CHIGWELL: Pupils get a taste of counter-terrorism (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

CHIGWELL: Pupils get a taste of counter-terrorism

2:16pm Monday 8th February 2010

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A CHIGWELL secondary school has become the first in the county to take part in a new project by Essex Police which aims to broaden understanding of counter-terrorism operations.

Sixth formers at West Hatch High School were given the role of senior police officers faced with the task of dealing with the consequences of a fictional terrorist bomb explosion during the classroom exercises last week.

Police hope that the project will help ensure that members of the community are better able to understand the decisions they have to make in similar real-life situations.

The day also saw several pupils take part in a mock news conference, during which they were grilled by officers playing the role of a journalist.

Inspector Tom Simons said he was delighted by the enthusiasm and commitment from those who took part.

He said: “I’m proud to have been involved in the organisation of this event, which is vital in securing the support of residents and people from minority backgrounds when such terrorist events occur.”

Student Haider Anwar, 18, said: “Taking part gave us an insight into the kinds of decisions the police have to make in extreme situations and will ultimately give us all a better understanding of counter-terrorism procedures.

“It demonstrated how we can all work together to defeat terrorism.”

The ACT Now (All Communities Together) workshops will eventually hit all towns throughout Essex.

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