More than 60 specialist officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) will be working alongside hundreds of front line officers and taking part in various engagement activities this week to build local support in preventing extremism.
As part of the week (7-11 September), officers from a variety of front-line roles including Safer Neighbourhoods teams, schools officers and emergency response teams are working with Prevent engagement officers from SO15 to explain how the public can help keep the UK safe from terrorism by being aware of the signs of radicalisation and reporting these concerns to police.
Front-line officers are also being reminded of the signs they can look out for during their day-to-day roles when they come in contact with members of the public – particularly young people who are often the group the most vulnerable and at risk of being drawn into extremism.
There will be over 60 engagement activities in London throughout the week, with officers visiting local community centres, speaking with local authority and NHS staff in frontline roles and visiting schools to talk to about extremism, the ways in which young people may be groomed for radicalisation and the signs to look out for and how best to report those concerns.
Detective Chief Superintendent Clarke Jarrett, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said:“Local police officers work day-in day-out in their neighbourhoods across London. They, along with our partners, have a crucial role of working with communities to help identify individuals that might be at risk of radicalisation.
“This work can only be done with the support and consent of the local communities, which is why we’re increasing our efforts over the next week to engage with community groups, schools, and businesses to explain what we’re doing and how they can help us tackle terrorism.
“Quite simply, communities have to be at the heart of our efforts to prevent young people from being radicalised and drawn into extremism.”
This activity is part of a national week of activity which will see more than 500 front-line officers and staff across the UK taking part in activities to build local support in preventing extremism.
Anyone with concerns over a friend or family member that may be potentially vulnerable to being drawn into extremist or terrorist-related activity, including travelling abroad to conflict zones, should contact their local police on 101 for advice and support. More information, guidance and advice is also available on the Prevent Tragedies website: www.preventtragedies.co.uk
If you see or hear something that you are concerned could be terrorist-related call the Anti Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
