Counter Terrorism Security Advisers (CTSA)
What are Counter Terrorist Security Advisers (CTSA)?
In 2001 Her Majesty's Government formulated plans to better protect our country from terrorism by creating the 'CONTEST' counter terrorism strategy comprising four pillars: PURSUE, PREVENT, PROTECT and PREPARE.
Under PROTECT, the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) was created and placed within the Security Service (MI5) where it liaises closely with that agency's Centre for Protection of the National Infrastructure (CPNI). NaCTSO works for the Association of Chief Police Officers and directs a national network of CTSAs within police forces throughout the United Kingdom. CTSAs are qualified to national standards.
What Advice can CTSA's Provide?
CTSAs provide specialist counter terrorism protective security advice in a range of subjects. Their role is to:
- Develop, promote and implement counter terrorism protective security best practice, policy and procedures within the UK. The advice available takes into account both conventional and non-conventional terrorist techniques.
- Provide protective security and counter terrorism security advice to those sectors that could be at risk from terrorist activity, particularly 'crowded places', e.g. shopping centres, sporting stadia, pubs and clubs; premises where hazardous materials are kept and sites/buildings of symbolic significance.
- Promote awareness of the terrorist threat and develop positive ongoing relationships with the local business and commercial sectors.
- Work closely with and/or in partnership with other Police Forces, Government Departments, other Agencies, representative bodies, industry and commerce.
The overall aim is to reduce vulnerabilities to the terrorist threat. However, we can all play a key role in combating terrorism by:
- Being vigilant and alert at all times to unusual/suspicious behaviour
- Not being afraid to report unusual/suspicious behaviour
- Being security minded and having good security measures in place
You can protect your business against crime and make the work of terrorists more difficult. A small investment in security measures greatly enhances the feeling of security on behalf of everyone and helps protect those around you.
CTSAs are funded by the Home Office and their advice is impartial and free.
CTSAs are not Crime Prevention Officers. (Please ask the police switchboard for your local crime reduction/prevention officer)
CTSAs are not permitted to work privately for clients and will not promote or sponsor any one product or company.
Hampshire CTSAs Contact Details
CTSA Department, Hampshire Constabulary Headquarters,
West Hill,
Romsey Road,
Winchester,
Hampshire,
SO22 5DB
Direct dial: 01962 874 236
Switchboard: 101 or 0845 045 45 45
E-mail: ctsa@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Hostile Reconnaissance - How can you help?
The attacks in London during the summer of 2005 and many other terrorist incidents prove that people intent on carrying out deadly and determined attacks conduct what is referred to as ‘hostile reconnaissance’.
One of the most significant contributions you can make in combating terrorism is to remain vigilant and alert to unusual and suspicious behaviour and report it to the police. Suspicious behaviour could be anything that makes you ask why?
Some examples might be:
- Your security measures have been tampered with or breached
- Someone is taking photographs of your property and it’s vulnerable areas
- Someone is taking notes of your security measures and practices?
If your suspicions are raised please try and monitor the person’s movements (without compromising your own or others’ personal safety). Call the police and quote operation LIGHTNING.
Operation LIGHTNING is a national counter terrorism initiative through which the police and security services gain information on potential hostile reconnaissance. Please don’t be afraid to make that call, as your information could be a vital link in preventing a terrorist attack. If you consider anything to be suspicious or connected with terrorism then contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 or 0845 045 4545 (outside the county).In an emergency dial 999.
For more detailed guidance speak with your local CTSA or email ctsa@hampshire.pnn.police.uk.
Alternatively, visit www.nactso.gov.uk, or for more information on the current threat, see the Security Service (MI5) web pages on terrorism, by visiting the MI5 website here .
Counter Terrorism Protective Security Advice Booklets for the following Crowded Places:
- Bars, Pubs & Clubs
- Shopping Centres
- Stadia & Arenas
- Visitor Attractions
- Cinemas & Theatres
- Hotels & restaurants
- Major events
- Commercial Centres
- Education
- Place of Worship
are available from the NaCTSO website -
http://www.nactso.gov.uk/AreaOfRisks/CrowdedPlaces.aspx
