A free online counter terrorism training course has been made available by the counter terrorism (CT) police after suffering a delayed launch.
While the online course was meant to be released before the London Bridge terrorist attack, Christopher Terris Taylor, media manager for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, claimed: “The Friday attack was a reminder of the current threat and need to be vigilant. However sadly the timing of the program’s release was unfortunate.”
The course was devised by counter terrorism officers and security experts that aim to prepare citizens in how to spot the signs of suspicious behaviour and how to react under major incidents. Citizens would be considered (CT) citizens.
The 45-minute session, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, is the result of a collection of information from various years of previous terrorist attacks, victim experiences, and psychological reactions as a result of the incidents. The study is then simplified into information that is useful, strategical, and important for the general public in responding to future attacks.
However, while the course comes days after various citizens risked their lives to face up against Usman Khan, the attacker on London Bridge, Christopher Taylor claimed the program would make the public “more informed and more likely to react to a situation.”
According the ACT course website, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Lucy D’Orsi, senior national coordinator for Protective Security, stated the course “is especially useful for anyone working in or regularly visiting crowded places.”
As the Christmas season is in full swing and the aftermath of the London Bridge attack left many citizens scared, the course has been extremely popular at the moment. With nearly nine out of 10 users claiming they would recommend it.
Gizem Duman, a London resident, claimed: “I would take the course. I don’t think I can watch people be in danger.”
Gautam Singh, 25, a London resident stated: “yeah, I don’t see why not.”
However not every one is sold on the online course and putting themselves at the risk of danger. Gizem Duman, another London resident said “ it depends on the situation.”
Ali Sheehan-Dare, the COO of a vegan start-up in London stated: “Yes I would take the course, though 45 minutes is very long. I’d like to think I would risk my life, but you never know how you’ll respond until you’re in the moment.”
Many like them believe a course may not be enough to truly prepare someone to be at the risk of a terrorist attack. While the course consists of seven modules that take a few minutes to complete, some people find the final decision comes down to what the circumstance is.
For now the police urges citizens to be better informed and take the course as the threat level remains high, especially considering areas will get more crowded as a result of the holiday season.
Individuals interested in participating in the course can expect to be better informed with professional counter terrorist advice to better help save lives if an attack may occur.