Counter terrorism experts host 'security advice and guidance' event in Bolton

Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs) hosted a Counters Terrorism (CT) Awareness event at The Albert Halls, Bolton.

Among the 200 attendees on Wednesday 2 July were officers and staff from the five north west police forces, local authorities, representatives from NWAS and regional fire services, who through the collaborative partnership provide support to help protect and prepare, should a terrorist threat occur.

Detective Superintendent Alison Whittaker, Head Protect & Prepare for CTPNW opened the event, said: “The objective for the day was to provide attendees with an insight into the current threat and how attack methodology has evolved over the years in the UK, looking at what security advice and guidance is available to them in order to support their local businesses, how to access it and who they can reach out to for further support.

“We need the communities help to deter, detect and disrupt hostile and terrorist activity.”

The speakers at the event included Sergeant Rob Philip from the National Vehicle Threat Mitigation Unit (NVTMU), Alex Ward from NaCTSO; Chief Inspector Matthew Worrell and Inspector Chris Hadfield from GMPs Protective Security Office (PSO); an input from Homeland Security Group (HSG), and our regional CTSAs.

They delivered an insightful and impactful agenda covering Martyn’s Law, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation, Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Orders (ATTRO), Protective Security Advice for Events, CT First Aid, amongst other guidance delivered.

Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Cllr Rabiya Jiva, said: “I was pleased Bolton Council could host the training event for specialists from the national counter terrorism network, blue light partners and local authorities from across the northwest.

“We hold several major cultural events in Bolton, including the nationally renowned Bolton Food and Drink Festival, so it is important to share expertise to prioritise safety and security.

“It was also good to see Project Servator officers deployed in the town centre to showcase the policing tactic while providing a reassuring presence for the public.”

Chief Inspector Lee Parker of Greater Manchester Police said: “A really informative and well set out event, highlighting the real need to understand the complexities of Counter Terrorism and the work continuously needed to mitigate the threat and risks involved.”

Erika Corless, who attended for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) NHS Trust, said: “The day was absolutely relevant to my role within the emergency services, I will be looking to access some of the ACT learning materials for our staff.”

The session was supported by Janice McMahon from Steroplast Healthcare, provider of PAcT public access trauma first aid kits, and GMP’s Project Servator team.

Project Servator is a policing tactic used by a number of UK police forces.

It aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public. It is an inclusive collaborative community strategy that aims to protect local areas and build upon the safety and security plans already in place to ensure safety and security.

The Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) campaign encourages communities to help tackle terrorism by reporting suspicious behaviour and activity that doesn't feel right.

Trust your instincts and report anything potentially related to terrorism online at www.gov.uk/ACT.

In an emergency always call 999.

All our official protective security advice, guidance and training is free and readily available to access via the www.protectuk.police/uk.

Businesses and the public are encouraged to complete our award-winning ACT Awareness e-Learning to learn about good practices to help counter terrorism and increase your security awareness.