CEPOL's Strategic Counter Terrorism Course attracted 14 participants directly involved in counter terrorism from 10 Member States.

Two of the aims of the course were to outline threat assessment methodology and to identify the different backgrounds to terrorism and to recognise effective planning strategies. Topics covered during the 10 day course included strategic threat assessment; proactive measures to combat terrorism; post-terrorism normalisation and border issues. One highlight was a session held by the Legal Attaché from the London US Embassy which also covered the US analysis of current and future threats and trends. A presentation on Media Management Strategies was also highly appreciated by all attendees.

The course participants visited the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command at Scotland Yard where they learned about a number of recent terrorism operations. The seminar was organised by the United Kingdom CEPOL Team and hosted by the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) from 11-22 January 2010.

Course Manager Inspector Paul Hawkaluk praised the commitment, involvement and willingness of the participants which made the course a real pleasure.  Based on the first evaluation reports by course participants, the event was well received and assessed as being highly relevant to the role of counter terrorist officers across Europe.

One participant said that one of the most important aspects of such courses is the personal contact with other colleagues working in the same environment under different laws as their views are highly appreciated. He thought that it was a very well prepared course, delivered by professional and experienced colleagues who shared their experiences and expressed their views in an objective manner.

Georgina Evans

International Liaison Officer for Europe