Policy Paper: The Terrorism, Radicalisation and Extremism Disclosure Scheme (TREDS)

Abstract

This policy recommendation proposes the implementation of the Terrorism, Radicalisation and Extremism Disclosure Scheme (TREDS) as an additional measure to Prevent and counter violent extremism and terrorism in the United Kingdom. TREDS represents a viable mechanism for a responsible adult (‘the applicant’) to make a disclosure request to joint local authority and Police Prevent teams where they feel an individual (‘the subject’) may pose a risk to a young or vulnerable person (‘the person at-risk’) in relation to terrorism, radicalisation or extremism. A successful disclosure is intended to empower the ‘applicant’ to take proactive steps to safeguard the ‘person at risk’ from the risk of harm posed by the ‘subject’, and would include, where reasonable, proportionate, and necessary,  information about a ‘subject’s terrorism related criminal offending history, including any Police intelligence held relating to terrorist group affiliations, associations or activities. TREDS takes inspiration from disclosure schemes already employed to safeguard and protect children and vulnerable people from other crime types such as The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as Clare’s Law; and the Child Sexual Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS), known as Sarah’s Law. The Terrorism, Radicalisation and Extremism Disclosure Scheme (TREDS) was designed by the author of this policy recommendation between June 2018 and February 2019 in response to the decline in public or community reporting of concerns related to terrorism, radicalisation and extremism. This decline is evidenced by Home Office statistics, which identify that of the 7,318 total referrals made in 2017/18, just 292 (4%) came from communities (Home Office, 2018). TREDS represents a distinct departure from existing reporting processes, and is underpinned by the principle of two-way information sharing between the public and authorities. This signifies a seismic shift toward a more inclusive and reciprocal relationship, and one which is likely to better empower individuals and communities to report concerns as and when they arise.