Countries investing in early intervention to prevent terrorism have much to learn from observing the UK’s well-established de-radicalization program and the innovative approaches being developed at the local level to challenge extremism.
Interviews with law enforcement and local government officials in UK cities reveal the importance of identifying appropriate intervention providers, educating local service professionals outside of law enforcement, recording personal data sensitively, and maintaining clear language around intervention that increases transparency.
Efforts to avoid alienating community members and include a broader range of service providers outside of law enforcement help to remove the stigma associated with deradicalization programs and increase community willingness to engage with early intervention locally.