A security team from MITIE, working at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), has become the first team within the Nuclear Industry to undergo Project Griffin training. Project Griffin was developed by the City of London Police and formally introduced in London in April 2004 as a joint venture between the City and Metropolitan police forces. Its remit was to advise and familiarise managers, security officers and employees of large public and private sector organisations across the capital on security, counter-terrorism and crime prevention issues.
Following its unqualified success in London, Project Griffin is increasingly being adopted by other police forces, cities and communities across the United Kingdom and, as such, MITIE’s security team based at AWE are the first team within this environment to undergo this kind of training involving civilian security services plus the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP). MITIE’s security team, based at AWE in Berkshire hosted the training delivered by Chief Inspector Robbie Robbins MDP who has a wealth of experience in the international counter-terrorism arena. The presentation forms part of an accreditation to enable the MITIE team at AWE to work more closely with the MDP, assisting them in the event of a major incident.
Bob Forsyth, Managing Director of MITIE’s total security management business commented: “Working alongside the MDP at AWE is a key part of our role there and we are delighted to have been given the opportunity to enhance our relationship with them in working towards the Project Griffin accreditation. Within such a specialist environment our priority is to make sure our security team are skilled to assist the MDP in any situation they may face.” MITIE work with AWE in the provision of security services alongside the Ministry of Defence Police to control access and egress to the AWE sites. The security team also engage with local communities in support of AWE’s commitment to build a strong and positive relationship with its neighbours.