South Wales Police, together with police forces throughout the United Kingdom, is better trained and equipped than ever before to combat the threat of international and domestic terrorism.
As part of the ongoing national counter terrorism strategy, the force has dedicated Counter Terrorism Security Advisers (CTSAs) who are coordinated, trained and tasked by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), a specialist police organisation co-located with the Security Service within the Centre for Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI).
The core role of the CTSAs is to identify and assess sites within the force area that may be vulnerable to terrorist or extremist attack, then devise and develop appropriate protective security plans to minimise impact on the site and the surrounding community.
CTSAs also promote awareness of the terrorism threat and work closely with the local business community, partner agencies, trade organisations, professional bodies and site owners. This encourages a co-ordinated approach to tackling terrorism, ensuring protective security measures are incorporated into everyday crime prevention routines.
CTSAs receive comprehensive specialist training in areas such as explosives and precursor chemicals, pathogens and toxins, radiological sources, site and vulnerable point surveying, integrated security systems, security of crowded places, designing out vehicle-borne terrorism and the threat from CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) attack.
Businesses can play a key role in supporting the police
By remaining vigilant, being security minded and having good security measures in place, people can protect their businesses against crime and make the work of terrorists more difficult.
A small investment in security measures greatly enhances the feeling of security for everyone.
For non-urgent crime prevention advice, businesses can contact their local Crime Prevention Tactical Advisor, but if you feel that your company could benefit from Counter Terrorism security advice, you can write to the following address:
Counter Terrorism Security Advisers
W.E.C.T.U
P.O. Box 128
Bridgend
CF31 3XP
Or email: CTSA@south-wales.pnn.police.uk
Have you seen or heard something suspicious?
If you consider anything to be suspicious or connected with terrorism, contact South Wales Police on 101 or the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999.
Other useful websites:
- • The National Advisors Counter Terrorism Security Office: http://www.nactso.gov.uk/
- • The Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure: http://www.cpni.gov.uk/
- • The Home Office: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/counter-terrorism/
- • Project Griffin seeks to enlist the help and support of individuals and groups responsible for the safety and security of buildings, businesses and communities: www.projectgriffin.org.uk
- • Project ARGUS is a National Counter Terrorism Security Office initiative, exploring ways to aid you in preventing, handling and recovering from a terrorist attack: http://www.nactso.gov.uk/our-services#argus
- • ‘CONTEST’, the UK’s Counter-terrorism strategy, aims to reduce the risk to the United Kingdom and its interests overseas from terrorism, so that people can go about their lives freely and with confidence: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/counter-terrorism/uk-counter-terrorism-strat/
