Special Branch Contact Unit
Hampshire Constabulary Special Branch is the part of the police that has responsibility for counter terrorism, national security and domestic extremism within the two counties. The Special Branch Contact Unit was set up in 2006 in the wake of the terrorist bombings in London in July 2005 where 52 people lost their lives.
The unit consists of two Special Branch officers, Neil Bloomfield and Dave Kerrigan. Both officers wear plain clothes but are completely open in their activity, unlike some other areas of Special Branch, which are secret and operate covertly.
What do we do?
The unit engages with all communities, local authorities, higher education and universities, as well as many other local bodies.
The unit was established to improve the channels of communication between Special Branch and all our communities, increasing dialogue in an effort to improve the two way flow of information between the community, Special Branch and the police in general.
The Current Situation
The current terrorism threat level is Substantial This means that a terrorist attack is a strong possibility.
Times have changed - the number of terrorist attacks being preceded by warnings has significantly reduced. We now face a threat from extremists who carry out attacks, without warning, on crowded places with the intention of causing maximum loss of life.
We need your help
Only with the help of the whole community will we defeat terrorism. Counter Terrorism, which includes terrorism prevention work, is not something inflicted upon the community; it should be addressed with the community and for the community.
We need your help to prevent further attacks. You live in your community - you know it and are best placed to spot changes, note concerns and recognise suspicious behaviour within it.
What can we do for you?
Neil and Dave spend much of their time delivering safety and awareness briefings in relation to areas of Special Branch work, including counter terrorism and the current threat.
If you have any concerns in relation to terrorism or other national security issues, please contact the Special Branch Contact Unit. In an emergency, dial 999.
Project Griffin is a national police initiative to protect our cities and communities from the threat of terrorism.
It brings together and coordinates the resources of the police, emergency services, local authorities, business and the private sector security industry.
Griffin events are organised by The Special Branch Contact Unit in conjunction with operational planning units around the force area. For further information please visit the Project Griffin website below:
www.projectgriffin.org.uk/
Special Branch Contact Unit
Telephone: 02392 891503
Email: sbcontact@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Neil Bloomfield: 07768 464484
Dave Kerrigan: 07733 303178
If you prefer you can call the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline, which is staffed 24hrs a day by a terrorism expert.
Links
MI5 Security Service
MI6 Secret Intelligence Service
