PST prepares threat assessments based on particular incidents. Such threat assessments can be related to an incident that has already taken place, or to a scheduled event such as a visit by a dignitary.
Scheduled events
The overall preparations for a scheduled major event may include the preparation by PST of a threat assessment specific to that event. Upcoming state visits to Norway, and scheduled visits abroad by Norwegian dignitaries, are examples of occasions that require PST to prepare an incident-based threat assessment in advance.
Occured incidents
The occurence of a serious incident may also prompt an incident-based threat assessment. After a terrorist strike abroad it may, for instance, become necessary to evaluate the possible consequences for Norwegian interests. For example, it was necessary for the Norwegian authorities to re-assess the threat picture in the aftermath of the London bombings in July 2005. PST proceeded to prepare an assessment, which was then sent to the Ministry of Justice and copied to other relevant authorities.
PST’s recommendation of measures must be followed by a decision
The incident-based threat assessments contain PST’s recommendations on the police’s operational security measures. PST does not decide which security measures are to be implemented. Each decision on operational policing measures is made by the chief of police in the district concerned, for example in the police district that will host a state visit.