for purchasers. But what would those purchasers purchase? The magazine suggests that motion sensors, thermal imaging cameras and tracking devices may be on the intelligence agency's shopping list. But it is guessing. MI5 won't say and an anonymous MI5 procurement manager is equally unforthcoming. Asked what sort of things he or she buys, he or she says: “I'm afraid I can't give you any more information.”

MI5 is clearly a little more protective of its secrets than those public sector organisations that lose personal data, seemingly regularly. Now, though, security is being tightened and anyone who negligently discloses personal data could face two years in jail under proposed legislation, says Computing (May 8). A change to the Data Protection Act would make it a criminal offence for public and private sector data controllers to lose personal information.

Uniform policy won't suit all

HR gurus are dubious that aligning pay and conditions of those doing the same jobs for different public sector employers is a good idea

BACKGROUND

• Why you just can't be too careful these days

• Recruitment is no board game

• Patient dignity gets the elbow

• Economies of wishful thinking

Related Internet Links

• Public sector jobs

• Snakes & Ladders

Security is also on the minds of GPs after a doctor in Glasgow was attacked and repeatedly stabbed. She survived and, after his trial, her attacker was sent to a secure unit. But Pulse (May 7) says that despite government plans announced last year to give personal alarms to health staff, not one has yet been issued.

Finally, Fire (May) reports on firefighters' security and research, which indicates that if fire crews understand why people abuse and attack them, it helps them to cope better when violent incidents occur. Attaching motivations to perpetrators enables crews to view their attackers' behaviour more objectively - but presumably doesn't stop it hurting when hit by half a brick.

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