Counter-terrorism strategy
First responders - the tacticians' forum
At a strategic level, the Home Office works with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to ensure that there is a co-ordinated national response to a terrorist incident.
Other government departments deal with the different emergency services (for example, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) deals with the fire service.
Learning by sharing information
The tacticians' forum was established in 2004 to enable first responders to discuss issues relating to their work, and to develop planning and response solutions.
The forum is a nationally recognised multi-agency group that considers and resolves immediate response issues relating to incidents involving chemical, biological, radiation or nuclear (CBRN) weapons.
Its members include representatives from the emergency services, as well as central government departments and agencies.
The purpose of the forum is to discuss planning and response tactics, and to develop guidance for emergency workers around the country. Where appropriate it can act as a bridge between policy units and those working on the frontlines.Â
However, it does not create policy or set out the CBRN strategy.
A key aim of the forum is to provide as much clarity as possible in communications between the three emergency services on joint objectives, terminology, and training.
