Preventing radicalisation

Prevent is a part of the UK's counter-terrorism (CONTEST) strategy.

The aim of Prevent is to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism, it also extends to supporting the rehabilitation and disengagement of those already involved in terrorism.

In Norfolk, authorities and communities are working together through the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk.

What is radicalisation?

Radicalisation is when a person starts to believe in and support extremist ideas.

Sometimes someone takes advantage of vulnerabilities that could make young people or adults susceptible to extremist ideas.

It's also possible for people to 'self-radicalise' for example by watching extremist content online. Anyone can be vulnerable to extremist messages. That's why it's important for communities to be aware.

We want to:

• Tackle the ideological causes of terrorism
• Intervene early to support people susceptible to radicalisation
• Enable people who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate all forms of terrorism

More information about radicalisation is available at: Action Counters Terrorism - Act Early

Need advice or support?

If it's not an emergency, please get in touch by emailing prevent@norfolk.police.uk. We're here to support you.

You can also contact the Norfolk Police Prevent team on 01953 423905 or 01953 423896. We don't investigate crimes within the Norfolk Prevent team, but these links may be useful:

• Norfolk police hate crime reporting point
• Report websites or online material promoting terrorism through the Report It website

Making a referral

Delivery of early intervention support to people susceptible to radicalisation begins with referrals to Prevent.

Anyone can make a Prevent referral and under the Prevent Duty, institutions including schools, colleges, universities, health authorities, local authorities, police, and prisons must consider the risk of radicalisation as part of their day-to-day safeguarding work.

This includes referring individuals susceptible to radicalisation to Prevent for support. If you have concerns someone is being radicalised,  fill in the referral form (PDF) [213KB] and email it to  preventreferrals-NC@Norfolk.police.uk

A copy is automatically sent to Children's Services. Here we work alongside the police and other partners to safeguard vulnerable people.

Russell Cole, Norfolk County Council's Prevention of Radicalisation Coordinator, can assist with enquiries and questions regarding the process. Russell Cole can be emailed on russell.cole2@norfolk.gov.uk