Blackstone's Counter-terrorism Handbook

by Police National Legal Database, Andrew Staniforth, Clive Walker (Editor)

Policing counter-terrorism forms a central strand of the 2009-2012 National Policing Plan, under which all police officers are expected to have a basic understanding of policing counter-terrorism and anti-terrorism legislation. The timely publication of this invaluable and user-friendly book provides non-specialist patrol officers with a practical guide to both the national and police counter-terrorism structures and strategies and the relevant provisions of anti-terrorism legislation, drawn from the Police National Legal Database. Designed in the same portable, weather-proof style as the successful Blackstone's Operational Handbook, this book is an ideal practical resource - a quick and easy reference tool when on the beat. The book is divided into two parts, offering readers both a helpful and informative history and context to policing counter-terrorism as well as all the relevant legislation, drawn from and linked to the government-sponsored Police National Legal Database. Part 1 of the Handbook provides readers with an operational framework and context to counter-terrorism. It summarises the different types of terrorist organisations, featuring a comprehensive list of Proscribed Organisations with a page devoted to the key facts for each. The first part also outlines the police counter-terrorism structure, the Government's CONTEST strategy, and the roles and functions of key organisations (from M15 to HM Revenue and Excise). All this information is supplemented with case studies, practical scenarios and checklists, to illustrate the practical application of the legislation. Part 2 is devoted to counter-terrorism legislation itself, focussing primarily on police powers and procedures. These provisions are accompanied by explanatory notes, related case law and points to prove, ensuring that the information is easily comprehensible and digestible. An essential resource for all patrol officers and PCSOs, this book is the first of it's kind to be aimed specifically at the police and their counter-terrorism training needs.

741 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2009

Reviews

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty damn good actually. Although the content inherently could hardly be descried as riveting, it's pretty nessecary to have a decent idea of terrorism legislation and background in this day and age and this is an excellent place to start.

Although it's thorough on terrorism and the substantive offences there, my main criticism of the book would be that they don't examine CHIS or RIPA, two things that would be highly relevant to any officer working in counter terrorism; a basic knowledge of these provisions is absolutely essential. Got this from the other blackstones however. The other areas that aren't covered which really should be are immigration offences, these go hand in hand for CT and most officers don't have a working knowledge of them.

Criticisms aside, this book is excellent for a thorough grounding in CT legislation and fully briefs you on CONTEST and how the government is proactively countering terrorism.

This book is fantastic on ports legislation and schedule 7 of the terrorism act and this is the part where it really shines. Any officer working in a ports capacity whatsoever needs to read this chapter.

Overall, a solid read and thorough grounding which would be brilliant if it included just a few more topics. Still the best and only real work on the topic out there to date.