Operation Rainbow was started on 23 May 1995 , as a response to the 1993 Bishopsgate bomb that wreaked havoc throughout the city of London . Operation Rainbow is the only currently running overt Anti Terrorist policy of the MPS , and is the longest running police operation ever . The operation co-ordinates responses to , and provides information about the threat of Terrorism to the city . It has been described as a ‘ London success ’ that has contributed enormously to the protection of Londoners from terrorist attacks . The main focus that Operation Rainbow is based upon is the viewing of CCTV . The unit constantly maintains a database of recording CCTV areas throughout London , which is available to all officers for use not only in the prevention of terrorism but other investigations , such as anti social behaviour and robberies
1993 Bishopsgate bomb
1993 Bishopsgate bombing
Anti-terrorist policies of the Metropolitan police