Anti-Terrorism

Report anything suspicious

If you see or hear something that could be terrorist related, act on your instincts and call the police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321 or visit gov.uk/ACT. Anonymity will be assured and what the police are told will always be secure.  Even if you’re unsure what to do in an emergency, act. 

If you've seen someone acting suspiciously, a vehicle out of place or an unattended package or bag, immediately move away and call 999.    

The Government's Prevent strategy

The Government's Prevent strategy is designed to

  • respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat we face from those who promote it
  • prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure that they are given appropriate advice and support
  • work with sectors and institutions where there are risks of radicalisation which we need to address

Channel

Channel is part of the Prevent strategy. The process is a multi-agency approach to identify and provide support to individuals who are at risk of being drawn into terrorism.

What factors can put people at risk?

There is no single way of identifying who is likely to be vulnerable.

Risk factors may include:

  • Peer pressure
  • Influence from other internet users
  • Bullying, crime and anti-social behaviour
  • Family tensions
  • Race/hate crime
  • Lack of self-esteem or identity
  • Personal or political grievances

How does Channel work?

  • identifying individuals who may be at risk
  • assessing the nature and extent of the risk
  • providing appropriate support packages
  • screening exercise using data from partners

A multi-agency ‘Channel Panel’ will decide appropriate action to safeguard the individual. A variety of support will be offered from diversionary activities to specific support services and pulled into an action plan.

Is the Channel process discussed with the individuals identified as vulnerable?

All individuals must agree to receive support as part of Channel and understand information about them will be shared with multi-agency partners.

How you can help?

If you have a concern that someone is either moving towards support for terrorism, or an attraction to terrorism or a vulnerability to radicalisation, please contact:

Contact Kent Police

  • For non-urgent issues or to contact your local officer, call 101
  • In an emergency, if crime is in progress or life is in danger, call 999
  • If deaf or speech impaired ‘text ‘police’ and your message to 60066
  • For more safety advice visit www.kent.police.uk