Preventing terrorism is a joint responsibility

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett, North West lead for counter terrorism

This week the North West Counter Terrorism Unit has launched a short film to highlight Prevent – part of the national government strategy aiming to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. The film portrays what preventing people from being drawn into terrorism means for a range of organisations and groups including; police, health, education and community workers and highlights that preventing terrorism is a joint responsibility.

The film forms part of Prevent Week, a national campaign to promote how the Police, partners and the public can play their part in keeping the UK safe from terrorism by being aware of signs of radicalisation and sharing their concerns. Prevent is about safeguarding people and there is support available from a number of different organisations that can protect people who may be at risk of radicalisation.

GMP Prevent Officers and City Centre Neighbourhood Officers were located in Central Manchester during this week to talk to local people about Prevent and what their role is to help protect individuals who may be drawn into terrorism. The aim of the week is to encourage more people to talk about Prevent and there was the opportunity for the public to post a question about Prevent. (Answers will be published on GMPs website).

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett, North West lead for counter terrorism said: “We all must play a part in preventing terrorism and work together to safeguard vulnerable people from being drawn in and exploited. Our engagement activity throughout this week has helped raise awareness of the importance of Prevent to many different partners. We will continue to encourage people to talk about the issues around radicalisation and violent extremism and come forward with their concerns to help protect individuals, families and communities.”

Ann Christopher, Named Nurse for Safeguarding Adults at Pennine Acute NHS Hospitals Trust and took part in the short film said: “The NHS comes into contact with very vulnerable people on a regular basis who may be at risk of being groomed, which could include exploitation by violent extremists and terrorists. Staff within the NHS receive training in Prevent to help identify people who may be at risk of radicalisation and we are one of many avenues of support for people who are concerned about somebody and we encourage people to come forward and have that conversation.”