BAHRAIN OVERSEAS SCHOOLS - SECURITY LIAISON

UNCLAS MANAMA 001531 SIPDIS DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, NEA/ARPI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PTER BA SUBJECT: BAHRAIN OVERSEAS SCHOOLS - SECURITY LIAISON REF: STATE 190889 ¶1. (SBU) RSO provides security assistance and advice to the Bahrain School (34 USG dependents) and St. Christopher's School (4 USG dependents) in Manama. RSO Manama has established procedures for school administrators to contact MSG Post 1 via landline and/or cell phone in case of emergency. 2, (SBU) Bahrain Public Security provides armed patrols in the areas around both schools, on foot and in mobile units. The Government of Bahrain continues to provide effective safety and security measures for these schools. ¶3. (SBU) The Bahrain School is a Department of Defense School administered by the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain (co-located with U.S. Naval Central Command 5th Fleet Headquarters). Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Naval Security Forces and local guards, paid for by the NSA, provide security for the school and bus transportation, and conduct emergency training. NCIS provides security briefings for teachers and administrators. RSO is involved in the overall security planning for the Bahrain School, but NCIS and the Navy have primary responsibility. Emergency plans from the Bahrain School are very comprehensive ¶4. (SBU) St. Christopher's School is an independent school, based on the British education system. RSO met with school administrators and offered assistance and training. The school has not yet accepted our offer. A local guard company provides security at the school along with police patrols. The school is aware of terrorist/crime threats and takes security very seriously. The School's emergency plans have been discussed with RSO and appear to be effective. ¶5. (SBU) Section 1500 of the Emergency Action Plan provides information on the Bahrain School. ZIADEH