Prevent is about safeguarding people and communities from the threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

Prevent is part of CONTEST, the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy. It aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

The Prevent strategy:

  • responds to the ideological challenge we face from terrorism and aspects of extremism, and the threat we face from those who promote these views;
  • provides practical help to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. It ensures they are given appropriate advice and support
  • works with a wide range of sectors (including education, criminal justice, faith, charities, online and health) where there are risks of radicalisation that we need to deal with
  • prevent covers all forms of terrorism and extremism and some aspects of non-violent extremism

The Home Office works with local authorities, a wide range of government departments, and community organisations to deliver the Prevent strategy. The police play a significant role in Prevent, in much the same way as they do when taking a preventative approach to other crimes.

  • the main aim of Prevent is to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting violent extremism
  • at the heart of Prevent is safeguarding children and adults. Providing early intervention to protect and divert people away from being drawn into terrorist activity is crucial
  • prevent addresses all forms of extremism, but continues to ensure resources and effort are allocated on the basis of threats to our national security

Any individuals who are identified as being vulnerable to radicalisation are referred to a multi-agency Channel Panel. This ensures the appropriate interventions are put in place to protect the individual. Like child protection, Channel is a multi-agency safeguarding programme run in every local authority in England and Wales. It works to support vulnerable people from being drawn into terrorism. It provides a range of support such as mentoring, counselling, assistance with employment etc.

Channel is about early intervention to protect vulnerable people from being drawn into committing terrorist-related activity and addresses all types of extremism. 

Making a referral to Prevent

If you believe that someone is at risk of radicalisation you can help them obtain support and prevent them becoming involved in terrorism by raising your concerns and making a referral. You may have concerns about a potentially vulnerable institution that is being exploited for the purpose of promoting an extremist ideology. In either case, a dedicated team is ready to help.

If there is an immediate threat to life always dial 999.

Members of the public can call 101 to report any concerns.

Alternatively call our team directly during office hours on 01202 222777 or email: dorsetprevent@dorset.pnn.police.uk 

You can also visit Dorset Police for further information on Prevent help and advice, including details on reporting and preventing radicalisation, terrorist and extremist behaviour.

Terrorism and the internet

The internet is a very good source of information which can be extremely positive - it offers unprecedented opportunities for global information exchange, communication, networking and education. However, terrorists often exploit the internet for both operational purposes and as a tool for radicalisation and recruitment.

Huge numbers of videos, speeches, audio statements and chat forums exist on the internet designed to spread distorted interpretations of religion and world events and to encourage vulnerable members of society to engage in terrorism. Examples include bomb making instructions and videos of beheadings with accompanying messages of glorification.

You can report terrorist content online.

Online training

This offers an introduction to the Prevent duty, and explains how it aims to safeguard vulnerable people from being radicalised to supporting terrorism or becoming terrorists themselves.

Start now

Further information

Dorset Police

Dorset Police help and advice on Prevent. Reporting and preventing radicalisation, terrorist and extremist behaviour.

Home Office Prevent guidance page

Home Office guidance and help if you're worried about someone being radicalised. 

Prevent duty guidance

Government information on statutory duties in relation to Prevent.

Educate Against Hate

Government advice and trusted resources for schools to safeguard students from radicalisation, build resilience to all types of extremism and promote shared value.

Act early 

Information and advice for families and friends of potentially vulnerable individuals to radicalisation and extremism.