Identification of radicalisation leading to violent extremism

The research project of the Center for Security Studies (KEMEA) entitled "Enhancement of Law Enforcement Agencies to identify and counter radicalisation and extremism”, which is co-funded from the Internal Security Fund-Police, aims to raise awareness and optimize the capacities of law enforcement officers, preparing them for early identification and prevention of behaviors of radicalisation leading to violent extremism and terrorism. The programme focuses on two crucial fields, where conditions of radicalisation are in high risk. First, to the reception of migrants and refugees’ centers that were established, in 2015, after the refugee crisis in five Greek islands, close to maritime borders with Turkey, and in Greek mainland. Second, to the prisons. The objectives of the project are, inter alia, the study of the needs of law enforcement agencies, the development of a precise methodological framework for risk assessment and the presentation of best practices to deal with the threat of radicalisation. Through a holistic training method, based on lectures, table-top exercises, handbooks and an interactive educational software, front-line practitioners will gain the knowledge and tools they need to better perform their task and tackle the phenomenon of radicalisation.