Cumbria Constabulary is joining with forces from across the UK in a week of activity to build local support in preventing extremism.
More than 500 frontline police officers and staff nationwide will take part in the ‘National Prevent Week’ which runs from today (September 7th) to Friday (September 11th).
Local policing teams will be working alongside Prevent Engagement Officers to explain how the public can play their part in keeping the UK safe from terrorism, by being aware of the signs of radicalisation and reporting concerns to police.
The week of activity comes after an anonymous survey showed young people had high levels of confidence when it came to sharing concerns with police about people being radicalised.
Of nearly 15,000 people questioned, aged 11-25, findings showed that after friends and family, young people would be most likely to tell a police officer of their concerns.
Prevent Officer for Cumbria Police, Paul Burke, said: “Although the threat from terrorism and extremism within Cumbria is low, we all have a part to play in preventing vulnerable people from being radicalised.
“The week of activity raises the profile of the work we do with local communities and organisations to help them identify and protect those that may be at risk.
“Both the Twitter account and the online web chat are there for members of the public to raise any concerns they have about radicalisation. Someone may want to ask whether a friend or family member’s behaviour is cause for concern, they may be worried that someone they know is planning to travel to Syria, or they may just want more general advice.
"We are there to answer any questions that people may have.”
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said: “I welcome this campaign, and fully support these initiatives that aim to help raise awareness among our communities of the threat to vulnerable people of radicalisation.”
Alan Lyon, National Coordinator for Prevent, said: “It is crucial that the police service focuses its Prevent engagement activity where it is most needed, working with our partners through the new Prevent Duty.
"The headline findings from the national survey tell us that concentrating our effort on engaging with young people, women and families is the best approach to safeguarding our communities.
“If you know anyone you feel may be potentially vulnerable to being drawn into terrorist-related activity, including travelling abroad to conflict zones please contact your local police for advice and support on 101.
To visit the national Prevent Tragedies website for further guidance, head to: www.preventtragedies.co.uk.