The current approach of HMPPS to the risk assessment and risk management of those at risk of being drawn into terrorism, including key considerations and challenges of working with this cohort

Abstract

Under the theme of violence reduction and prevention, this article outlines the current HMPPS approach to risk assessment and risk management/interventions for individuals identified as being at risk of being drawn into terrorism, but convicted of other types of offences. First, this article provides an overview of the relevant literature and research which underpins the current approach of assessments and interventions in this space. Second, this article outlines the principles and processes that come with assessing and then working with this cohort, particularly given the sensitivities as these individuals are not convicted for terrorist offending. It looks at the importance of ‘buy in’ from different staffing groups and people in prison/on probation, developing a collaborative approach to support informed consent. Other sensitivities outlined include issues around labelling and stigmatisation with this cohort and how this can be managed. Third, this article discusses the approach taken, the considerations that are made including the limitations, and how this work is evaluated. Examples of this are the importance of considering sequencing with other assessments and interventions with a focus of prioritising risk reduction and a focus on how to evidence the assessments and interventions are achieving their aims. To conclude, the article summarises the current landscape and outlines future directions for increasing our understanding of this cohort and how best to divert them from being drawn into terrorism.