Since the launch of the e-learning Project Griffin Refresher Package back in November 2007, the Project Griffin team has received a huge amount of positive feedback on how well this project has done in terms of keeping people updated and linked-in with the counter-terror initiative.
As a result of its success, the team has now developed Version 2, which was launched only yesterday. The current five modules on person-borne explosives, hostile reconnaissance, suspect vehicles, suspect persons and crime scene management have all been reviewed and updated.
In addition, two new modules have been developed for Version 2: first onsite responder (First Aid) and CBRN. Further development work is being undertaken on search (people/vehicle/property) with the expectation that this module will be added in due course.
The new version of Project Griffin will also look slightly different. It has a more professional feel and navigation system. Centre administrators will be able to determine which modules are appropriate for each user, so that the learning can then be tailored to meet individual needs.
Refresher training part of the package
The package aims to provide people who have already been through a Project Griffin Awareness Day with refresher training on key police messages. Course participants will gain from refresher training on what to consider and what action to take in certain situations, giving everyone the confidence to report any suspicious activity and behaviour to the police while also bringing them into the Wider Policing Family.
The police service accepts that it cannot solve every problem by itself, and that it needs the support and help of everyone in the community to combat criminality and planned acts of terrorism. People working and living in a given community have a feel for when something isn’t quite right – and feeling empowered to report that is what the project aims to achieve.
For more details about the refresher package please visit the Project Griffin web site (see the dedicated link on the right hand panel of this page) and simply click on the ‘Procedures’ tab.
Project Griffin officers deployed for G20
The impact of the G20 Summit still remains, but in the lead-up to and during the event it was incredibly reassuring to see so many companies deploying Project Griffin-trained security staff in and around their buildings on April 1 and 2. This certainly assisted the police in providing additional visible security in the City during this key time.
The City of London Police saw a huge increase in reports of ‘tagging’ and hostile reconnaissance in the run-in to the event, which helped the police to gather intelligence and information on general activity.
A large percentage of these reports were from Project Griffin-aware companies. It’s clear that when the police service and the local community work together, that combined force can help maintain ‘business as usual’ status and ensure that the City-based community in London or wherever Griffin operates feels safe and reassured.
Project Griffin mentioned in Home Office consultation
The Home Office consultation document entitled ‘Working Together To Protect Crowded Places’ aims to provide local partners with guidance on their role and the contributions they can make towards reducing the vulnerability of crowded places at risk to terrorist attack.
Within the report (on page 41), Project Griffin is identified as being Best Practice for partner agencies to adopt. To view the document go to the web link provided on the right hand panel of this page