Keep up with the latest Project Griffin news, including new police forces or organisations joining the scheme, and the latest briefing or procedural updates.

The new e-based learning refresher package which was launched in November 2007 is going from strength to strength. There are now 10 registered accredited centres and over 380 delegates logged onto the system. Feedback on the system has been excellent, with delegates finding the refresher aspects worthwhile as well as being introduced to new subject matter, such as 'Crime Scene Preservation'. Superintendent Lorraine Cussen, Project Manager for the refresher package stated "Version 2 is now under development and it will be available in early 2009. The aim of the new version is to introduce new subject matter and to provide a menu of modules that administrators can pick from to suit individuals roles. There will be additional management information functions which will help us analyse each module and assess how effective the delegate learning is." The new modules currently being developed are:- Searching people/property/vehicles, first aid, airport security and initial response to CBRN type incidents. If you have any ideas on the package or wish to provide feedback please e-mail lorraine.cussen@cityoflondon.police.uk

Some recent feedback:
 

"Excellent on line course. Easy to understand, very flexible and uncomplicated."

Greg Beech, Knightsbridge Guarding Limited

"I very much encourage the success of Project Griffin, it is an amazingly effective and useful tool that can save lives and raise overall awareness in the security industry."

Zoe Chapman, Knightsbridge Guarding Limited

After the initial launch of Project Griffin in Southampton, Hampshire Police have developed a Griffin programme of presentations to personnel in Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke, Winchester and Fareham.

The 24th July sees the launch of Griffin in Merseyside with the London team assisting them with their first event

Since the launch late last year of the new Project Griffin on-line refresher package, over 322 delegates have gone through the system.

246 delegates have completed the package with a further 76 currently working their way through the modules. There are now 9 Accredited Centres with over 50 satelite sites.

The feedback on the package has been immensely positive. Superintendent Cussen stated, "We are working on a new version for early 2009 which will include a wider range of modules. It will then be for each Accredited Centre to decide which modules they wish to use for their own delegates. We aim to include new modules on searching people/bags/vehicles, CBRN & 'white powder' incidents, consequence management, aviation and trauma. Putting the project together has been really exciting and the response from business has been overwhelming."

The Project Griffin team are keen to hear from you if you have any comments to make about the package and how it can be improved.

If you do want to comment please contact Ian Mansfield at Ian.Mansfield@cityoflondon.police.uk

Project Griffin is now ‘live’ at London Gatwick Airport, the first airport to join the programme. As a self-contained policing area, Gatwick is an ideal location for Project Griffin, with all staff working towards the same goal of maintaining the security and efficient running of the airport.

The aim of the police is to build on existing relationships with all airport workers, ensuring that everyone feels confident in recognising and reporting suspicious activity and behaviour. This will be the key to success for the project. The first Awareness Day for participants focused on crime and counter-terrorism issues, specifically as they relate to the day-to-day running of the airport.

Superintendent Robin Smith, Divisional Commander for Gatwick, said: "Project Griffin is the embodiment of the partnership approach to protective security. This is an international initiative to assist the fight against terrorism, and Gatwick Division is keen to support it".

Project Griffin has a new logo, now available for use by all participating police forces, businesses and organisations. This has been specially designed to capture the essence of the concept: protection through vigilance and responsiveness. It has also been structured to make it easier to feature and reproduce on all merchandise and promotional material and across all types of media.

To request a download of the new logo, please email Project Griffin at Ian.Mansfield@city-of-london.police.uk

On 27 February, the City of London Police hosted an all-day seminar focusing on the introduction and implementation of Project Griffin across the UK. This was facilitated by the National Policing Improvement Agency and was attended by all the police forces currently running Project Griffin.

The aim of the seminar was to identify and put in place good practice strategies and direction. This was also designed to inform and assist other forces and organisations who might be considering introducing Project Griffin.

A key objective was to identify ideas that would support and enhance the project in the long term. A guidance document was subsequently prepared for circulation to all forces, outlining recommendations and procedures for implementing Project Griffin in their areas.