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Counter terrorism

CONTEST strategy and Lancashire Prevent contacts

Aims and priorities of the CONTEST strategy. Information and guidance on how to report concerns and get advice.

CONTEST strategy

The Government’s counter terrorism strategy, CONTEST, aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting extremism. It addresses all forms of terrorism but continues to prioritise according to the threat posed to national security.

It has four key strands, known as the 4 P’s:

  • Pursue: stopping terrorist attacks

  • Protect: strengthening protection against terrorist attacks

  • Prepare: where an attack cannot be stopped, mitigating its impact

  • Prevent: stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting violent extremism.

Like all local authorities, we have a legal duty to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.

We work with local partners to protect the public, prevent crime and to promote strong, integrated communities.

Lancashire Prevent contacts

If you have concerns about someone and would like more advice:

Local Authority Prevent team

Police Prevent Team

  • Call 01772 413398.

  • If you think a threat is imminent call the police on 999.

  • Alternatively contact the police confidentially on the Anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321.

You can also go to the ACT Early website, which has information about:

  • What Prevent is

  • How to spot the signs

  • How to stay safe online

  • Available support and resources.

You can call the ACT Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764.

Make a Prevent referral

To make a referral to the Counter-terrorism Policing team you can download the National Prevent referral form. You must send the completed form to concern@lancashire.police.uk.

Any information, advice or concern will be handled with sensitivity and where possible anonymity will be maintained. Please note, AI must not be used to generate the referral because this can adversely impact the content.

Who can make a referral?

Anyone can make a referral, not just a professional. You do not need the consent of the person. They will be asked to consent to Channel if they are assessed as needing Channel support.

The ACT Early website has guidance specifically to help family members and friends. 

For more resources, useful information and policy advice, visit the Lancashire Prevent Partnership website.