SIA Counter-Terrorism 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is Project Griffin?
- A government scheme to install bollards outside nightclubs
- A counter-terrorism awareness initiative delivered by Counter Terrorism Policing to the private security industry and businesses (Correct answer)
- A covert MI5 surveillance programme targeting extremists
- A Home Office programme to train armed police officers
Correct answer: A counter-terrorism awareness initiative delivered by Counter Terrorism Policing to the private security industry and businesses
Project Griffin is a counter-terrorism awareness initiative run by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP). It provides training to private security staff and businesses on how to recognise and respond to terrorist threats, including identifying hostile reconnaissance, suspicious items, and what to do during a terrorist attack.
Question 2: What is the key difference between Project Griffin and Project Argus?
- Griffin is for the public; Argus is for police officers only
- Griffin provides awareness briefings; Argus is a more in-depth interactive workshop for businesses (Correct answer)
- Griffin covers explosives; Argus covers cyber-terrorism only
- Griffin is run by MI5; Argus is run by the Army
Correct answer: Griffin provides awareness briefings; Argus is a more in-depth interactive workshop for businesses
Project Griffin provides shorter awareness briefings typically aimed at security operatives and frontline staff. Project Argus is a more in-depth, interactive workshop designed for business managers and decision-makers, using realistic scenarios to help them plan and prepare for terrorist incidents at their specific premises.
Question 3: You discover a suspicious unattended package near the entrance of your venue. Following the HOT protocol, what should you assess?
- Height, Obstruction, Timing
- Has it been Hidden? Is it Obviously suspicious? Is it Typical for this environment? (Correct answer)
- Hazardous, Obstructive, Threatening
- Handle it, Open it, Test it
Correct answer: Has it been Hidden? Is it Obviously suspicious? Is it Typical for this environment?
The HOT protocol is used to assess suspicious items: H - Has it been deliberately Hidden? O - Is it Obviously suspicious (wires, unusual shape, strange sounds)? T - Is it Typical for this environment? If an item scores positively on any of these, it should be treated as suspicious and reported immediately. You must never touch, move, or open it.
Question 4: What number should members of the public call to report suspicious activity related to terrorism?
- 101 - the non-emergency police number
- 999 - the emergency number only
- 0800 789 321 - the Anti-Terrorist Hotline (Correct answer)
- 112 - the European emergency number
Correct answer: 0800 789 321 - the Anti-Terrorist Hotline
The Anti-Terrorist Hotline number is 0800 789 321, which is part of the ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) campaign. This confidential line is available 24/7 for reporting suspicious behaviour or activity. In an emergency where there is an immediate threat to life, 999 should always be called first.
Question 5: What does ACT stand for in the context of UK counter-terrorism public awareness?
- Armed Counter-Terrorism
- Anti-Crime Taskforce
- Action Counters Terrorism (Correct answer)
- Alert Community Teams
Correct answer: Action Counters Terrorism
ACT stands for Action Counters Terrorism. It is a public-facing campaign run by Counter Terrorism Policing encouraging everyone to report suspicious activity. The campaign emphasises that communities defeat terrorism and that any piece of information, no matter how small, could be vital.
Question 6: When evacuating a venue due to a suspected bomb threat, which of the following is the correct procedure?
- Use the fire alarm and evacuate to the normal fire assembly point
- Do not use the fire alarm; use a PA system or word of mouth, and evacuate away from the suspected device to an alternative assembly point (Correct answer)
- Lock all doors and keep everyone inside the venue
- Only evacuate the area within 10 metres of the suspected device
Correct answer: Do not use the fire alarm; use a PA system or word of mouth, and evacuate away from the suspected device to an alternative assembly point
During a bomb threat evacuation, fire alarms should NOT be used as the vibration could potentially trigger a device. Instead, use PA systems or word of mouth. Evacuate to an alternative assembly point away from the suspected device location, not the normal fire assembly point which may be near the threat. A cordon should be established.
SIA Counter-Terrorism 2
What is Project Griffin?