IN the immediate aftermath of the July bombings in London a year ago today, I issued an open letter to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

I feel now is the appropriate time to update the communities on both the level of threat we face and Hampshire Constabulary's response to it.

A range of terrorist organisations, and indeed looser groupings and individuals, continue to pose a real threat to public safety. They conform to no single profile or stereotype.

Thus, many of the strategies we use have to be general in nature and may impact on innocent members of the community.

However, I am satisfied that searches, for example, conducted in a professional and reasonable manner are welcomed by responsible citizens.

Hampshire Constabulary deliberately seeks to deter terrorist attacks in the two counties, and we make no apologies for utilising powers granted by the government in a proactive manner, as we never forget that the terrorist has to be lucky' only once.

I know from dialogue with representatives of the Muslim community that they feel particularly vulnerable, both to attack by extremist elements and to inappropriate police attention.

Attacks on anyone owing to their religion, ethnicity or political views are totally unacceptable and the force will spare no effort in protecting all our citizens and communities.

Terrorists and other thugs have one aim in common, namely to divide the community.

Counter terrorism efforts are co-ordinated and carefully supervised by senior officers. We also welcome dialogue with community representatives and are always happy to explain our strategies where that is appropriate, such as giving the background to a search operation.

I said last year that protection of life is the key principle that governs police activity, and no incident or series of incidents should change that. The record of Hampshire Constabulary and its use of force should inspire confidence in the local population.

Firearms operations are carried out by local officers with a very real commitment to their fellow residents. We do not and will not treat any section of the population differently on the basis of their ethnicity or perceived religious beliefs.

This continues to be true today. The people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have remained united and deserve great credit for not abandoning their values in the face of a climate of uncertainty, fear and propaganda.

Hampshire Constabulary remains vigilant and determined to counter terrorism from whatever source in an effective and professional manner.

As always, we rely on the community to be our eyes and ears in cities, towns and villages and to tell us when something is not right. Together we can keep our communities safe.

I am grateful for your support over the last year and can assure you we remain vigilant on your behalf.