Counter Terrorism Security Advisors
Cumbria Police, together with police forces throughout the United Kingdom, is better trained and equipped than ever before to combat the threat of international and domestic terrorism. The Force, as part of the ongoing national counter terrorism strategy, has dedicated Counter Terrorism Security Advisers (CTSAs) who are coordinated, trained and tasked by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), a specialist police organisation co-located with the Security Service in the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI). www.cpni.gov.uk
The primary role of these advisers is to provide protective and counter terrorism security advice to support businesses and the public sector. The advice available takes into account both conventional and non-conventional terrorist techniques and the aim is to reduce vulnerability to terrorist threats. The CTSAs work closely with other police forces throughout the country, government departments and other agencies.
The public can play a key role in supporting the police. By remaining vigilant, 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.
For non-urgent crime prevention advice, businesses can contact their local Police Crime Reduction Officer, but if you feel that your company could benefit from Counter Terrorism security advice, you can email us at; CTSA@cumbria.police.uk
If you consider anything to be suspicious or connected with Terrorism contact Cumbria Police 0845 33 00 247 or the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
If you suspect it, report it Anti Terrorist Hotline 0800 789321
Alternatively, a confidential on-line form can be submitted (This service is managed by the Metropolitan Police).
If it is an emergency remember to dial 999.
VSAT - Vulnerability Self Assessment Tool
The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and the national network of police Counter Terrorism Security Advisers (CTSA’s) are working on reducing the vulnerability of crowded places sites across the UK. Many of these crowded places consist of small to medium enterprises, SME’s that may not have necessarily considered themselves as, or even “part of” a crowded place.
The Crowded Places Vulnerability Self Assessment Tool (VSAT), which has been developed by NaCTSO in partnership with leading businesses across the UK, will assist owners, operators or those responsible for the security of crowded places to determine their vulnerability to terrorist attack.
CTSA’s across the UK will be registering users and you may receive an email inviting you to complete the online assessment. Alternatively you can register by contacting your local CTSA; ctsa@cumbria.poilce.uk and providing the following: Your name, Your company name and nature of your business, business address, email address and telephone number. In the case of larger or national chains, user accounts can be created by contacting NaCTSO, direct on www.nactso.gov.uk
The self assessment consists of 33 questions and should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete and will provide you with an understanding of what you need to put in place thereby reducing your vulnerability to a terrorist attack. The online assessment will also produce a report of recommendations. In order to protect your business interest and commercial sensitivities the report will only be available to the individual user. The overall assessment result will be displayed without showing numerical values but will assist you in prioritising where you may need to make improvements. Following the initial launch users will be able to view a business sector base line to see how their assessments fair compared with other assessments within the UK.
The VSAT will provide you with:
• Sign posting to best practice
• 12 months Business Continuity Management tool
• Increased local engagement with security experts (CTSA)
• Training Opportunities
• Written assessment report with recommendations covering, Physical Security, Personnel Security, Information Security, Good House Keeping and Risk Management
The Vulnerability Self Assessment Tool will provide a means for you to identify and reduce the vulnerability to your establishment and help protect our communities.