INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS/ARRESTS
BY
IFATH NAWAZ & SHAUKAT WARRAICH
The objective of this Guide is: •
To make Muslim communities aware of the Government’s strategy on anti-terrorism and the possible actions that can flow
•
To explain and provide an understanding of what is meant by an “anti-terror raid”, the reasons behind such action and the impact of such action;
•
To set out the practical and physical impact of such raids
•
To set out the issues that will need to be dealt with
•
To set out advice and guidance on how best to deal with various agencies
•
To set out what happens to the individuals arrested and possible effects on the families of those involved
•
Advice upon future planning after the events
ENGAGE
ENGAGE
ENGAGE
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
2
CONTENTS Contents page About the Authors
4
Introduction
6
An “Anti-terror raid”
9
UK Government Counter Terrorism Strategy What can happen? Why is it happening? Response of the Muslim Community
13
Leadership Helping the community Dealing with the Police Dealing with the Media Dealing with Other Agencies Reporting Moving On and Looking to the Future
32
Appendices
36
Appendices
A
Template for Press statement
Appendices
B
Anti-Terror Raid - 5 Day Timeline
Appendices
C
Wycombe Muslims Advisors action Plan for
Community Cohesion Append ice
D
Useful Contacts Details
Append ice
E
Anti-terror hotline
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
3
ABOUT THE AUTHORS Ifath Nawaz is a solicitor by profession with over 15 years post qualification experience as a local government lawyer and has worked both voluntarily and as a consultant with multi agencies providing the Muslim perspective on human rights, immigration, women and diversity issues. As one of the founding member of the Association of Muslim Lawyers (UK) in 1993, she has played a key role in the direction the organisation has taken in highlighting issues of relevance to Muslims in the UK and abroad. As Chairwoman of the Association since 2003, she has represented the Association working with multi agencies on human rights, anti-terrorism laws and impact on ethnic minorities. She was on the Government’s Muslim Taskforce set up on Preventing Extremism Together in August 2006 and was Deputy Convenor on the Working Group on National Security, Policing and Islamophobia. She is a member of the Independent Advisory Group to the London Criminal Justice Board and Co- Chair of the Independent Asylum Commission set up in November 2006. She was also one of the Contact Group members following the antiterror raids in High Wycombe in August 2006 and spent a considerable time working with the agencies and the community in dealing with the issues that arose. For further information please contact her on Ifath.nawaz@aml.org.uk
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
4
Shaukat
Warraich
is
a
Director
at
Right
Start
Foundation
International, (based at its head quarters in Birmingham West Midlands UK) and a Senior Partner at Faith Associates, a consultancy developing strategy and policy around faith based communities. He has 20 years experience of working with Muslim youth from mainly Pakistani and Arab backgrounds. He is currently the Head teacher of a supplementary school tackling educational underachievement amongst the Ethnic minorities in Berkshire, Slough. He has a BSc in Science from Kings College, University of London and is completing his MBA from Oxford Brooks University. For the last 6 years he has been involved in various community cohesion initiatives working with local and national agencies in the UK to address the needs of emerging communities. He was on the Government’s Muslim Taskforce set up on Preventing Extremism Together and was member of the Mosques and Imams working group. He was also one of the Contact Group members following the antiterror raids in High Wycombe in August 2006 and is currently working with Wycombe council’s local strategic partnership on issues related to community cohesion. He has lectured throughout Britain on matters related to strategic management, human development and issues relating to Islam and future challenges and opportunities for minorities. For further information please contact him on shaukatw@faithassociates.co.uk
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
5
GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS
Introduction Since 2001, following the terrorist events of 9/11 in the USA and 7/7 in the UK, the British Government
has
brought
in
the
Anti-
Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 and the Terrorism Act 2006, which collectively, with the Terrorism Act 2000, have given extensive powers to the law enforcement agencies
in
dealing
with
the
threat
of
terrorism. This Guide is limited to the consideration of the use of some of those powers by the law enforcement agencies resulting in anti-terror operations and other related action. The guide is intended to be a practical source and concentrates on the practical consequences of such action and how members of the Muslim communities need to deal with these. There are a number of possible consequences of police raids on a locality which can result in one or a combination of: •
the arresting of individuals
•
house searches
•
vehicles belonging to those arrested seized for searching
•
other local premises being searched
•
seizure of assets
•
freezing of bank accounts and other financial sources
•
questioning of number of individuals
•
cordoning off sections of roads and areas in locality
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
6
Such action can and does have an impact on the local community, on the local agencies and most fundamentally on the local Muslim community which` finds itself under the world media spotlight.
This impact can be quite
overwhelming community
on
which
the often
Muslim
finds
itself
under the public eye and scrutiny, its mosques and Islamic centres suddenly on the front pages of national and international media together with the emotional and well being issues of the Muslims community at large. Until now there has been little known support or guidance for Muslims as to what to do when such events take place in their locality The experiences of communities thus affected to date, has revealed, not surprisingly, huge inexperience and difficulties in dealing with the media attention, the demand of agencies to identify and cope with the extremists elements within it and the demands of the community itself upon its leaders to guide it out of the crisis in the most constructive way possible. This Guide has been put together based on the recognition of the critical need for such a guide and on the experiences of the authors. The impact of such events is often underestimated and can lead to communities falling out within themselves due to the huge pressure that surrounds the community and also within the wider community.
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
7
It is hoped that this Guide will help Muslims who find themselves caught up in such action by law enforcement agencies, to organise themselves, to be aware of the issues that will arise, some suggested actions and more generally an information pack to assist in what is inevitably a very difficult time.
Ifath Nawaz and Shaukat Warraich February 2007
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
8
AN “ANTI TERROR RAID�
An Anti- Terror raid can be defined as action
taken
by
the
police
and
intelligence services, upon receipt of intelligence, resulting in arrests and searches
of
against suspected
premises
and
property
individuals/organisations of
encouraging
directly the
or
indirectly
commission,
preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism or to disseminate terrorist publications.
This
can
include
statements or publications that glorify terrorism. The powers given to law enforcement agencies range from making arrests and holding individuals detention for up to 28 days, search warrants for residential and other properties, freezing and seizure of assets and bank accounts of those concerned through to wider powers such as control orders, deportation, financial controls and proscription of terrorist organisations as perceived by the Home Secretary. From Anti-terror raids seen to date, these usually involve the police arresting individuals believed to be part of a group either at their homes or other locations where the individuals may be at the relevant times. Simultaneously there will be raids of the residential properties of the individuals concerned with police taking over the said properties and access denied to everyone else, further raids may take place in locations/businesses frequented by the said individuals with certain equipment being seized and taken away for
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
9
forensic purposes. This can result in areas being cordoned off to the general public. UK Governments Counter-Terrorism Strategy July 2006 In this Government document, the Home Office sets out its overall strategy in countering terrorism and in order to understand the actions taken leading to anti-terrorist raids, it is important to understand the Government’s stance and reasoning for pursuing such action. . Below we set out key points which the reader should understand for themselves in order to deal with situations resulting from anti-terror raids. Who is involved? Developing and delivering the Government's counter-terrorism strategy
involves
stakeholders
from
across
government
departments, the emergency services, voluntary organisations, the business sector and partners from across the world. What is the strategy based on? Since early 2003, the United Kingdom has had a long-term strategy for countering international terrorism (known within Government as CONTEST). Its aim is to reduce the risk from international terrorism, so that people can go about their daily lives freely and with confidence. The strategy is divided into four principal strands: Prevent, Pursue, Protect and Prepare.
Prevent
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
10
This strand is concerned with tackling the radicalisation of individuals, both in the UK and elsewhere, which sustains the international terrorist threat. The Government seeks to do this by: •
tackling
disadvantage
supporting
reform
and by
addressing structural problems in the UK and overseas that may
contribute
radicalisation,
such
to as
inequalities and discrimination •
deterring those who facilitate terrorism and those who encourage others to become terrorists by changing the environment in which the extremists and those radicalising others can operate
•
engaging in the battle of ideas by challenging the ideologies that extremists believe can justify the use of violence, primarily by helping Muslims who wish to dispute these ideas to do so
Pursue This strand is concerned with reducing the terrorist threat to the UK and to UK interests overseas by disrupting terrorists and their operations. It has a number of aspects: •
gathering intelligence and improving our ability to identify and understand the terrorist threat
•
disrupting terrorist activity and taking action to frustrate terrorist attacks and to bring terrorists to justice through prosecution and other means, including strengthening the legal framework against terrorism
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
11
•
international co-operation by working with partners and allies overseas to strengthen our intelligence effort and achieve disruption of terrorists outside the UK
Protect This strand is concerned with reducing the vulnerability of the UK and UK interests overseas to a terrorist attack. This covers a range of issues including: •
strengthening border security, so that terrorists and those who inspire them can be prevented from traveling here and we can get better intelligence about suspects who travel, including improving our identity management
•
protecting key utilities by working with the private sector
•
transport; reducing the risk and impact of attacks through security and technological advances
•
crowded places; protecting people going about their daily lives
Prepare This strand is concerned with ensuring that the UK is as ready as it can be for the consequences of a terrorist attack. The key elements are: •
identifying the potential risks the UK faces from terrorism and assessing their impact
•
building the necessary capabilities to respond to attacks
•
continually evaluating and testing our preparedness, including through identifying lessons learnt from exercises and real-life events
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
12
RESPONSE OF THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY
STEP 1
LEADERSHIP
The need for leadership upon hearing that an Anti Terror raid has taken place is critical to managing the various complex and diverse needs of the locality. Both the needs of Muslim and Non Muslim citizens of the locality in focus need to be paramount in the minds of the individuals who will be chosen to represent the community. It is critical, in order to deal with all the issues that will need to be addressed, that members of the mosque(s) leadership, Muslim Voluntary Groups, religious figures of respect, immediately call an urgent meeting together with Muslim professionals from within the community to put together an Emergency Plan to cope with the situation. Ideal candidates should include Professional men & women from the following spheres of life; •
Media
•
Social Services
•
Law enforcement agencies
•
Mosque management committees
•
Islamic religious leaders
•
Teachers
•
Youth Workers
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
13
Immediately upon finding out about arrests/police raids in its area, the Muslim community leaders need to be aware of possible ramifications for which they need to prepare. These can vary but will notably include:
i)
The impact of the arrests on the family members of the individuals arrested
ii) The impact of the arrests on the local Muslim community and any potential backlash iii) The concerns that will become apparent of the wider nonMuslim community iv) Issues arising within schools and colleges v) Dealing with the Media and general communication strategy vi) Liaising with the agencies such as the local Council, the Police the Race Equality Council and any other relevant stakeholders
Tip: 1 Mosque management committees should have an up to date directory of names of professionals that they can call upon in times of need. They don’t necessarily have to be Muslims or individuals that come to your mosque regularly but need only to be generally known to be sincere to the community and who are able and willing to help in the time of crisis. Tip: 2 Call the meeting with members of the community as soon as you are contacted by the police or you hear about the events unfolding in the news.
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
14
STEP 2
SELECTION OF A CONTACT GROUP
When the relevant individuals set out above meet, it will be paramount to agree to the appointment of 3/4 individuals to represent the mosques, imams and wider community. This is extremely important as when the journalists and media arrive, they will be seeking to interview as many people as possible, but they shall also be looking for authoritative and informed voices to present the views of the community, hence it is important that there are a small number of representatives who have the relevant experience in dealing with the media and other agencies and are able to do so competently and comprehensively. TIP When selecting members of the Contact Group, it is important to think of whom will these people be engaging with and what impression you wish the wider world to have about your community. Matters for consideration for selection would include: •
Excellent Command of the English language
•
Presentable in front of a camera
•
Can use the internet and gather information from different sources so as to be informed with the latest information
•
Able to work as part of a team
•
Is not a publicity seeker
•
Approachable and can handle different types of people with sensitivity and wisdom
•
Can contribute in meetings and able to chair meetings
•
Has a broad understanding of the issues affecting the community they are likely to serve
•
Generally of good reputation
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
15
STEP 3
PREPARATION AND ISSUE OF PRESS STATEMENT ON BEHALF
OF
MOSQUES
AND
OR
THE
MUSLIM
COMMUNITY It is important to demonstrate an organised and structured response to the events as they unfold. The issue of a statement provides the immediate response of the mosques and Muslim community to the media and at the end of the statement should set out the names and contact telephone numbers of the appointed Contact Group members. This then prevents the media hunting around for people to speak to and also prevents self appointed individuals speaking on behalf of mosques and the wider Muslim community. This Statement should be issued within 2/3 hours of the raids taking place. See Annex A for a list of the possible issues the statement should cover. STEP 4
DEALING WITH THE MEDIA
The national and international media will descend on the location where the raids take place almost immediately. They have an objective to cover the news from various angels, hence they need material to broadcast and the information regarding the anti-terror raids will most probably fill most news bulletins for the next 7 days at least and more if charges of the people arrested are made. It is
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
16
therefore advisable to engage with the media in an efficient and constructive manner from the outset. Think About •
How can you help the community that is under the national and international media spotlight?
•
How can you prevent any further damage to the community’s reputation and can you build bridges with members of the community that may feel vulnerable due to all the attention?
•
Planning and preparation for the various angles that the media may take on the issues and preparing responses.
•
Consider the following examples: ¾ Were the arrested persons known to the community? ¾ Is there extremism in this area? ¾ What impact will these raids have on the community? ¾ How is the community responding to the raids? ¾ Has the community got any problems? ¾ Are local mosques actively working against extremism? ¾ What is the history of Muslims in this locality?
•
Think about the possible locations from where the media may wish to conduct interviews, and, if appropriate, make prior arrangements for access to: ¾ Mosques ¾ Community centres ¾ Jumma Prayers are usually a time and place where journalists will be very keen to film. This can be very sensitive and could be a potential flash point unless managed with care and sensitivity. ¾ Homes of where raids took place ¾ Local Schools ¾ Churches
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
17
Dealing with question about the individuals arrested Information as to the identities of those individuals who may have been arrested or been the reason for the raids taking place within the locality may
or
may
not
be
known
immediately. It is important that any engagement with the media does not give any information about any persons until such information has been provided by the police at their briefings, see below, and confirmed by the police.
Speculation and rumours should be avoided at all
times as it can be potentially harmful. It is not uncommon for journalists to offer names that have been unconfirmed and ask for comments, it is advisable to respond to say that information regarding the individuals is yet to be provided by the police and no comment is offered in that regard until such time. It is further inadvisable, if and when names are confirmed, for the Contact Group to engage in long interviews with journalists regarding the said individuals.
It is best that this is left to the
families of the individuals concerned unless the Contact Group members feel that they have sufficient knowledge and authority to make such representations.
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
18
There will be many questions about the individuals concerned and the following are some examples for consideration:
•
Name and age of individuals arrested
•
Families details
•
Which schools the individuals attended
•
What were they like at the schools, did they display any signs of ‘extremism’ then and since
•
Details of visits abroad to Muslim countries
•
Which religious groups or schools of thought the individuals followed
•
Interviews with peers, teachers and neighbours are likely
•
Details of mosques and Islamic groups attended by the individuals and their general lifestyle
Tip 1 Seek out the journalists yourselves. They are usually near the homes that have been raided, and hand them the press release, especially if you are a member of the appointed Contact Group. This will help the journalists and also for you to get the message to the right people. Tip 2 If you are appointed as a Contact Group member, it is only reasonable
to
assume
that
you
now
represent
the
whole
community, hence your demeanour and dress has to complement the status. Ensure you have emails, mobile phone numbers, address of web-blogs, press releases, personal statements of families of those arrested, addresses of the home that have been raided at hand to help you give accurate facts but also points of
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
19
Tip 3 If you have to talk to a journalist, ensure that you obtain their name and the media agency they are reporting for, for your record and for feeding back to the wider community. Tip 4 Ensure you have a coordinated message between all the members of the Contact Group. Giving interviews will be a team effort and you may wish to divide the work over the forthcoming days. If one member of the team is contacted and is unable to give an interview s/he should forward the contact number of other contact group members to the journalist
STEP 5
ENGAGING AND WORKING WITH THE POLICE
It is critical the Contact Group makes contact with the most senior officer responsible for the area where the raids
took
place.
The
local
community office can be another excellent initial contact for you to establish
a
link
into
the
police
service. This contact needs to be made within a couple of hours of the raids taking place. The quality of the relationship established with this agency will determine the course of future community cohesion and
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
20
information flow too and from each party, hence the selection of the interlocketors is critical for a productive and fruitful engagement. Usually counter terrorism action is led by specialist police officers brought in to the locality and therefore the local police will itself be receiving updates on a regular basis from the executing agency (e.g. Met Police or West Midland special anti terror unit) and will therefore have limited information to pass onto you. The first meeting with the police should provide the following information: •
Number of individuals arrested, names and where they have been taken for questioning
•
Number of properties being searched
•
Areas under police occupation and out of public access i.e. cordoned off areas
•
Brief outline of intelligence leading to raids
•
Information as to families of those arrested and their immediate situation
•
Information of any seizure of assets and accounts
•
Immediate plan for dealing with impact of raids
•
Information of any further arrests/raids expected
•
Setting up of a Briefing Group comprising police, local authority officers, Race Equality Council representatives and community representatives
•
Local police and link with Metropolitan Police who will be responsible for the raids and all action associated with it
•
Planned press conferences
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
21
Having received this information it is important for the Contact Group to ensure that there is a regular update of information provided to the mosques and community leaders to ensure all are kept informed and up to date. Ensure you secure representation on the Police Briefing Group as this is a vital communication link for all stakeholders and that you receive invitations to all meetings of this Group and that at least one member of the Contact Group attends each meeting. See Below for further details.
TIPS TIP 1 The Police will expect you to provide information as to concerns and issues within the community that they need to be informed about and what the expected response should be. Make sure you know of any incidents of Islamophobia or racist nature and take details of such to the next Briefing. Further ensure you are informed and prepared as to what action needs to be taken and by whom, which may involve meetings within the community to have a proper understanding of the issues. TIP 2 Be a contributor to any public meetings organised in the localities affected by the raids and ensure presence with the police at such meetings, giving the community perspective.
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
22
TIP 3 Organise meetings where police can meet and discuss the situation direct with Muslim women and youth in particular. The police can provide good clear explanations as to the process and procedures affecting those arrested, how members of the public should respond to any incidents and generally establishing community relationships. Example: in one locality the Muslim women felt particularly vulnerable and cancelled Mother and Toddler groups and being seen in public places. The Police Community Inspector ensured plan clothes police presence to ensure that all regular group events
went ahead and that the impact of the raids was
minimal on normal community life and in addition visited local schools and Muslim women group to give assurance and restore confidence. TIP 4 Organise police presence outside mosques for Jummah prayers and for police spokesperson to address the congregation to allay concerns and build links. TIP 5 Contact Group should offer its assistance to view and even help to draft any external communication that the police or any law enforcement agency wishes to present to the local community. The purpose of this initiative is to make sure the language and tone of the communication does not inflame or misconstrue the situation any further.
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
23
TIP 6 See Appendix C for 5 Day Timeline based on the High Wycombe Example, which sets out events from the time the anti-terror raids took place and the following five days together with the issues that had to be dealt with and the events as they arose.
STEP 6
INDIVIDUALS ARRESTED AND THEIR FAMILIES ISSUES
Individuals Arrested Contact needs to be established with the families of the individuals affected to ensure that the individuals have good experienced Lawyers representing them and contact can be made with the Muslim Safety Forum or the Association of Muslim Lawyers or Muslim Prisoners Support Group (for Contact Details see AppendixD) The important matters to ensure are: •
Those arrested are given access to lawyers of their choice immediately
•
If access to lawyers is denied, then written reasons for this should be obtained
•
Contact arrangements for family should be sought although this will be extremely difficult in the initial period
•
Contact with the Muslim Prisoners Support Group is highly advisable as they will be able to assist families through the initial period which will be extremely challenging and can provide counselling and support
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
24
Families of Individuals Arrested and Possible Implications for them There is a very high probability that family
members
of
the
persons
arrested will be just as shocked and upset at the arrests/incidents as everyone else, however the impact for them will be more dramatic as arrests of individuals usually impacts in the following way on the direct families: •
Loss of accommodation – the houses and homes are most likely to be subject to a Police Search warrant and therefore members of the family are denied any access to the house and their belongings almost immediately the arrests take place. This is the case if the arrests take place at home or outside the home.
•
No access to clothes and basic human necessities
•
Freezing of all bank accounts - therefore no access to any finance
•
No transport - as experience has shown that family vehicles are seized for search and forensic purposes
•
Impact on any children within affected families – suspicion, animosity, outcast issues as well as potentially emotional issues for the children who are the most vulnerable ones in this
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
25
TIPS TIP 1 The Metropolitan Police is required to have carried out a Community Impact Assessment and the Contact Group and local Police are able to ask for confirmation of this and to have access to this. TIP 2 Further, if arrests are made, an affected family can have a Family Liaison Officer appointed, and the families affected should be advised of this and offered this facility. TIP 3 Recourse should also be made to your local Council and the Community Section which should also be able to assist with temporary housing and emergency finance to cope with the crisis situation. TIP 4 Imams may wish to establish contact with the families and therefore police should be asked to convey this message and provide all possible contacts.
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
26
STEP 7
DEALING WITH OTHER AGENCIES
1. Working With Agencies Within hours of the arrests taking place the Police, local Councils, Race Equality Council and other relevant stake
holders/
formed
a
bodies
Briefing
will
Group,
have it
is
important to request participation and representation in this Briefing Group from the Contact Group. The Briefing Group will cover issues such as: •
Daily updates of situation and provide you with names and addresses of those arrested and where;
•
Information as to the families affected and the manner in which they are being dealt with and by whom and regular updates of their situation, needs and issues;
•
Information
regarding
investigation
that
will
be
ongoing,
although this will be limited due to national security reasons; •
Plans for informing and engaging with the communities directly affected by the arrests;
•
Damage limitation plans in terms of community relationship and
•
Any racist or Islamophobic incidents reported in the locality
2. Role of Contact Group Members in Briefing The role that local Muslims can play in this group is manifold and includes:-
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
27
•
Making
agencies
impact
upon
community
the
in
aware local
terms
of
the
Muslim
of
fears,
attacks and wider concern •
Ensure that agencies record any discriminatory incidents involving Muslims as Islamophobic incidents and not as racist incident, this is hugely important
•
Seeking information as to whether the Metropolitan Police followed established protocols prior to raids being carried out and whether an impact assessment had been carried out and access to such information and whether local police were involved
•
Seek protection and police presence for mosques and Islamic Centres during Friday prayers
•
Seek any relevant information that would be helpful from Lessons Learnt from anti- terror raids carried out around the country
•
Set up meetings with other faith groups to maintain dialogue and link and understanding
•
Set up meetings with Muslim youth and Muslim women to meet with Police
to be informed of the incidents directly and the
procedures involved, timescales involved and the overall pictures ( this has proved critical in restoring community confidence in the agencies and the community working collectively) •
Organise visits to mosques by relevant stakeholders to engage with Imams and Mosque management committees to ensure relationship is established from the outset and information is
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
28
exchanged and confidence maintained e.g. visit by Strategic local Partnership members can be critical in highlighting the issues faced by the Muslim community at such a time to the Partnership. This will also raise awareness and ensure support from all relevant quarters and can prove critical in the post arrests period. •
Informing agencies of incidents occurring within community that agencies may be unaware of e.g. study circles being cancelled due to fear or issues within schools and colleges. This usually results in the Police Community Officer in setting up measures to deal with such issues to the satisfaction of all concerned.
3. Schools and educational institutions Once news of the arrests/raids spreads around the community, there will be potential impacts in most areas of community life. One of the most critical issues that has to be dealt with effectively is that of possible impact upon schools and colleges. Many schools’ and colleges’ head teachers/Bursars will be unprepared for the issues this will raise and shall be looking to the Education authority and Muslims to assist and advise upon. Measures that can be taken include:•
Making the agencies aware of concern of possible backlash against Muslim children and youth in schools and colleges and to be proactive in dealing with this head on
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
29
•
Working in partnership with relevant officers in Education Authority to prepare Guidance Notes/Letters to Head teachers in dealing with the situation
•
Working in partnership with Education Authority in preparing material for assemblies to deal with crisis e.g. advising that dealing with Jihad is not the best way of explaining the current crisis but calling upon the positive contribution towards society by Muslims in the locality
•
Muslim Professionals/Imams volunteering themselves through production of a list of names and contact details to take assemblies on Islam
•
Experienced Muslims volunteering as contacts for head teachers and staff to advise on issues arising NB this will require the individuals to undergo a Criminal Bureau Records check to ensure that it is safe for the said individuals to work with children and youth and is necessary
•
Referring
educational
authorities/schools
to
Muslim
Consultancies offering diversity training on Islam awareness etc, see Appendix Three •
Organising coffee mornings in schools for parents to allow dialogue and understanding and ensure such meetings are attended by Muslim professional who are able to effectively talk about the issues, listen to concerns of other parents and build community relationships
Example – one of the issues quickly acknowledged by agencies is their lack of understanding of the faith, of the need to engage effectively with Muslim women and youth etc and any help that can be given in this area is welcomed and can potentially be very constructive.
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
30
TIP 1 Organise meetings with local people in various groups to create opportunities for the community to hear and be heard. TIP 2 Convey relevant messages back to the agencies at Briefing Group Meetings and arrange for necessary action to be taken as swiftly as possible. TIP 3 Consider
holding
Mosque
Open
Days
and
provide
opportunities for questions and answers TIP 4 Visit other place of worship and establish links with Priests, Rabbis and other religious leaders to attend their gatherings and provide spokespersons to represent and communicate about the events and the impact on the community as a whole. TIP 5 Appoint representative to liaise with Education Authority and arrange meeting with Muslim Parents Association or its equivalent to discuss the issues and to provide proactive and constructive solutions. TIP 6 Organise coffee mornings in primary and high schools with head teachers and other parents. Experience has shown that to avoid division and misunderstanding, this has proved extremely useful in allowing all members of the communities to
voice
and
understand
different
perspectives
and
understanding.
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
31
STEP 8
MOVING ON AND LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Once the immediate impacts of the anti-terror raids have subsided, the real work begins and it is important that
the
Muslim
community
continues to play a strong role in the work that is necessary. vary
from
each
locality
This will and
is
dependant on the existing work and relationships built with the local council and local agencies. Below is the example of the Muslim Community in High Wycombe following the anti terrors raids carried out in August 2006. Once the immediate repercussions were dealt with, it was left to the local community in all its guises, the local authorities, police, Race Equality Council to deal with the impact of the raids. There was a Core Briefing Group that had been set up following the raids which comprised senior officers from the police, District and County Council representing Councillors, Housing, Community Development and Finance Officers together with the nominated representatives from the Muslim Community. The Core Briefing Group highlighted the issues that arose from the raids and otherwise and these included: 1. The need for a common shared strategy on
what Community
Cohesion meant for the area and each relevant stakeholder
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
32
2. The need for a Community Cohesion Strategy for the District 3. The need for a Community Cohesion Steering Group being set up to oversee the delivery of the Community Cohesion Strategy 4. A Visioning Day was set up which highlighted issues such as: •
Need and real willingness to tackle the underlying causes of radicalisation
•
Real engagement to understand each others cultures, faiths and backgrounds
•
Agreement to start afresh with no assumptions and a real desire to tackle the issues, with no areas being disallowed
•
Need
to
effectively
underachievement
in
tackle
the
Education,
issues social
surrounding housing
and
unemployment •
Need to effectively tackle lack of sufficient infrastructure for youth in the District
•
Empowerment of Muslim youth
•
Empowerment of Muslim women
•
Recognition and real action to deliver diversity training throughout institutions to promote understanding of different cultures and particularly of Islam and the local Muslim community
•
Measures that the Muslim community itself needed to take forward
Members of the Muslim community continue to be engaged with the agencies in carrying through the issues recognised at the Visioning Day and in formulating the Community Cohesion Strategy.
See
Appendix D for the Muslim Advisors Proposals for Community Cohesion and development and progress of issues within the Muslim community itself.
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
33
Issues and Events That Muslim Community itself Needs to Deal with and Organise •
Need to organise clear representatives for agencies and others to engage with as representatives of the community (this was an issue throughout and is critical if the Muslim community is to progress in this area)
•
Mosques open days
•
Engagement in interfaith dialogues with other faith leaders and groups
•
Reviewing current after school services to introduce homework clubs in mosques
•
Ensuring appropriate representation on local Police Independent Advisory Group, Parents Associations in schools and Colleges and representative Groups in community
•
Introducing Mother and Daughter seminars
•
Training for imams and mosques trustees and management committees in public relations, engaging with the youth and role of women etc.
•
Seminars for Muslim community on Knowing their rights, Helping Themselves, Being Involved Parents, Making a Difference in Careers, Giving Back to the Community
•
Being more active in local community
•
Actively engaged in tackling extremism where necessary both itself and working in partnership where necessary e.g. promotion of anti-terrorism hotline in relevant locations
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
34
APPENDIX A
PRESS STATEMENT
Each situation will vary on the facts pertinent to it, below the authors have set out a list of factors that it is felt should be covered in the first press release issued by community leaders. 1.
Make clear on whose behalf the statement is being issued.
2.
Set out the Islamic perspective on acts of violence which results in damage or loss of lives of innocent civilians and property.
3.
Set out the local Muslim immediate response to the events e.g. shock, sadness etc.
4.
Set out that investigation has just commenced and ask for media and public to await the outcome of the investigation once it has been completed and not to rush to conclusions.
5.
Set out that individuals are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
6.
Ask for understanding and co-operation by the media in not adopting language that will stereotype the rest of the Muslim community and spread fear and misunderstanding in the wider community.
7.
Throughout your statement avoid the use of language such as ‘Islamic terrorists’, ‘Muslim terrorists’, ‘jihad’ etc but emphasise that individuals have been arrested accused of criminal activities and if found guilty will be sanctioned by the Criminal Justice system of the country accordingly.
8.
Set out the Muslim community’s support in action taken by the police if justified and reasonable in the need of public safety.
9.
Set out that have established contact with local police and await, like everyone else, to receive information as to the
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
35
intelligence leading to the action taken by the police, however limited that may be. 10. Set out any details for reporting any racial or Islamophobic incidents and the telephone numbers. 11. Set out any immediate action being taken by mosques e.g. public meeting and invite all members of the community to attend i.e. Muslim and non-Muslim. 12. Set out names, mobile numbers and any other relevant information of the members of the Contact Group.
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
36
APPENDIX B
Anti-Terror Raid - 5 Day Timeline (High Wycombe Example)
Time
Activity
Day 1 Hours
before
Local Police Informed an Anti Terror Raid to take place by the
raid
Metropolitan
Police.
Local
constabulary
told
to
manage local policing and any potential fall out Before Dawn
Raids
7.00
Local & National Media made aware of local anti-terror raids
10.00
Local Police contact local Muslim civic and religious leaders
11.00
Muslim civic & religious leaders invited to be debriefed by local Police
12.30
Local Muslim Leaders and professionals coordinate to arrange their response and nominate media and agency contacts Contact group (CG) nominated from this meeting. Press release is prepared and agreed by participants of this meeting.
14.00
Religious leaders make public announcements for calm at mid day prayers
14.30
Press Release issued and circulated to all media contacts in the local area
15.00
Local Police appoint central point of contact for community representatives to consult.
15.30
Local Police inform Contact group and other civic and religious leaders of another debrief meeting at 18.30
16.00
Media begins to approach Mosques for information and statements
18.30
Local
community
invited
to
meet
with
senior
police
representatives to air views and to seek answers. 20.00
Religious leaders and contact group discuss strategy for the following day
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
37
Day 2 6.00
Contact Group start monitoring News
7.00
Radio telephone interviews held
9.00
Contact Group members asked to make statements on the raids
10.00
Contact Group goes to homes raided to distribute Press release
14.00
Contact Group meet Muslim religious leaders to debrief them on current information
15.00
Local police contacts providing regular updates
16.00
Contact group arranges for local community groups to meet to discuss issues, key focus on Youth and Women’s groups
18.00
Women’s groups contacted and information provided to them to inform the police about any Islamaphobic incidents
20.00
Members of contact group debrief each other of days events and plan for following day
21.00
Receiving regular information of any incidents or activities from the police that may be of interest to the community
Day 3 10.00
Brief Police on Friday prayers and of the community establishment like Mosques. Provide material and insight to Police who wish to make statements in the Mosque
12.00
Television, radio and newspaper interviews undertaken continually by Contact Group
13.00
Contact Groups divides responsibilities for dealing with media and
briefing
community
leaders.
Offers
support
and
information to Imams on current situation, so a positive and constructive message can be delivered to the community during congregation pray. 14.00
Friday Prayers held with police representative addressing congregation
15.00
Television, radio and newspaper interviews undertaken continually by Contact Group
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
38
16.00
Press conference held with Contact Group members, Leader of Council, Member of Cabinet on Community and Senior Police Officers
18.00
Contact group meet community groups to debrief them and get feedback on community feelings
Day 4 8.00
Contact Group answer emails and review media coverage
10.00
Contact Group members follow up call with local community leaders to discuss concerns and seek guidance
12.00
Media interviews continuing
1.00
Contact Group members meet worshipers to discuss concerns
14.00
Community Meeting
16.00
Media interviews continuing
18.00
Community Meeting
21.00
Meet members of the arrested family to discuss issues
Day 5 8.00
Contact Group answer emails and review media coverage
10.00
Contact Group members follow up call with local community leaders to discuss concerns and seek guidance
11.00
Meeting with Local MP
13.00
Media interviews continuing
14.00
Contact Group members meet worshipers to discuss concerns
18.00
Private meetings with affected families
21.00
Meet members of local mosques
22.00
Follow-up emails and telephones call from media and local community representatives.
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
39
40 WYCOMBE MUSLIMS ADVISORS’ ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY COHESION
Cohesion Priority / Need
Wycombe One (Community Cohesion [cc] Agenda)
Project description
Communication strategy Print Web Radio
Measurable outcomes
Clear vision, style, values and attributes that can be easily expressed, and demonstrated.
Short term up to 1 year
1-2 Months
Mid term 1-3 years
Long term 3-5 years
Cost
Responsible person
LSP and relevant parties + Muslim Advisors
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
APPENDIX C
41 Community Champion Award
Measuring CC
Engagement of BME & Faith communities in Consultation
Make sure we take advantage of good things which are happening in the town Setting CC measurable indicators, set up and defined by LSP and relevant bodies Work with or encourage the emergence of consultative/li aison forums
6months
LSP and relevant parties + Muslim Advisors
6 Months
LSP and relevant parties + Muslim Advisors
12 Months
LSP and relevant parties + Muslim Advisors
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
Define criteria of what, who and how someone can be come a champion.
42 Council & LSP + Muslim Advisors
Diversity and Cultural Awareness Training for Staff and Members
To provide better informed staff and Members in delivering services to the community
3 Months
Council with Consultants
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
Launch Wycombe One
43 Setting of targets for attainment for 12 months and annual review thereafter
3 Months
3 Months
Mosques with appropriate support from LEA
LEA in consultation with Muslim community and Muslim Parents Association
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
Education
Introduction of Homework clubs to be taken into schools – Jubilee Road used as pilot study
Better use of time for children and at the same time enabling homework supervision and assistance. This has been extremely successful in Hamilton school where the homework clubs have targeted certain families to provide the relevant support to the children. Improve education attainment of children thus providing equality of opportunity. Also will impact on the future children embark upon, if investments are made into this now.
44 An enhanced citizen curriculum
Islam Awareness Programme for officers/Staff in Education sector
To create environments that value and teach positive ways of dealing with difference and dissent Incorporate the Faith element in citizenship via the PHSE curriculum. Work with education consultants and local Mentors to develop workshop approach in local schools, especially where high concentration of Muslim pupils Provide short awareness workshops to teachers/Staff of
LEA in consultation & mediation organisations
Implementation in next academic year
√
6-12 Months
LEA, SACRE and local mentors/consul tant
LEA with Faith advisors/consul tants
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
LEA to launch programme for teachers in facilitating discussions about difference and conflict
45 Youth Link workers Males and Female Muslim Women’s local news letter
Within 3 months and then again in a further 3 months
√
√
Paid by FCO (Free to Wycombe)
Council with Muslim Advisors
Match funding from youth service and the Mosque
Youth services + Muslim Advisors Women’s group, Muslim Advisors and Council
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
Young people & Women
The Radical Middle Way Road Show to be brought to Wycombe on set themes
Introducing the youth to scholars and leaders with whom they can relate and who show the path of the moderate way and directs away from the extremists agenda Working closely with Mosques and Youth services Monthly news letter, acting as a voice and sign posting service to local BME women
46 Diversionary activities
Campaigns from local sporting facilities to encourage engagements Develop youth leaders who can develop sports and cultural programmes. Ask FA & ECB to setup coaching programmes
√
Provision from Youth sources
Youth service + Muslim Advisors
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
Muslim Youth groups, empowered and capacity building training given to setup sporting and other social based activities.
47 Community safety and policing
Establishment of Muslim Safety Forum on local basis modelling successful national model
Islam Awareness Programme for officers/Staff of Police
6 months
Immediately through to 5 years.
6-12 Months
30 day project ~ ÂŁ600-800 a day
Cost should be minimal as work undertaken on voluntary basis, expenses should be paid.
Consultants
Muslim Advisors together with Muslim Safety Forum and Association of Muslim Police Officers
Local/regional commanders with Muslim Consultants
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
Independent Needs analysis of Young people
Independent survey of the needs of the youth with specific attention paid to deprived areas of Wycombe Representativ es who engage with enforcement agencies on a regular basis to build good community relationships and restore confidence within the agency. Help put into action contingency plan for when the trials of the two boys arrested in Wycombe take place. Provide short awareness workshops to teachers/Staff of
48 Career’s Day focusing on careers within public sector, police and Fire Authority
Set target to attain the numbers Recruitment seminars from established community platforms This will open up such institutions to the BME and make them more open and transparent and encourage youngsters to actively considers these as careers options
√
√
Within 9 months
Local/regional commanders with Muslim Advisors
Councils, BCC, Police and Fire Authority and Muslim Advisors
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
Push to recruit magistrates from the BME communities Recruitment of CPO’s from BME communities
49 Drugs
Hard to reach Communities engagement plan
Beacon Centre
An independent survey of the effectiveness of local DAT Tier 1 plan and which agencies are trying to reach affected communities and report back to LSP & DAT To provide community hub where all activities and services can be centrally
6 months
2 years
Independent Consultants
Muslim Community with Council and Local Strategic Partnership
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
Measure effectiveness of local DAT’s plans to engage specific hard to reach communities.
50 Employment
Provide outreach/ onestop shops to increase local involvement in training and labour market. Introduce measures to deal with high unemployment rates amongst Muslims and Muslim youths in particular Encourage social entrepreneurship and local solutions to the problems of social exclusion
Establish links with community/fai th based centres (Mosques) to facilitate units.
Employment workshops or recruitment days from established community centres or Mosques. Application assessment drop in centres setup
Council, Race Equality Council and Muslim Advisors
1-5 years
Local Strategic Partnership and Council
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
Partnership
be centrally located. Provide base for community and centre with which all agencies can work and liaise.
51 Introduce careers day, mentoring schemes, placements assistance
12-18month
Council and Muslim Advisors
ALL
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
Getting Women from the BME communities into work or developing entrepreneurship
The establishment of a capacity building centre to help, foster and direct women who wish to develop themselves or start an enterprise To break the cycle of unemploymen t and to introduce measures for members of the community to help themselves out of their situations
52 Community and voluntary services
Empowerment and capacity building workshops aimed at Muslim youth women organisations.
Mapping exercise needed to identify target areas to address
Capacity building workshops for religious leader and faith based institutions to help them engage better with key stakeholders in the community
Map facilities and key recipients for training and targets to be established.
√
Council with Muslim Advisors
Consultants with community understanding
√
√
Council with Muslim Advisors
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
Housing
Measures to be put into place dealing with the housing crisis within Muslim community with many elements living below poverty line and in extreme overcrowding situations
Raise the standard of living and thereby demonstrate a willingness and ability to tackle the deprivation effecting this community with short term medium term and long term plans
53 √
Consultants with community understanding
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
Empowerment workshops aimed at Muslim Mothers and Daughters
To address the issues thrown up by the generation gap and cultural cap and the alienation felt by young girls. Proposed issues could be proceeding to Higher Education, Healthy Lifestyle, Active Citizens promotion, Forced Marriages, Drugs, Pregnancy etc
APPENDIX D Useful Contact Details •
Association of Muslim Lawyers PO Box 148 High Wycombe Bucks HP13 5EQ www.aml.org.uk
•
British Muslim Human Rights Centre London Metropolitan University London
•
Faith Associates (Strategic policy development, research & implementation consultants) Communication House 26 York Street London W1U 6PZ www.faithassociates.co.uk Tel: +44(0) 7802-407045 Fax: +44(0) 8701-126813 email: shaukatw@faithassociates.co.uk
•
Muslim Prisoners Support Group PO Box 6001 London SW15 4XA Tel: 020 8563 1995
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
54
•
Muslim Safety Forum London Muslim Centre Suite2, Business Wing 2nd Floor, 38-44 Whitechapel Road London E1 1JX Tel: 0207 375 1812 / 1811 muslimsafetyforum@gmail.com / http://www.muslimsafetyforum.com/
•
Independent Police Complaints Commission Switchboard: 08453 002 002 (8.30am - 5.30pm) Complaint Call Centre: 08453 002 002 (press 1 at prompt) (9.00am - 5.00pm) Mincom: 020 7404 0431 Fax: 0161 969 5659 email: enquiries@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
55
APPENDIX E ANTI TERROR HOTLINE This information should be displayed in mosques, Islamic Centres, youth centres etc and actively promoted. This is not unique to Muslims but is being undertaken by most institutions and faith groups in the interest of public safety.
How the Public should respond to different National Threat Levels Public vigilance is always important regardless of the current national threat level, but it is especially important given the current national threat. Sharing national threat levels with the general public keeps everyone informed and explains the context for the various security measures (for example airport security or bag searches) we may encounter as we go about our daily lives.
If you have information about possible terrorist activity, call: The Anti-Terrorist Hotline: 0800 789 321. The Anti-Terrorist Hotline is for tip offs and confidential information. For warnings about possible bombs or other immediate threats please call 999. _______________________________________________________________ This document is for free distribution. Image supplied by FreeFoto.com
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DEALING WITH ANTI-TERRORISM RAIDS / ARRESTS
56