Training

Griffin call

by Mark Rowe

A new self-delivery package of training for Project Griffin, the official counter terrorism awareness scheme, has been devised by police. Its aim; to get more security and non-security staff to play a part in protecting against attacks – and show them what to do if a Paris-style incident unfolds.

The authorities are looking to sectors such as retail, hospitality, entertainment and travel. Project Griffin began in 2004 and specialist officers around the country are now briefing around 100,000 workers every year. However the new self-delivery programme aims to reach ten times that number.

Details of the plan were announced at the annual Security and Counter Terrorism Expo in London on its second morning, Wednesday April 20. Det Chief Supt Scott Wilson, the national police coordinator for Protect and Prepare, told the security audience that companies who support the project will be helping to keep staff, customers and communities safe.

DCS Wilson says: “Although the UK threat level has remained unchanged since August 2014, it is still at severe. The police service is working tirelessly to address the threat but we need everyone to play a part in keeping the public alert, not alarmed. Police can help explain what the threats and risks to different sectors are but companies are better placed to explain to staff exactly what action they can take to enhance their security and how to respond if the worst happens.

“Individual organisations have vital protective security information such as building layouts, security equipment and safety procedures. They have the local knowledge that could be vital to keeping staff and the public safe. This is why we have devised self-briefing packages bespoke to different sectors. We have developed excellent working partnerships since the launch of Project Griffin and hope this approach will help us provide many more eyes and ears to assist the police.

“Companies who meet the criteria should contact us and we will work with their training teams to ensure they have all that they need to deliver Project Griffin approved training themselves.”

Businesses take part

Nikki White, Destinations and Sustainability Manager from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), says: “The Project Griffin initiative is an excellent way for business and individuals to become more aware of counter terrorism preventative measures. We are working with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office to provide our members with industry training, customer advice and support related to Project Griffin both here and overseas.“

Organisations signing up to the initiative will need to be public limited companies and have qualified trainers. Priority will be given to those who operate in a crowded place, such as a city centre, sporting or entertainment complex. Police will continue to offer the briefings for smaller organisations in priority areas who do not have their own training teams.

Visit the National Counter Terrorism Security Office website (www.nactso.gov.uk).

Related News

  • Training

    Dragon’s Den tweet

    by Mark Rowe

    A close protection and training firm from Birkenhead has been recognised by the businessman and entrepreneur Theo Paphitis in a national weekly…

  • Training

    BCS courses

    by Mark Rowe

    BCS, the former British Computer Society now the Chartered Institute for IT, is extending its IT governance and information security courses. The…

  • Training

    UCL open day

    by Mark Rowe

    University College London (UCL) Department of Security and Crime Science is holding an open day on Wednesday, December 9 for its new…

Newsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay on top of security news and events.

© 2024 Professional Security Magazine. All rights reserved.

Website by MSEC Marketing