Counter terrorism

Radicalisation is a process where people are groomed to engage in criminal, terrorist activity. They are often ‘radicalised’ by other people (sometimes by people they trust, sometimes by strangers), or by things they read on the internet or world events they see on the news.

They might have various grievances, sometimes with no clear ideology or motive or may have suffered a traumatic event, leading to blame for a particular section of society. If someone ‘self-radicalises’ then starts to threaten or move towards violence they can be known as a ‘self-initiated terrorist’ or S-IT.

The people who are targeted by radicalisers are often vulnerable or susceptible in some way and need help to keep them safe. They could be adults or children of any age, and can be from any background.

Prevent strategy

Prevent is one strand of the government’s counter terrorism strategy, CONTEST, which aims to safeguard and support vulnerable people to stop them becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism of any form.

The Safer Derbyshire website has more information about Prevent in Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Police have information about Prevent and role the of their Prevent Team.

Read the government's objectives for Prevent.

Look out for suspicious activity and behaviour

The current threat from terrorism and other violent extremism requires us all to look out for activity or behaviour which strikes us as out of place in normal day to day life and to report it to the police.

Derbyshire County Council's Community Safety team assist in the training of all DSAB partners so that they fulfil their statutory duty to 'have due regard for the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism' in all aspects of day to day duties.

Local communities are urged to trust their instincts and look out for the unusual to help continue keeping the public safe. The key message is that you should not rely on others.

If you suspect it, report it

Contact Derbyshire Police, telephone: 101, or the confidential anti-terrorist hot line, telephone: 0800 789 321. If it is an emergency, please telephone: 999.

Anyone can make a Prevent referral. In Derby City and Derbyshire, if you are worried about someone and think they are at risk of becoming involved in terrorism or extremism, please refer them to Derbyshire Police's Prevent Team using their online form.

Let the police decide if the information is important. What might seem insignificant on its own could actually provide a vital link to a wider investigation.

Some people use the internet to spread hate and violent extremism. This can include harmful information, pictures or videos. You can report online material promoting terrorism or extremism.