16Nov-Terrorism

Community policing methods - based on dialogue, support and trust - are significantly helping counter-terrorism efforts in post 7/7 Britain, new research at the University of Birmingham has revealed. Researchers looked at the effective use of partnership work with Muslim groups, including those deemed as 'radicals', in so called 'soft' policing methods, and found that the increased trust and access to community-based expertise is helping to prevent extremist propaganda and acts of violence. Basia Spalek co-author of the report, says the findings are positive: "This study highlights the importance of creating space for ongoing dialogue, support and partnership between police and communities within a counter-terrorism context for preventing violent extremism." Spalek's team ed and participated in meetings between police officers and Muslim community members who are involved in partnership work for the purposes of counter terrorism, and documented the experiences and perceptions of both parties. Contrary to traditional policing and academic perspectives, the research has highlighted the importance of religious knowledge for counter terrorism, not only in understanding communities within which extremists may operate, but also in motivating the work of police and community members who wish to prevent violence. Salwa el-Awa, who co-led the investigation, said the study showed that religion could play a positive role in counter terrorism. The team found strong evidence that an effective counter message to Al-Qaeda's propoaganda must offer a convincing and reliable alternative for religious people to turn to, and that the knowledge and expertise of religious community leaders was essential.