Agenda item

Counter Terrorism Update

Minutes:

Members received an overall Quarter 3 Report update on the work of the Joint Resilience Unit (JRU) as detailed below.

Members noted that approval was sought to implement 3 projects “Stay Safe, - Run,Hide,Tell”, Project Argus and Project Griffin as detailed within the private circulated report.

Stay Safe – Run Hide Tell

Officers explained to Members that this project relates to actions that could be taken by individuals or groups in the event of a weapons attack by one or more people on a building (Marauding Terrorist Firearms Attack – MTFA) and mirrors the presentation received by Members of the JRC in January 2016.  The aim is to provide individuals with information so that in the event of an attack they would be able to “stay safe”. 

Members raised their concerns about major incidents and mentioned that this information be extended to Community Councils. Officers confirmed that they would be engaging with  Community Councils and Businesses in the process of updating the location of rest centres across the County Borough.  It was also confirmed with Members that Sports Centres would also be utilised where appropriate.  Following discussions, members requested that an additional recommendation be added to include the engagement and involvement of Members regarding the project.

 

RESOLVED:

·       that the engagement of NPT staff and the provision of information to keep themselves, and others safe in the event of a Marauding Terrorist Firearms Attack (MTFA), be approved.

 

·       that engagement with staff and contractors who have responsibilities within public buildings, owned, managed or supported by NPT e.g. theatres, leisure facilities and libraries, be approved.

 

·       that engagement with staff and contractors who have responsibilities in managing or protecting large open spaces with large footfall frequented by the public e.g. Margam Park (Events), Aberavon Beach, be approved.

 

·       that as an Authority,Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council engage and support its own business community prioritising those who own and/or manage premises with large footfall e.g. Aberavon Shopping centre.

 

·       that engagement ofJRU Members, be approved.

Project Argus

 

     Members were informed that Project Argus is a suite of workshop-based events designed to inform and advise senior management in preparing a response to a serious event, such as a terrorist attack in crowded places, e.g. Shopping Centres, Major Events, Health Sector, Night Time Economy, and Hotels, as detailed in the private circulated report.

 

   Members questioned whether the Trade Unions could support training in any way.  In response to this Officers confirmed that engagement is ongoing with Trade Unions on the matter and that links had already been made with major stores such as Tesco and Asda.

   

Following discussions, Members requested that an additional recommendation be added to include City and County of Swansea managers and the engagement of Members  in the project.

 

RESOLVED:

·       that the engagement of NPT and CCOS  managers and Members be approved.

 

·       that the delivery of  workshops in relation to the Council’s larger buildings e.g. Civic Centres and The Quays, be approved.

 

·       that the engagement of frontline staff who have duties at the Council’s larger publicly accessed buildings, be approved.

 

 

·       that the engagement of staff tasked with the management of statutory or regulated services e.g. licensing, be approved.

 

·       that the engagement of staff who provide frontline or support to our health and social care provisions, be approved.

 

·       that the engagement as Councils (NPT and CCOS) with WECTU to support our retail and business sectors providing them with up to date, accurate and credible information on current threat, risk and mitigation, be approved.

 

 

Project Griffin

 

     Members received an overview of Project Griffin as detailed within the private circulated report,  which aims to engage, encourage and enable members of the community to work in partnership with the police to deter, detect and counter terrorist activity and crime. Project Griffin seeks to enlist the help and support of individuals or groups responsible for the safety and security of buildings, businesses, districts or neighbourhoods. 

Following discussions members requested that “ City and County of Swansea” be added to the first recommendation as detailed in the private circulated report.

RESOLVED:

that the engagement of staff at Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and the City and Council of Swansea who have responsibility for the safety and security of buildings or management of neighbourhood (e.g. Rangers), be approved.

that the support to partners who have similar responsibilities both in the public and private sectors e.g. University College Campus’, be approved.