Counter-terrorism strategy
National Counter Terrorism Security Office
The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) is a police unit that works closely with security teams.
NaCTSO, which is funded and operated by the Association of Chief Police Officers, works on the 'protect and prepare' strand of the government's counter-terrorism strategy.
Its aims are to:
- raise awareness of the terrorist threat, and spread the word about measures that can be taken to reduce risks and mitigate the effects of an attack
- co-ordinate security advice through the counter-terrorism security adviser (CTSA) network and monitor its effectiveness
- build relationships between communities, police and government agencies
- contribute to the the national and international counter-terrorism policy
Advice, training and guidance
NaCTSO offers specialist advice on the explosives and 'pre-cursor' chemicals (including fertilisers), pathogens and toxins, radiological sources and other toxic chemicals.
It also provides guidance on
- business continuity
- using design to prevent vehicle-based terrorism
- protecting people in crowded places
- reducing opportunities for terrorism through environmental design
It trains, tasks and coordinates a nationwide network of centrally funded, specialist police advisers known as counter-terrorism security advisers (CTSAs). The primary role of these advisers is to provide help, advice and guidance on all aspects of counter-terrorism security.
Crowded places
Work on security for crowded places focuses on enhancing the advice available to those who own or operate venues or businesses that may be particularly vulnerable to attack.
The whole community has a part to play in devising and implementing measures that are dynamic, flexible, agile and adaptive. In drawing up advice, NaCTSO will always seek the input of those who know most about their areas of responsibility.
In support of the crowded places work, NaCTSO has recently developed and published guides. (Note: clicking on the links below will automatically open pdf documents.)
- Sporting Stadia and Arenas (new window)
- Shopping Centres (new window)
- Bars, Pubs and Clubs (new window)
Counter-terrorism security advisors (CTSAs) liaise with these sites to help them understand and use the guidance contained in those the documents. NaCTSO urges such sites to ‘Raise the Bar’ (new window) on security.
More information
Find out more about the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) (new window)
