This document was archived on 31 March 2016

Counter-terrorism policing and Special Branch

archived This document was archived on 31 March 2016

Counter-terrorism policing and Special Branch

Important facts More information The work of Special Branch Special Branches, which in some police forces are Terrorism remains one of the highest priority risks The Government’s counter- now known as counter-terrorism branches because of to . The aim of the Government’s the focus in recent years on counter-terrorism work, counter-terrorism strategy is to reduce this risk so terrorism strategy concentrate on acquiring and developing intelligence that people can go about their lives freely and with The United Kingdom’s strategy for on individuals of national security interest. They also confidence. The police service play a vital role in countering terrorism is known as CONTEST. continue to play important roles in policing extremist making this happen. You can find out more on the Home activity and in the provision of personal protection for Office’s website at: www.homeoffice. Within each force, this role includes: working locally VIPs. gov.uk/publications/counter-terrorism/ to prevent radicalisation; protecting public places, counter-terrorism-strategy transport systems, key infrastructure and other The Strategic Policing Requirement sites from terrorist attack; and being prepared to coordinate the response of the emergency services Community engagement Terrorism is listed as one of the five main threat areas during or after a terrorist attack. in the Strategic Policing Requirement. This sets out Police interaction with the public through national arrangements to protect the public. PCCs and An important part, primarily by acquiring and neighbourhood policing and other chief must ‘have regard to’ (take account developing intelligence on individuals of national initiatives (including media campaigns) of) them, making sure that their police force provide security interest, is also played by each force’s Special reassure communities about the risk from an effective contribution, alongside those of other Branch, the department within police forces that terrorism and remind the public to remain partners. Special branch work is part of the Strategic plays a leading role in countering threats to national vigilant. The police also play a key role Policing Requirement. security. in local resilience forums as the agency that leadsarchived the immediate response to a The Police Counter-Terrorism Network The Strategic Policing Requirement sets out an terrorist incident or attack. “Prevent” is expectation that the police will also maintain a the strand of the Government’s counter- The Police Counter-Terrorism Network comprises the cross-boundary response that supports the counter- terrorism strategy that seeks to stop ’s Counter-Terrorism Command terrorism structures and mechanisms through which people becoming terrorists or supporting and eight regional hubs located in the Avon and forces already work together. These include the terrorism, and the police contribute to Somerset, Hertfordshire, Greater Manchester, nationally coordinated network of regional police this by working in communities with their Nottinghamshire, South Wales, Thames Valley, West counter-terrorism hubs that work closely with police- partners (including local authorities) to Midlands, and West Yorkshire police areas. All police force special branches and the Security Service (MI5) identify and divert those involved in, or forces in England and Wales support the Network, and to identify and disrupt terrorist activity. Most of the vulnerable to, radicalisation. are, in turn, supported by it. costs of counter-terrorism policing are met by ring- fenced central government grants.