'Soft' policing helps to engage Muslims in counter terrorism

Thursday, 20 November 2008 11:06

Research produced by academics based at the University of Birmingham has found that approaches to policing based on dialogue, support and trust has a significant and positive effect on engaging Muslims in the prevention of violent extremism. The research shows that increased trust and access to community-based expertise is helping to prevent extremist propaganda and acts of violence.

Contrary to traditional policing and academic perspectives, the research, led by Dr Basia Spalek, highlights the importance of religious knowledge for counter terrorism, not only in understanding communities within which extremists operate, but also in motivating the work of police and community members who wish to prevent violence.

The research findings reinforce the comments by Superintendent Dal Babu of the National Association of Muslim Police on the important of contributions made by Muslim police officers to counter terrorism work.

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