The Role of the Behavioural Science Unit in ERWT casework
SOI 'A' was a *** who was referred to the BSU when he came to the attention of the authorities ***. This was reported to the police by a lecturer at his university. This information was shared with MI5 and a priority investigation was opened.
The investigation showed that 'A' held *** views and aligned himself with ***. At the time of the BSU's involvement, 'A' had ***. The BSU was asked to advise on:
the nature of his Extreme Right Wing beliefs; how his *** may affect the way in which these beliefs manifest themselves; and any additional risk arising from the wider events in his life.
The BSU discussed the case with the investigator and analysts working on the investigation, examined relevant documents, and provided an assessment that drew upon the BSU's knowledge of *** as well as our understanding of Extreme Right-Wing (XRW) beliefs.
This assessment provided the investigator with a series of hypotheses on the motivations underpinning the behaviour of 'A', as well as a series of indicators (or 'tripwires') that might be indicative of a deepening of his commitment to the XRW cause, or of mobilisation to violence.
This assessment by the BSU helped to: shape the investigator's understanding of the SOI by giving them a greater insight into the psychological impact of *** and how it would have impacted the manifestation of his extremist beliefs; and inform the strategy used by MI5 and the police as they brought the case to a successful disruption.[1]
P. It is clear that the Behavioural Science Unit (BSU) is making a vital contribution to promoting an informed understanding of the complexities of the Extreme Right-Wing Terrorism (ERWT) threat. We are puzzled that MI5 does not appear to be taking active steps to ensure it has the capacity to be involved at the outset of all investigations. The BSU is clearly an essential capability, particularly when it comes to meeting the ERWT threat, and must be resourced appropriately.
GCHQ
238. In October 2018, MI5 requested support from GCHQ on ERWT work, and GCHQ redeployed some effort from *** in order to increase understanding of the ERWT threat online and provide tactical and strategic support to MI5. GCHQ has now established a new team *** focusing on the ERWT threat—this team will support MI5 in its highest-priority operations. In addition, the GCHQ counter-terrorism UK 'Discovery' team[2] based in Cheltenham—which identifies individuals ***—is applying this methodology to the ERWT target.
239. In addition to specific operational support, GCHQ has been engaged with MI5 and the Home Office more broadly; in September 2020 it reported that *** had recently authorised GCHQ's first low-level operation ***.[3]
92
