Episode 7: The Role of Law Enforcement in Preventing Violent Extremism

Decoding Counterterrorism

Hosts Jessica White and Raffaello Pantucci are joined by Martin Innes and Christopher Hockey to discuss the role police have in preventing and countering violent extremism. In this episode, we survey the two different contexts of the UK and Kenya, comparing the role of police in counterterrorism across the Global North and South. While police play an important and primary role in the investigation and arrest of terrorism suspects, evidence shows that when policing powers are abused and human rights are violated, this can drive violent extremism. Thus, it is important to build capacity within law enforcement to ensure good practice in countering violent extremism, for once the bond of trust is broken, it is very difficult to rebuild.

In prevention efforts, there has been much debate around the best ways to build bonds of trust between police and communities, so that the police can better understand the potential drivers of violent extremism in the local context and prevent potential acts of terrorism. This looks different in different parts of the world, where there are different histories and ethical codes of practice among police forces. What, therefore, are the best practices that can improve law enforcement engagement in preventing violent extremism?