Operational partnerships - Initial response to terrorism related matters policy (O30)

1. Security protective marking

1.1 Not protectively marked.

1.2. This policy has a standard operating procedure (SOP) which remains restricted under exemptions covered in the Freedom of Information Act.

2. Summary of changes to policy

2.1. This policy has been reviewed in April 2024 - no amendments to content have been made. 

3. What this policy is about 

3.1. This policy is intended to provide the initial response to a terrorist incident within Kent. The responsibility for counter terrorism is a force wide one within which Counter Terrorism Border Policing (CTBP) undertake specific roles and functions.

3.2. This policy, supported by its standard operating procedure (SOP), provides information on the actions to be taken by officers and staff following a terrorist incident. It includes information on police powers, arrest procedures and CTPSE/CTBP capability. 

4. Statement of policy

4.1. Protecting the public remains the UK’s highest priority. Terrorism severely threatens public protection. No community is immune from the global reach of terrorism and the UK is a prime target for extremists who believe they can advance their aims through acts of violence. 

4.2. The threat is assessed as both serious and enduring, being international in scope and involving a variety of individuals, groups and networks who are driven by extremist beliefs.

4.3. Protecting the public from acts of terrorism is no longer the sole responsibility of specialist agencies, teams and organisations. It requires a multi-agency partnership approach and is therefore a priority for Kent Police. 

5. Implications of the policy

5.1. Training - the response to a terrorist incident within Kent is a force-wide responsibility. Therefore it is the responsibility of managers of all departments to ensure their staff are suitably trained and aware of this policy and the powers and procedures contained within it. Cost implications will be borne by the departments providing the response. 

5.2. Risk assessment - this policy has been assessed as high risk.  

5.3. Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) - This policy has been assessed with regard to its relevance to race and diversity equality. As a result of this assessment the policy has been graded as having a low potential impact. 

6. Monitoring and review

6.1. This policy is next due for review in April 2025.  

7. Security

7.1 Kent Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management policy.

8. Retention and disposal of records

8.1. Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal policy.