Online Radicalization Training for Maharashtra

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This project will proceed in four stages: Phase 1: A workshop covering traditional areas of focus in counter-terrorism (CT) cases. The workshop will cover traditional areas of CT such as case management, critical incident command and control, forensic and investigative techniques, and their adaption to the online environment. The workshop will draw together state-level officials, including police, anti-terrorism units, Ministry of Home Affairs, and other relevant ministries such as the Ministry for Urban Affairs. The objective of the workshop is threefold: 1) familiarize participants with the roles and responsibilities of the various CT agencies in the U.S. and assess this organizational relevance to India; 2) identify trainer-participants from each of the participating agencies for Phases 2 and 3 of this project; and 3) evaluate a draft syllabus for the Phase 2 training program. Phase 2. Training on countering online radical messaging. The grantee will facilitate 3 one-week courses for approximately 20 participants each, representing the various agencies present in the Phase 1 workshop such as member of the Mumbai police social media lab. The courses are designed to train future trainers on online CT methods. Courses could include online covert investigations, computer analysis and response techniques, recruitment of cooperating witnesses in an online environment, and interview and interrogation strategies for an online environment. Phase 3. Collaborating with U.S. law enforcement. After training in Mumbai, the grantee organizes a two-week exchange program to the United States for successful trainees to observe what they have learned in action alongside a U.S. police force. This phase also could include visits to premier counterterrorism facilities such as the Terrorism Screening Center, NCTC, FBI Counterterrorism Division, FBI Computer Analysis and Response Team office, and Joint Terrorism Task Force (through Field Office). The purpose will be to convey an understanding of tools and resources available to combat threats. The grantee is responsible for all program logistics.Phase 4. Trainee’s in Action. Upon return to India, the trained participants will brief their respective institutions on the exchange and carry out training sessions at their respective institutions, monitored and evaluated by the grantee.The program partner will be expected to handle and execute all phases of this program. U.S. Consulate General Mumbai will monitor implementation of this program and work closely with U.S. Embassy New Delhi. The grantee should budget for several trips to Maharashtra to facilitate the Phase 1 workshop, carry out the Phase 2 training sessions, oversee the Phase 3 exchange, and monitor how the newly-trained trainers perform in Phase 4. The grantee must provide programs and schedules (Phase 1 workshop, Phase 2 training, and Phase 3 exchange) to PAS Mumbai well in advance for comment and approval.

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