Deploying counter terrorism security coordinators to events.
There are two ways to deploy a counter terrorism (CT) security coordinator to support a policing operation:
- A strategic commander can request a CT security coordinator is assigned to their event where the criteria is met.
- For events or operations that do not meet the criteria, strategic commanders or force leads should liaise with their CT security coordinator regional lead who will triage requests and ensure an appropriate response is provided. This may be to deploy a CT security coordinator or ensure appropriate protective security advice is made available.
As CT security coordinator may also be tasked on an ad-hoc basis to undertake assessments and reviews of counter terrorism security arrangements at sensitive locations and venues.
Further information is available in:
Deployment
CT security coordinators are usually deployed by the strategic commander. In some instances, a CT security coordinator might be appointed and deployed by other individuals who have responsibility for delivering the CT security plan. For example, a CT security coordinator might be appointed for a low-risk event by the lead for an events planning team.
The notice period given for the deployment of a CT security coordinator to an event can vary from years to just a few hours’ notice. If deployed at short notice, the CT security coordinator should tailor their advice and documentation to the time scales they are working to.
Wherever possible, the CT security coordinator should record their advice using the full or concise CT security coordinator’s form approved by the national CT security coordinator board (NCTSB). When there is only time to provide verbal or email advice, the CT security coordinator should make a record of the advice given, for example, by retaining a copy of any emails or making a record in their daybook.
As a minimum, CT security coordinators should usually be given enough time between being appointed to the event or operation and it occurring to:
- meet the command team, planning team and police search advisor
- meet event organisers and other partners
- obtain information and intelligence, including threat assessments
- conduct venue reconnaissance and assess vulnerabilities
- consider all viable methods of attack
- develop contingencies for a raised threat
- review plans and conduct security tasking meetings
- write and deliver a fully documented CT security coordinator's report to the police strategic commander
If deployed at short notice, CT security coordinators should ensure their CT protective security plan details the main activity listed that could not be undertaken because of limited time constraints.
During the event or operation
During the event or operation, the strategic commander may task the CT security coordinator to:
- work on the ground in the operational area
- work with the strategic or tactical commander in the operational control room to advise, monitor the security plan delivery and initiate contingencies as required
- be available in an on-call capacity
- brief the security tasking group or specific units on security issues at any general briefing as requested by the strategic or tactical commander
CT security coordinators may also be tasked with assessing the ongoing threat during the event or operation and:
- initiate remedial action through the appropriate level of command for the operation, for example, through the tactical commander, geographical or functional operational commanders, or the operation control room
- maintain engagement with stakeholders
- review and quality assure the effectiveness and implementation of the CT protective security plan
- assess the ongoing threat pre-, during and post-event or operation
- continually assess the deployment of resources
- identify emerging problems or new vulnerabilities
- advise the strategic, tactical and operational commander(s) while remaining independent of the command structure