Prevent is part of the UK government's counter-terrorism strategy, also known as CONTEST. Its aim is to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a statutory duty on specified authorities to have 'due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism'.
The strategy involves thousands of people - police and intelligence officers, the emergency services, local authorities, businesses, voluntary and community organisations, governments and other partners - working together across the UK and the world to protect the public.
The strategy has four work strands:
More information what is being done in Torbay and what to do if you suspect someone may be involved in extremism can be found on the Torbay Council website.
Counter-Terrorism Policing have created a website ACT Early which contains information and advice for families and friends around how to spot the signs of radicalisation and what support can be offered. FAQs will answer some of the questions that people may have. As a professional the information on the website may help you to have conversations with the families of children and young people you are working with where there may be concerns relating to radicalisation or extremism.
To learn more about the signs you may spot out in the community and how to report these online, visit gov.uk/ACT. This also has a section to report suspected terrorist content that is seen online. If you have any concerns about reporting, take a look at these FAQs
In an emergency always call 999.
iREPORTit is a new free mobile app that allows the public to quickly and easily report online material promoting violent extremism to the national Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU). Information submitted via the app is confidential and completely anonymous with no personally identifiable information collected by the app. Content shared is reviewed by specially trained CTIRU officers who assess each referral and take appropriate action.
The app offers the public another way to report worrying or disturbing material and has been introduced as a much simpler and alternative route to going through the government website at www.gov.uk/report-terrorism.
If you believe that someone is at risk of radicalisation you can help them obtain support and prevent them becoming involved in terrorism by raising your concerns and making a referral.
If there is an immediate threat to life always dial 999.
Members of the public can call 101 to report any concerns. All calls are dealt with sensitively and you can ask to speak with a Prevent Officer if you prefer. Alternatively you can call the CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If you have concerns that you feel may require a referral to be made, guidance for Professionals on the Prevent referral process for Torbay can be found on the flowchart below. The flowchart contains information in relation to both adults and children.
Remember - If you suspect it, report it.
Torbay Prevent Referral Flowchart October 2024
i-learn courses specific to Prevent can be found here
