Prevent
Prevent is about safeguarding people and communities from terrorism, and stopping people becoming terrorists. Prevent is part of CONTEST, the government's counter-terrorism strategy. It aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism and violent extremism.
What we're doing
The Prevent statutory duty, which came into force on 1 July 2015, has prompted a significant step forward in the delivery of Prevent work across all public sector organisations. In conjunction with the St Philips Centre, we engage with local communities, groups and organisations across the city to help safeguard local people from the risks of radicalisation to violent extremism.
Prevent covers all forms of terrorism and extremism.
Our aim
- The main aim of Prevent is to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism
- At the heart of Prevent is safeguarding children and adults and providing early intervention to protect and divert people away from being drawn into terrorist activity.
- Prevent addresses all forms of extremism but continues to ensure resources and effort are allocated based on the greatest threat to our national security
Threat levels
While the chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident remain rare, it is important to be prepared and know how to protect yourself if the need arises.
If you are caught up in an incident our advice is to ‘Run, Hide and Tell’ – guidance which can be applied to many places and situations. We know from case studies and testimony of people who have survived attacks that this advice can save lives.
Find out how to stay safe and how both the public and industry can help report suspicious activity at counterterrorism.police.uk.
To find out the current national threat level, visit mi5.gov.uk.
What is Channel?
Channel is the safeguarding panel which supports Prevent. Led by the local authority, it is a programme which focuses on supporting people at an early stage who could be drawn into terrorism. It ensures people of any age, faith, ethnicity, or background receive support before their vulnerabilities are exploited by those wanting them to embrace terrorism or any illegal extremist activity.
- Channel is a confidential and voluntary process that allows individuals to have the final say of accepting support or not.
- The type of support that is provided is decided upon by the individual referred and partners who will work with them. This ensures that any support that is provided is tailored to the person's needs.
- These support options are vast and include support with education, employment, housing, mental health, and any other necessary challenges.
- Ideological support is also common, which may include discussion with credible ideological experts and faith leaders.
- Individuals who are referred to Prevent or receive support from Channel are not criminalised and will not receive a criminal record unless a criminal offence is committed.
Get help if you’re worried about someone being radicalised
Get advice and guidance
If you have concerns that an individual of any age could be being radicalised; is becoming involved/supporting extremism or terrorism, then these concerns should be shared to ensure appropriate support can be provided to safeguard the individual. Find advice and guidance at GOV.UK.
Refer someone
If you have any concerns about anyone you know who's at risk of being radicalised, you can refer someone to the Prevent team - leics.police.uk.