Counter Terrorism: Potential Indicators of Terrorist Activities or It's Probably Nothing, But....

'It's probably nothing' but your call could save lives - that's the message of a Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) counter-terrorism publicity campaign which seems to get reincarnated each year. It's supported by radio, poster and 1.4m leaflet drop to households in London.

Overall its actually a good campaign and asks the public to question the norm - just in case it's something much more.

This however compares to the recently publicised FBI campaign which includes these actions as deemed 'suspicious':

• Using multiple mobile sim cards 
• Pays with cash 
• Communicates using VOIP 
• Uses encryption 
• Trying to shield your computer screen from others 

Sound familiar? Some of these are basic security measures which I and people I know do, but are we terrorists - I think not! The full details of the 25 FBI campaigns can be viewed here.

So its MPS 1 - FBI 0

In the UK call the confidential 

Anti-Terrorist Hotline

National Day of Protest UK Uncut Christmas Special, Information for Businesses From the Met Police

UK Uncut has recently announced an event entitled ‘Christmas Special’, which is being promoted to take place on Saturday, 17 December 2011 between 1300 hours and 1700 hours. The stated aims of this protest are to highlight the government austerity measures and non payment of tax. It is their intention to target high street retail business premises. Recent events have shown that this has predominately taken place in Central London. We would advise all retail sectors within Greater London to consider the following guidance, which is by no means exhaustive.

The Metropolitan Police Service is fully aware of the potential impact of any major event on the local business community and is well equipped to deal with events like this. We have an appropriate and proportionate policing plan in place and are working closely with our strategic business partners to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum whilst at the same time aiming to police and facilitate peaceful protest.

The following guidance has been produced to help businesses to prepare for any incidents which may arise as a result of this activity in the Metropolitan Police Area.

Keep up to date with latest information

For live updates on the progress of this event you can also subscribe to the official free police community

messaging system at www.neighbourhoodlink.met.police.uk

Follow the MPS updates on the day on Twitter @CO11metpolice

Contact numbers

In the event of an emergency call the emergency number 999.

In the event of a situation that does not require an emergency response, please call 101 (calls to 101 from landlines and mobiles cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day you call or how long your call lasts).

If you have information about crime, you can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on             0800 555 111      .

Security Advice

Ensure that all staff are fully briefed. Security officers, where possible, should have a visible presence at premises. It would be advisable that a senior manager make himself/herself identifiable to police in the event of an incursion into your business premises. Ensure that your exit/entry points are monitored and that you are able to lock and secure any points of entry if required to do so.

Be alert to large groups forming outside of business points of entry and ensure staff remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security and/or police. Check that your emergency equipment supplies and radio communications systems are stocked and fully operational at all times.

Crime

If you identify any unusual markings on your building please report immediately to police. If crime is committed or an incursion takes place in your premises consider the preservation of evidence, where possible, on the advice of police.

Ensure CCTV coverage is fully operational and can provide the highest possible recorded resolution.

What you can expect to see

You may notice officers outside some premises this is because during recent protests some buildings have been targeted and damaged. The officers are there to protect these buildings and to assist those inside to go about their daily business and to deal with any incidents of crime and disorder. All officer will be uniquely identifiable by a series of numbers, letters or both which will be visible on their outer clothing.

Be There For London!

And your employees can be there for you in London's biggest year....

Your organisation can be there for London through the Employer Supported Policing (ESP) programme. Support your employees by giving them a little paid leave each month and they’ll benefit from all the in-depth training that comes with being a special constable. When on duty with the Met for 16 hours a month, they’ll have the same uniform and carry the same powers of arrest as a regular police officer. So they’ll not only be helping to keep your local area safe. They’ll also be bringing a host of useful new skills, confidence, experience and contacts back to your business.

• Any size organisation can get involved, including small businesses
• It’s easy to sign up, with no direct payment from you – just your staff’s time
• World class training for any number of your employees
• Help tackle crime in your organisation’s local area or industry
• You'll have off-duty police officers working in your organisation - a visible, powerful boost to business security, continuity and resilience, especially in 2012

Why not help your employees be there for London in 2012, the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Get involved before 30 November 2011 and your staff could be trained, on the beat and in your business in time for the most high-profile year London will see for a generation.

Find out more about introducing ESP to your organisation at www.met.police.uk/esp
or to get involved now contact online or call 020 7161 2651.

 

 

 

Also, click on the below video to find out more about volunteering as a police officer.