Prevent is about safeguarding people and communities from the threat of terrorism. Prevent is part of CONTEST, the Government's counter-terrorism strategy [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/counter-terrorism-strategy-contest-2018]. It aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism and violent extremism.
The Prevent statutory duty, which came into force on 1 July 2015, has prompted a significant step forward in the delivery of Prevent work across all public sector organisations. Coventry Council engages with local communities, groups and organisations across the City to help safeguard local people from the risks of radicalisation to violent extremism. The range of our work includes supporting local community projects, providing training and awareness around radicalisation and safeguarding those who may be affected.
Prevent covers all forms of terrorism and extremism.
- The main aim of Prevent is to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism
- At the heart of Prevent is safeguarding children and adults and providing early intervention to protect and divert people away from being drawn into terrorist activity.
- Prevent addresses all forms of extremism but continues to ensure resources and effort are allocated on the basis of the greatest threat to our national security.
Threat Level
The UK terrorism threat level [https://www.mi5.gov.uk/threat-levels] has been lowered to SUBSTANTIAL [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60322508], meaning an attack is likely.
While the chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident remain rare, it is important to be prepared and know how to protect yourself if the need arises.
Counter Terrorism Policing has released guidance that sets out three key steps for keeping safe in the event of a firearms or weapons attack.
If you are caught up in an incident our advice is to ‘Run, Hide and Tell’ – guidance which can be applied to many places and situations. We know from case studies and testimony of people who have survived attacks that this advice can save lives.
Find out more on the Counter Terrorism Policing website about how to stay safe and how both the public and industry can help report suspicious activity [https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/what-you-can-do/].
Run to a place of safety. This is a far better option than to surrender or negotiate. If there’s nowhere to go then…
It’s better to hide than to confront. Remember to turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself in if you can. Then finally and only when it’s safe to do so…
Tell the police by calling 999.