The UK is currently facing the most serious and sustained threat from International Terrorism ever known. The threat is real, ever present and enduring. The events of 2005 and subsequent operations have shown that it is vital that all agencies enhance their capability and capacity to deal with this threat.

At the same time domestic extremism – which incorporates animal rights, political extremism and other extremist activity – also poses significant dangers to the social and economic well being of the country.

The Police Service has a key role in the effort to counter terrorism, but cannot combat it alone: effective working with the full spectrum of partners, stakeholders and the community will be critical to our success in protecting the UK.

Project Griffin is your opportunity to become involved in an exciting development in community safety in the Nottingham city centre, which will not only help you to help us make the city an even safer place to live and work, but will also help you protect your business, your customers, and your staff.

It is designed to allow Police Forces to involve the business community in preparing and responding to the possibility of a terrorist attack. Nottinghamshire Police and Nottingham City Council have the opportunity of being one of the first cities in the region to develop and implement this project.

So what is Project Griffin?

Project Griffin is designed to raise the awareness of private security personnel, door staff, security guards, Community Protection Officers and parking wardens to possible terrorist activities.

There are three strands.

Firstly there is the awareness session. This includes updates from Special Branch on current threat levels and trends, a talk from the Bomb Disposal Team and an input about how you can help us.

Secondly there is a conference call, whereby we have the opportunity to update you on a regular basis not only in relation to any terrorism issues, but also current crime trends or other security issues within the city.

Thirdly there is the response. This is where in time of emergency if required, we would ask your Griffin aware staff to don their fluorescent vests and assist by providing a high profile presence outside your premises, providing reassurance to your staff and customers, and if necessary assist us with any evacuation we may need to carry out or cordons we may implement

At the end of the awareness day, participants will be given a certificate of attendance and a Griffin badge.

So what are the benefits to your business?

Members of your staff will be better equipped to…

• Assist your business and your customers in the event of an emergency.
• Recognise items that may be improvised explosive devices.
• Be aware of suspicious activity and hostile reconnaissance.
• Help minimise disruption to your business in the event of an emergency.
• Help the community in times of crisis.

What will it cost you?

Nothing, other than the time you and your staff spend at the awareness session, which will last for a morning.

Who needs to attend?

The programme is designed for persons carrying out roles such as security guards, door staff, community protection officers and parking wardens.

What do you need to do now?

The awareness days for 2008 are to be held between 0900 – 13.00 on the following dates:

• Tuesday 21st October
• Wednesday 12th November
• Wednesday 3rd December.

Venue

Central Police Station, North Church Street, Nottingham

Please contact Nottingham City Council Emergency Planning Office - 0115 9154781 or e-mail. steve.tinley@nottinghamcity.gov.uk for a booking form.  Please indicate which date you would prefer to attend

Project Argus

What is Project Argus?

Project ARGUS is a free Interactive counter – terrorism tabletop exercise designed to put you and your business in the midst of a simulated terrorist attack as a multi-media experience. The aim of ARGUS  is to increase awareness of counter terrorism issues and help make us more resiliant as a community. The Project  was developed by experts from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and is based on the experience of individuals and organisations who have been caught up in real – life terrorist incidents.  The simulation identifies the measures to take for preventing, handling and recovering from a terrorist attack, and gives you the opportunity to judge how well prepared your business is.

What can you expect & who should attend?

Argus is a completely free event that takes you through a realistic terrorist attack using a multi-media simulation. A series of questions and challenges are put to you, both individually and as a group and you will have to resolve them. You will work in small syndicate groups with other local business representatives and develop your responses to the attack. The whole event including a coffee break will last three hours and no prior  specialist knowledge is needed. The event is aimed at Managers or Senior Security Staff who have a responsibility for Emergency Response and Business Continuity.

What do you need to do now?

The next Argus event is scheduled for:

Tuesday 23rd Septermber 2008
9.30-12.30p.m.
&
2.00-5.00p.m. (Two sessions available)
The Guildhall
Burton Street
Nottingham

Click here to download a flyer for this event.

Booking

Click here to download a copy of the booking form . Please complete and return, confirmation and full details will be sent on receipt of the booking form.

For further information contact: Nottingham City Council Emergency Planning Office

Email steve.tinley@nottinghamcity.gov.uk   or   ctsa@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk

Fax: 0115 915 4716

Phone: 0115 91 54781