The expertise, passion and commitment of Counter Terrorism Policing’s officers and staff has been recognised at a commendation ceremony in London.
Amongst those receiving awards were a group of officers praised for their work in diverting young people away from terrorism, a surveillance planner marking 20 years of service and officers from the National Vehicle Threat Mitigation Unit.
Proud colleagues and family members attended the biannual ceremony, which aims to highlight the incredible work happening across Counter Terrorism Policing to keep the public safe.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Matt Jukes said:
“Much of the work that we do goes unseen, which is absolutely how it should be.
“However, it is vital that we take the time to acknowledge the exceptional and life-saving work that is happening every single day.
“The range and scale of what we do at Counter Terrorism Policing is significant, from protective security, to preventing those at risk from radicalisation taking dangerous paths, to managing prison releases – every role carries huge responsibility and risk.
“Hearing people’s stories today makes me incredibly proud of the work that we do to ensure the public can go about their lives safely and securely.”
Three officers from the National Vehicle Threat Mitigation Unit received commendations for the role they played in keeping the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham safe last summer.
The trio led the tactical planning and operational deployment of the National Barrier Asset in the city in August 2022, which saw protective security measures deployed across 16 major venues.
It was the largest ever deployment of the National Barrier Asset, keeping thousands of visitors and athletes safe over the summer months.
Also receiving commendations, were a number of Prevent case officers from across the UK who were credited with outstanding professionalism and diligence in their work to protect young people at risk of radicalisation.
The interventions made by officers included a case involving a young boy who had shown interest in extreme right wing behaviours, including contact with members of a proscribed terrorist organisation
After a year of intensive support, he is now considered to need no further intervention.
There was also praise for a member of police staff, who has worked in policing for over 20 years, most recently ensuring the smooth running of surveillance training in part of the regional Counter Terrorism Policing network.
Assistant Commissioner Jukes added:
“Events like this not only demonstrate the incredible efforts of our officers and staff, but also the spectrum of roles that we have within Counter Terrorism Policing.
“Ensuring that our teams can do their very best work and keep the public safe requires a huge amount of planning, organisation, tactical thinking, and expertise – which reaches far beyond the frontline.”
Others receiving commendations including an officer recognised for his work in introducing a new mental health policy and a member of police staff for project management linked to the new Counter Terrorism Operations Centre.
There was also recognition for those working in complex and sensitive roles within Counter Terrorism Policing’s borders and intelligence functions, and communications.