The fight against extremists in Derby is being stepped-up with the creation of a new specialist role.
Derby City Council has been given up to £70,000 by the Home Office to counter extremist ideology and help those deemed at risk of radicalisation.
In a report the council said one of the reasons the role is needed is because the Muslim community has not been “fully engaged” by the Government’s Prevent programme, which is aimed at stopping people becoming or supporting terrorism.
The new role will also work to fight extreme right-wing political activity and hate crime, which the authority said has increased since Britain voted to leave the European Union.
The report to the integrating communities scrutiny board said: “Whilst the prevent agenda has had some success, particularly in Derby, it is seen as a barrier to fully engage communities. The Muslim community are the group most likely to be a victim of hate crime and are often seen as isolated and vulnerable.
“The Prevent agenda whilst having good intentions has not fully engaged the Muslim community. We need to engage the community on their concerns and grievances, such as vulnerability and hate crime, not just enter a dialogue on Islamic extremism and terrorism.
“We see this counter extremism agenda as more positive and more likely to engage a wider range of communities and partners.”
Derby has received attention for extremists and terrorists living in the city. It stretches back to 2003 when Omar Sharif – a father-of-two from Northumberland Street, Derby – was found dead a Tel Aviv shore 12 days after he attempted to blow up a bar in the Israeli city.
The report said it is hoped the new role will be able to create a partnership of religious, cultural and community groups to “come together and speak with one voice on what it means to be part of a family, a community, Derby and Britain, our shared values”.
It added: “We need to better develop our understanding of risk and threat and not solely rely on the police strategic intelligence assessment. This needs to include more community intelligence and information from partner agencies.
“As part of this agenda we (the council, its partners and our communities) need to carefully consider how we challenge extreme narratives and extremist groups who are active or visit the city.”
City councillor Asaf Afzal, who is cabinet member for neighbourhoods and public protection, said: “Over the last year a growing concern has begun to emerge over the threat of extremism, both across the world and specifically in Europe. The UK saw a raise in hate crimes following the European referendum and Europe has experienced a raise far–right related activity.
“It is clear that our communities and neighbourhoods face risks associated with extremism, risks that could see a raise in hate crime and extremist narratives and groups that seek to undermine British values of tolerance, compassion and integration.”
He said disrupting extremists and building more cohesive communities were two of the main aims of the role.
He added: “We will use new targeted powers, flexible enough to cover the full range of extremist behaviour, including where extremists sow division in our communities and seek to undermine the rule of law.
“We will confront and challenge extremist propaganda, ensuring no space goes uncontested, including online, promoting a better alternative, and supporting those at risk of radicalisation.
“We will promote and support British and family values. Bring people together to celebrate cohesion and diversity and tackle hate crime by encouraging victims to report and target perpetrators.”
A spokesman for Derbyshire police said: “The Prevent team will continue to work in partnership with communities and agencies to tackle all forms of extremism.
“The team encourages new innovative ideas and look forward to working with the new employee within the city council which will encourage community cohesion.”