Counter terrorism security coordinator role

The role of counter terrorism (CT) security coordinator is to advise on, plan and coordinate the security elements of large-scale or significant policing operations and events.

Events that a CT security coordinator may be assigned to include the following:

• Public military events. For example, recruiting activities, publicity tours, band concerts, parades and guard changes, sporting and charity events, service social functions such as reunions and dinners, air days, open days and ships open to visitors and lectures by service personnel.
• High-profile events. Not all high-profile events are publicised, but they may still carry risk to those taking part, both nationally and regionally. It is important to take into account that non-publicised events may prove an attractive target if discovered. 
• Royalty and specialist protection directed events.
• Any other event where the police strategic commander believes that the appointment of a CT security coordinator will support the delivery of a safe and secure event. For example, reviewing security at multi-use venues such as football grounds or other temporary crowded places, publicly accessible locations, venues, or public spaces. 

A CT security coordinator should create a CT protective security report for a policed event or operation with a view to minimising, managing and mitigating risk in support of a strategic (gold) commander’s strategy. This report becomes the CT protective security plan for the event once it is endorsed by the strategic commander. Where a CT security coordinator is appointed to an event without a strategic commander, it is the responsibility of the individual in charge of the event or operation to endorse the CT protective security plan. 

During the event, the CT security coordinator should monitor and quality assure the effectiveness of the plan and give advice and guidance as necessary. Post-event, the CT security coordinator should contribute to any lessons learned activities.

CT security coordinators should: 

• usually be appointed by and report to the strategic commander
• work with tactical commander(s), for example, contributing to tactical planning groups
• work with operational commander(s) to deliver the endorsed CT protective security plan 
• quality assure CT activity on behalf of the strategic commander
• advise on any action taken, including in the context of public order events, is proportionate and balanced against the rights of participants, for example, the right to protest
• advise on how to mitigate against contemporary attack methodologies and emerging threats
• should ensure their activities and any recommended tactics are recorded in the CT security coordinator report, including details of any powers and policies associated with these recommendations

It is important to note that CT security coordinators should not assume overall command responsibility. 

Initial training for CT security coordinators is delivered by the Police National Search Centre (PNSC). There are no prerequisites for officers enrolling in the course. The course lasts 10 days, for further information, go to the counter terrorism security coordinator course.

The governance for CT security coordinator training and accreditation is provided by the national CT security coordinator board (NCTSB). Within 12 months of completing the training course, CT security coordinators are required to demonstrate operational competence. This is achieved by:

• satisfying their force lead, they meet all occupational standards outlined by the College of Policing
• submitting an electronic portfolio and assessment document to the appropriate authorising officer, this may be a force chief officer, force or regional CT security coordinator lead, force or regional CT security coordinator with delegated authority, or an organisation involved with force training and accreditation 

CT security coordinators are required to demonstrate they are operationally competent every 12 months and complete reaccreditation every three to five years.