Course Spotlight: Prevention of Extremism & Terrorism
With the ongoing risk of terrorism, there is more of an emphasis on safety than ever before.
Acts of terrorism and extremism are difficult to understand and challenging to navigate. However, the Level 3 National Vocational Qualification Prevention of Extremism & Terrorism offered by Police Crime Prevention Academy explores the practical ways to reduce such violent acts.
The Difference between Terrorism & Extremism
While the two terms are interconnected, they have very distinct meanings that differentiates them from one another.
Extremism refers to when an individual holds extreme views, beliefs or ideologies. In order to influence others with their ideologies, extremists may peacefully protest or distribute online propaganda.
On the other hand, terrorism refers to the use of violence and aggression to achieve political aims. Tactics may include bombings or assassinations to maximize damage and injuries.
The two may work in unison in certain circumstances – for example, if an extremist resorts to terrorism to make a political statement.
Importance of Combatting these Issues
Terrorism is destructive for a number of reasons. As well as instilling fear within the general public and disrupting peace, it inflicts trauma, destroys lives and damages infrastructure.
It’s paramount to proactively address this issue, as research indicates that arrests for terrorism-related offences have increased by 23% from 2023 to 2024, with 212 arrests in 2024. Furthermore, there are also 246 individuals in prison for terrorism offences – the highest figure since records began in 2020 (Foxmore, 2024).
These statistics imply that terrorism remains a significant threat to the UK, which is further heightened by global political factors – such as the Ukraine war and ongoing instability in the Middle East.
Therefore, it’s crucial that the necessary precautions are implemented across the country to help minimise the impact of terrorism, which is what the Prevention of Extremism & Terrorism course aims to do.
Transform your Knowledge
The Prevention of Extremism & Terrorism course will aid you in a plethora of ways:
• Insights into the Landscape: Learn about the current threats that are posed by terrorist and extremist behaviour, using the Protect UK resource to support your understanding
• Mitigating the Dangers: Understand best practice methods for venues and SMEs to mitigate the threat of terrorism and extremism
• Responding to an Incident: Learn what actions to take if an incident occurs by administering emergency first aid
• Consolidating your Knowledge: Complete the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) qualification to understand how to respond in the event of a terrorist attack
Who will Benefit from this Course
This course is a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) that’s accredited by the awarding body ProQual and recognised by UK employers, delivering great value to your skillset.
Team leaders in work areas such as community safety, environmental health, emergency planning and business continuity, inclusion and place planning would benefit the most from this course, utilising its learnings to make venues safer for the public. In addition, team leaders from other relevant partner agencies would take value from it, too.
As this qualification is completed as eLearning, it provides delegates with increased flexibility to manage the qualification alongside a busy work and personal schedule.
Make a Difference
Whilst we wait for statutory guidance regarding the security of public premises to be published by the Home Office, it’s right that organisations should start thinking about preparing for this in advance. Fortunately, the Level 3 Prevention of Extremism & Terrorism NVQ supports with this, providing a defensible position for both the organisation and the individual in the event of an incident.
Complete this course to equip yourself with these invaluable skills and contribute to the country’s safety, which will be both fulfilling and rewarding.
This is just one of many courses offered by Police Crime Prevention Academy – browse the full range of courses to expand your skillset today.
Foxmore, F. (2024). Home Office Statistics Reveal Increase in Terrorist-Related Arrests - Pool Reinsurance. [online] Pool Reinsurance. Available at: https://www.poolre.co.uk/terrorism-threat-publications/home-office-statistics-reveal-increase-in-terrorist-related-arrests/.