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Project Servator – together, we’ll help keep people safe Project Servator is a policing tactic that aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, whilst providing a reassuring presence for the public. The approach seeks to disrupt hostile reconnaissance – the information-gathering terrorists and other criminals need to do to plan a criminal act. It was developed by the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) before being trialled at the City of London Police. Uniformed and plain-clothed police officers are speciallytrained to identify tell-tale signs that someone may be carrying out hostile reconnaissance. If they suspect they are, they’ll speak to them to find out if there’s further cause for concern and if they need to take any further action. There may be an innocent explanation. If so, they’ll be free to get on with their day. Officers will always explain why they stopped someone. Project Servator is now being deployed in 22 UK police forces, and overseas by Royal Gibraltar Police and New South Wales Police Force, in Australia. It has been responsible for gathering intelligence that’s helped counter terrorism investigations, and taken illegal items off the streets, such as weapons and drugs. It’s been used to help keep major events secure, including the recent G7 summit
in Cornwall, music festivals and sporting occasions. You will see Project Servator officers in town and city centres and places where people gather. They plan their deployments in advance, but they’re designed to be unpredictable, to keep criminals guessing. They’re often supported by other specialist police teams and tactics, including firearms officers, police dogs and horses, drones and automatic numberplate recognition (ANPR). Officers also work with security staff and CCTV operators. As well as looking out for suspicious activity, officers will approach you and talk to you about how you can play a part in helping to keep people safe. Whether you’re a passer-by or work in the area, they’ll encourage you to be their extra eyes and ears. You’ll know if something doesn’t seem right where you work or live or spend your free time. It’s important to trust your instincts and report it straight away. If it’s at your workplace, report it to a manager or security staff. If you’re passing by, tell a police officer or member of staff at the location. You can also call police on 101 if there’s no one there to report it to. In an emergency, always call 999. Together, we’ll help keep people safe.
Find out more counterterrorism.police.uk/servator