Framing the Challenges of Online Violent Extremism: "Policing-Public-Policies-Politics" Framework

Abstract

This chapter argues that ‘framing' the challenges posed by radicalised individuals ‘online' where the path to violent extremism is just a click away, is as much about getting the framing right as it is about getting the operational plans right. A general framework based on 4 P's (Policing-Public-Policies-Politics) is proposed as the conceptual ‘frame' for combating violent extremism. The metaphor of a compass is used to examine this 4P's framework from the perspective of knowledge management. The key notions of ‘violent extremism', ‘radicalisation' and ‘digital era' are deconstructed before presenting a neurocognitive-based model of ‘self-indoctrination' by those who ‘inspire' a violently extreme narrative through social media technologies using the ‘dark net' of cyberspace. Law enforcement's use of communication interception technologies and data retention laws is critically examined. The chapter concludes with operational implications for Policing the Public with Policy tools in the context of Political realities.