Counter Terrorism Security Advisers

The Threat

There is a serious and sustained threat from international terrorism to the UK and UK interests overseas. Threat levels are assessed by Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC). For more information about the threat visit www.mi5.gov.uk.

British citizens living abroad have also been targeted, for example, in 2003 the British Consulate in Istanbul when 3 British citizens were amongst 23 killed in a bomb attack against the Consulate building.

The most significant terrorist threat comes from Al Qaeda and associated networks. As the London terrorist attacks in July 2005 showed, an attack or multiple attacks may be mounted without warning. Information on Al Qaeda's typical methods of attack and targets and the current threat to the UK has been prepared by JTAC and is continually reviewed.

Northern Ireland related terrorism continues to pose a threat. Dissident republican terrorist groups, such as RIRA and CIRA who have rejected the Good Friday Agreement of April 1998, still aspire to mount attacks in Great Britain. Northern Ireland related and other domestic terrorism threats are assessed by the Security Service (MI5).

Counter Terrorism Security Advisers

Since 2002, the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) has had as one of its primary roles the establishment, co-ordination, training and tasking of a network of CTSAs throughout the UK. This has been achieved and there are now over 240 CTSAs across the UK, with most police forces having at least two. Most CTSAs work within or alongside their force Special Branches.

  • The majority of the work of the CTSAs is coordinated and directed by the NaCTSO, who work to the Association of Chief Police Officers as part of the Security Service's Centre for the Protection of the National Infrastructure (CPNI)
  • NaCTSO and CTSAs have recently been delegated responsibility by the Home Office for dealing with protective security for 'Crowded Places'. This could mean areas like shopping centres, sporting stadia, pubs and bars or transport hubs.
  • The core role of the CTSA is to identify and assess local critical sites within their force area that might be vulnerable to terrorist or extremist attack; then devise and develop appropriate protective security plans to minimise impact on that site and the surrounding community.
  • Additionally, the CTSA will promote awareness of the terrorist threat and develop positive ongoing relationships by appropriate discussion of changes in the prevailing terrorist threat and commensurate responses.
  • CTSAs will also strive to engage with other departments within the police as well as partner agencies (such as SOCA - Serious and Organised Crime Agency and HMRC - HM Revenue & Customs) to encourage a co-ordinated approach and build useful networks. They work closely with representatives of trade organisations and professional bodies to ensure Counter Terrorism protective security advice is incorporated in general crime prevention regimes.
  • CTSAs have regular access to current terrorism threat assessments and related intelligence as well as other classified material. This requires that they are all appropriately vetted – above and beyond the usual checks for police officers and staff.
  • CTSAs receive comprehensive specialist training in areas such as explosives and pre-cursor chemicals, pathogens and toxins, radiological sources, site and vulnerable point surveying, business continuity and disaster recovery, information and personnel security, integrated security systems, designing out vehicle borne terrorism and the threat from CBRN attack.
  • CTSA costs are fully met through the Dedicated Security Post (DSP) funding mechanism for Home Office Police forces in England & Wales. The Home Office delegates the day to day management of this funding to NaCTSO.

Project ARGUS

Protecting Against Terrorist Attack

Project ARGUS is a National Counter Terrorism Security Office initiative, exploring ways to aid you in preventing, handling and recovering from a terrorist attack. It achieves this by taking businesses through a simulated terrorist attack. The simulation identifies the measures to take for preventing, handling and recovering from a terrorist attack.

This simulation provides you with a unique opportunity to both learn from and contribute to valuable lessons helping to protect you, your business and your community, whether you are a national chain or a small business.

The event explores your options; what is likely to happen in the event of a terrorist attack; and what your priorities should be. Project Argus highlights the importance of being prepared and having the necessary plans in place to help safeguard your staff, customers and your company assets.

What can you expect?

Project Argus is a free event which takes you through, using a multi-media simulation, a terrorist attack. A series of questions and challenges are put to you, both individually and as a group. You will work in small syndicate groups with other local business representatives and develop your responses to the attack. The whole event including a coffee break will last three hours. If you require further information about any of these matters please e mail – ctsa@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk