APCC response to new counter-terrorism strategy
APCC Chair, David Lloyd said:
“I welcome the publication of today’s CONTEST strategy which sets out the framework within which the Government, policing and partner agencies will work together to reduce the risk of terrorism.
“Since the last strategy was published in 2011 the threat from terrorism has grown, significantly from Daesh and an increased threat from extreme right wing groups – this strategy takes account the reviews and lessons learned over the last year.
“Increasingly groups are exploiting the Internet to spread extremism and groom the vulnerable and it is right that the security services, counter-terrorism policing and policing generally have the right powers and resources to tackle this threat.
“The decision to establish pilots to test new multi-agency approaches will also be welcomed, with MI5 and Counter-Terrorism Policing able to share more information with a broad range of local partners.
“Ultimately, reducing the risk of terrorism requires strong local partnerships. As we set out in our joint Policing Vision, the link between communities and the police will continue to form the bedrock of British policing. We need to ensure that local policing is tailored to society’s complex and diverse needs and, importantly, able to build trust and legitimacy in communities.”
David Jamieson PCC, Chair of the National Counter Terrorism Collaboration Agreement Strategic Board said:
“It is of course right to work in partnership locally to prevent violent extremism. We have long done so and will continue to. Local counter-terrorism activity and interventions to prevent violent extremism require strong local oversight, by Police and Crime Commissioners and others, to ensure that joint working is efficient, effective, proportionate and properly responsive to local circumstances.
“It is essential that local communities both understand and have confidence in these initiatives, and are not “done to” by nationally directed activity. I will be working with colleagues via the national Counter Terrorism Strategic Board to ensure that all Police and Crime Commissioners are able to offer appropriate oversight, scrutiny and strategic direction to counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism in their areas.”