FEATURE: In the wake of the jihadist terror attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, Policing Insight’s Andrew Staniforth examines the concept of ‘leaderless jihad’ and explores the ongoing risk to countries in Europe (and further afield) highlighted by the recent European Union Terrorism Situation and Trend Report.
FEATURE: At the recent Counter-Terror Expo in London, Commander Dominic Murphy of the UK’s Counter-Terrorism Command set out the continuing challenges facing the countries counter-terror policing efforts, and the crucial role played by officers and staff in tackling a range of “diverse and unpredictable” threats, as Policing Insight’s Andrew Staniforth reports.
ANALYSIS: The emergency service response to disasters – whether manmade incidents such as terrorist attacks, or naturally occurring events including weather crises – has been under scrutiny in the UK and globally in recent years; Policing Insight’s Andrew Staniforth looks at a new European disaster analysis model that will be unveiled this week, which aims to increase learning and share best practice with a view to improving future responses.
ANALYSIS: The surge in terrorist content online has presented law enforcement agencies and tech companies with significant challenges in tackling dangerous extremists; Policing Insight’s Andrew Staniforth looks at European efforts to target such activities and online material, including new draft legislation governing how the EU can work with third countries to exchange data.
ANALYSIS: Sixteen years ago today, four suicide bombers carrying rucksacks packed with explosives attacked central London, killing 52 people and injuring hundreds more; Policing Insight’s Andrew Staniforth looks at what happened in the lead up to the worst single terrorist atrocity on British soil, and how those events have continued to have an impact on counter-terrorism and UK policing through to the current day.
Feature: As the Inquiry into the 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack continues, there is work behind the scenes to update the Joint Doctrine, the interoperability framework for UK emergency service responders; Carl Daniels of JESIP spoke to Policing Insight’s Catherine Levin about the consultation and how it has never been more important to work together.
OPINION: The announcement in November of a multi-million pound counter-terror centre for the UK which brings together police and the security services was rightly welcomed; but as Policing Insight's Andrew Staniforth reports, moving forwards the relationship between community policing and counter-terrorism will be crucial to negating the wide array of terrorist and extremist threats.
Opinion: It's 15 years since the 7/7 bombings took place in London. Policing Insight Contributor Andrew Staniforth looks back at the atrocity and the immediate aftermath, and how it shaped counter-terrorism policing.
Opinion: Despite the Good Friday Agreement, dissident violence still poses a threat to peace in Northern Ireland. Policing Insight Contributor Andrew Staniforth reminds us of the devastating impact of previous IRA campaigns and the present-day factors that could fuel a resurgence in violence.
Analysis: The Security Service faced considerable criticism for its prioritising of intelligence operations prior to the London Bridge attack in 2017. Policing Insight contributor Andrew Staniforth examines the challenges around gathering and interpreting intelligence relating to terror plots.
Analysis: Like all forms of extremism, the rise of the far right has been ably assisted by the internet, but now law enforcement is using technology to stem the spread of extremism. Policing Insight contributor and Senior Research Fellow at CENTRIC Andrew Staniforth examines the RED-Alert project which detects content that fuels division and hatred in real time.
OPINION: Following the publication of David Anderson QC's review of the four terrorist attacks this year, Ian Wiggett, formerly Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, examines the wider issues. While counter-terror policing relies on striking the balance between resources, powers and human rights, local policing teams can expect greater demands to be placed on them.
ANALYSIS: What are the implications of Operation Temperer? Ian Wiggett, former ACC and lead for counter terrorism, specialist operations and civil contingencies in Greater Manchester, explores the consequences of a raised threat level to police, the armed forces, and the community.
