Working together to defeat terrorism
A Chigwell school played host to an engagement day in which
students joined forces with Essex Police to understand counter
terrorism policing operations.
West Hatch High School is the first education establishment in the
county to have successfully participated in the exercise which
demonstrates the complexities of a terrorist plot and the
consequences of a bomb explosion in a fictional town.
Sixth-from students discussed issues with neighbourhood policing
officers during the table-top exercise, playing the roles of
operational and senior police officers as the investigation
developed.
Insp Tom Simons was
delighted with the enthusiasm and commitment from the local
community and the council in making the day a success.
“I’m proud to have been involved in the organisation of this
event which is vital in securing the support of residents and
people from minority backgrounds when such terrorist events occur,”
said Insp Simons. “It’s important for us to ensure that all
sections of the community understand our operational and strategic
decisions throughout such incidents.”
Taking part gave
us an insight into the kinds of decisions the police have to make
in extreme situations.
Haider AnwarAn important and large aspect of modern-day terrorist operations
is the media management. A mock news conference was held with four
students grilled by a police press officer who took on the role of
a journalist, enabling them to appreciate and empathise with the
pressures faced by police when confronted with such often hostile
and challenging questions.
A-Level student 18-year-old Haider Anwar said: “Taking part gave
us an insight into the kinds of decisions the police have to make
in extreme situations and will ultimately give us all a better
understanding of counter-terrorism procedures.
“It demonstrated how we can all work together to defeat
terrorism.”
The ACT (All Communities Together) NOW roadshow will eventually
hit all towns throughout Essex, with the community engagement team
playing a core role in its delivery.
The engagement day took place at West Hatch High School on
Thursday, February 4, with another one planned again with other
students from the school in March.