PREVENT

There is no stereotype for people who hold extremist views.

Vulnerability, isolation and personal grievances added to strong political, religious or social views, can result in a person searching for a cause.

This may lead to changes in behaviour, dress and/or social exclusion.



PREVENT is part of Essex Police's counter-terrorist strategy and aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism by working with individuals and communities to address issues before they become a criminal matter and to stop people moving from extremism into terrorist-related activity.

PREVENT will specifically:

• Stop people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure they are given appropriate advice and support
  
  
• Work with sectors and institutions where there are risks which we need to address
  
  
• Respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat we face from those who promote it
  
  Part of the PREVENT strategy sees Essex Police working with local schools to run group workshops and arrange visits from guest speakers.

  
  A play is also being shown in schools across the county to raise awareness. Entitled ‘Do Not Forget’, it tells the story of a 16-year-old boy who finds himself drawn into extremist behaviour as a way of channelling the feelings of hurt and anger he feels as a result of his father’s recent death. A short preview can be seen above.
  
  Essex Police remains absolutely committed to protecting freedom of speech. However preventing terrorism will mean challenging extremist ideas.
  
  Essex Police will continue to be open about its PREVENT activities but is asking members of the public to help by doing their bit. 
  
  
  Act now, report it
  
  If you're concerned that someone you know is behaving suspiciously or you have information that may help police, don't rely on others - act now and report it.
  
  Find out how here
  
  Operation Boadicea
  
  Operation Boadicea was developed in response to the PREVENT strand of the government’s national counter terrorism strategy.
  
  It involves the running of exercises in safe community spaces which are designed to allow debate around the sensitive issues of policing the Olympics.
  
  Operation Boadicea enables participants to air grievances and debate matters of interest in surroundings they feel confident to do so and at a location where they have an affinity and sense of community.