OVERVIEW

Local authorities and businesses have a responsibility to secure public buildings, manage risk and provide safe transport. Given the current threat level, delivering secure and safe public events is a sizeable challenge that requires a detailed security strategy to militate against risk. It is vital to have in place robust contingency plans, secure and reliable communications networks, and safeguards to protect places, people and information. In summer 2012 the biggest sporting event in our history will add 10 million spectators to one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Managing the risk at such events as the Olympic Games will likely bring longer-term benefits to UK security. The thorough security planning, technology and community engagement can leave a legacy that relates to counter-terrorism at a local and international level.

The CONTEST security strategy aims to detect threats at the earliest possible stage and prioritise prosecution rates. The objectives include challenging radicalisation, working across a range of sectors to offer advice and support to people who are vulnerable to being drawn to terrorism. It is important communities are empowered to meet these aims and to improve our resilience and protective security. Public bodies have a responsibility to prepare an effective response to a terrorist attack to help save lives, reduce harm and aid recovery.

As the European economy depends on the freest possible movement of goods and people, it is important that policy strikes the right balance. New technology and diverse threats also mean that policies must keep abreast in an ever-developing and challenging environment. As part of the overall strategy, UK border security seeks to carry out as many controls as possible in other countries, utilising technology, such as biometrics, for improved document control and making better use of data, such as the e-Borders programme, as a data management tool. The aims are to act early in intercepting threats and maximise the depth and breadth of border protection. How can we help to build capabilities, develop international frameworks and improve data management?

At a local level, authorities are seeking to engage with communities to increase social cohesion, broader understanding and help minimise the risk of violent extremism. Improving data management systems and tools relating to all aspects of people movement may hold the key to improving efficiencies in the system. One of the key powers considered in the recent national security consultation was the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and how local authorities disclose and access communications data. If the use of RIPA was limited to serious offences, local government has argued that it would prevent the investigation of matters such as benefit fraud, rogue traders and loan sharks. On the other hand, there are questions of privacy protection and whether access to communications data should be limited to tackling terrorism and serious organised crime. How should communication data be managed, and is it important that local authorities have ease of access?

Join us at Public Security and Counter-Terrorism: Managing the Risk to listen to policy leaders, to debate the key issues, and to understand how best to protect public places and safeguard the security of the nation.