How CST keeps us safe
Report by Marc Simmons & Ingrid Segal
Tonight we were joined by the Crisis Management Co-ordinator of the Community Security Trust (CST). He worked on the initial implementation of its 24/7 National Security Control Centre, which now oversees hundreds of locations and thousands of cameras across the UK.
He explained the important part we can all play:
Don’t hesitate to report anything suspicious you have seen (don’t be nervous)
- First report to the Police – for a live incident call 999 (and ask for a CAD number and expected response time).
- If the incident has already happened a while ago call 101 or report online (and get a Reference number).
Always mention the fact that there is a Jewish connection (location, visibly Jewish, etc.) - Then report it to CST – If a live incident call 0800 0323263 (give the CAD and expected response time), or if incident has happened a while ago call 020 8457 9999 during working hours
He went on to explain how CST provides security advice, support and equipment to Jewish schools, organisations and synagogues throughout the country. CST also contributes towards the cost of essential security measures, including reinforced doors, anti-shatter window film, fencing, gates and advanced CCTV systems, many of which are linked to the National Control Centre. We also learned of CST’s Open-source Intelligence [OSINT] capabilities. Their researchers are able to identify and track online antisemitism and extremism. This shapes their security activities and is a key component of their relationship with the police.
The audience was amazed by the depth and complexity of the protection CST provides to Jewish communities across the UK. Its sophisticated systems operate continuously, day and night, providing reassurance and helping Jewish people go about their daily lives with greater security.
CST’s mission is to promote good relations between British Jews and wider British society; represent British Jews on issues relating to antisemitism; facilitate Jewish life by protecting Jewish communities from antisemitism and antisemitic terrorism; assist victims of antisemitic hatred; and promote research into racism, antisemitism and extremism. We heard how CST is widely recognised by the police and government as a unique model of best practice. Its research regularly informs public policy and contributes to efforts to safeguard wider British society. One cannot help but think: if only there had been a CST in the 1930s…
CST is a registered charity but it also receives government funding for some of its work. Resources have to be carefully managed, enabling Jewish communities to live their daily lives with greater confidence and security. We are indebted to this remarkable organisation and to the thousands of trained volunteers who dedicate their time to protecting our communities.