States police ‘using UK’s counter-terror strategies’

States police ‘using UK’s counter-terror strategies’

In response to a written question tabled by Deputy Carina Alves, Constable Len Norman said that anyone who suspected that someone was being radicalised in Jersey should contact the States police to report the matter.

And he added that ‘evolving’ work was being carried out to safeguard Islanders who could be prone to the influence of extremists.

‘The States police use the UK counter-terrorism strategy known as CONTEST in order to help deal with matters relating to international or left or right-wing terrorism,’ he said.

‘CONTEST is divided into four strands, one of which, PREVENT, is intended to safeguard and support those vulnerable to radicalisation, to stop them from becoming terrorists or supporting extremism.

‘In Jersey, the approach to PREVENT is an evolving area of police work. It is pragmatic and proportionate to reflect and respect our diverse community.’

Mr Norman added that a ‘local profile’ had been prepared to help law enforcement agencies and associated organisations identify any early signs of potential extremism or radicalisation.

‘Upon receipt of any referral, specially trained local officers will assess any threat, risk or harm identified and make an assessment to help manage any situation being presented on a case-by-case basis,’ he said.

‘As mental health frequently features in these cases, there will likely be multi-agency involvement and engagement.

‘Where necessary, additional specialist UK Home Office accredited intervention providers can be invited to Jersey to help manage particularly difficult cases.

‘The aims and objectives of PREVENT are to defuse any extremism or radicalisation through the effective personalised management of an individual, to allow them to assess that their own conduct has stepped outside the boundaries of accepted behaviour, before using the criminal justice system to address that conduct.’

– Advertisement –
– Advertisement –