Brian Sims
Editor
Brian Sims
Editor
COUNTER TERRORISM Policing’s head of Prevent has warned that the latest Prevent statistics show a continuation of the ‘worrying trend’ of children becoming more prevalent in counter-terrorism casework. In the year ending 31 March 2023, there was a total of 6,817 referrals to Prevent. That’s an increase of 6.4% compared to the previous year and, in point of fact, the third highest total of referrals since 2015.
Importantly, this increase did not translate into more ‘Channel’ cases, with only 654 referrals adopted (159 fewer than in the previous year).
If a given referral progresses and it’s assessed that there’s a genuine risk of radicalisation, the case is then considered by a multi-agency ‘Channel panel’ of professionals who collectively assess the case and decide on a tailored package of support that can be offered to the individual concerned.
The majority of the referrals (39%of them, in fact) emanated from the education sector, followed by policing (which accounted for 29% of the total).
Once again, children and young people are overly represented in both Prevent and ‘Channel’ data, with 63% of referrals relating to individuals aged under 20 and 31% being aged 14 and under.
There was also a greater number of referrals (ie 19%) relating to extreme right wing terrorism concerns compared to Islamist extremism (at 11%) – a trend which has continued over the last few years.
This prevalence of young people is also reflected in the ‘Channel’ data, with 46% of adopted cases relating to children aged between 11 and 15.
Harmful ideologies
Detective Chief Superintendent Maria Lovegrove, Counter Terrorism Policing’s head of Prevent, commented: “These new Prevent statistics show a continuation of the worrying trend we’ve been warning of for some time. In short, that the average age of those in our casework is becoming younger.”
Lovegrove added: “It might seem shocking that very young children are being supported by Prevent to move away from extremism and terrorism, but when those young children are being exposed to harmful ideologies and extremist content, we absolutely must try to protect them in any way we can.”
In conclusion, Lovegrove observed: “It’s vitally important that people reach out to Prevent for help if they have any concerns about their loved ones. The earlier people receive support to move away from terrorism, the better chance there is of a positive outcome.”
*Further information is available online at www.actearly.uk
