Speaking at the BBT Forum held in London, a detective sergeant from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) informed travel buyers of the dangers of a terrorism incident such as the Tunisia attacks and learn what can be done if one takes place.
He highlighted Project Griffin, a NaCTSO initiative, which aims to advise and familiarise managers and employees on security and counter-terrorism issues. It works by encouraging the public to be vigilant and to report suspicious behaviour and activity around their community.
“The UK counter terror model is looked at admiringly around the world,” he said. “The public talk to the police and the police talk to the security services and it’s that simple system that helps makes our model work.”
He added that the police are working with other countries to ensure British travellers feel as safe abroad as they do at home.
“We want to influence those companies looking after Brits to work better. We want travellers to feel safe whether they are on domestic business or visiting countries such as Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia or Egypt,” said the detective sergeant.
Speaking about recent terrorism incidents around the world he said the attacks in Tunisia were “game changers” in the way countries operated around security.
“The key threat to our national security is still from DAESH,” he said. “It’s still those UK nationals who have gone to Syria to join DAESH and then returned to the UK intending to commit attacks in this country.”
Through Project Griffin the police have visited a number of organisations and giving advice on terror attacks and also providing helpful material such as a DVD for staff.
One buyer at the forum, which took place under Chatham House rules, said the films sparked a lot of debate among their team and said the briefing given to employees was worthwhile.
Speaking about recent terrorism incidents around the world Parkes said Brussels and Paris were “game changers” in the way countries operated around security.
The detective sergeant also spoke about the knock-on complications of managing a crisis after it has occurred. “When the Paris attacks happened security was obviously enhanced and after three days France had run out of security guards, so the place to recruit was from French speaking African countries where you have to question how strict security threats are for employees from these places.”
One buyer asked about Northern Ireland and whether there was still a threat there. Parkes said the threat is not what it was and most of the links they have are for attacks to police and military but added that safety is still a factor to consider if you have employees travelling to Northern Ireland.
Sign up to BBT’s twice-weekly newsletter