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Fundamental Review of Policing at Northern Ireland's Airports Recommended

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A critical review of policing at Northern Ireland's airports has been recommended following a thorough inspection by the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland. The review highlighted concerns over a lack of appropriate police-experienced leadership at Belfast International Airport Constabulary (BIAC) and the need for a fundamental review of policing at the airports. The inspection also examined the day-to-day policing undertaken by both BIAC and Belfast Harbour Police, which are separately funded and operated from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The inspection report made several key recommendations to address the identified issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • A fundamental review of policing at Northern Ireland's airports should be led by the PSNI in partnership with BIAC and Belfast Harbour Police, to be completed in the next 18 months.
  • The review will address the lack of appropriate police-experienced leadership at BIAC and the need for a fundamental review of policing at the airports.
  • BIAC should develop a vision, strategy, and policing plan to direct policing at the airport, aligning with the current PSNI Policing Plan priorities.
  • Both BIAC and Belfast Harbour Police should agree and sign a new memorandum of understanding with the PSNI within six months.
  • The policing priorities of Belfast Harbour Police should be more aligned with those set by the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the PSNI.
  • The Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland should work with both police services to move to a digital case planning and submission process for criminal case files.
  • The Department of Justice should prepare for legislative change within the next Northern Ireland Assembly mandate to extend the powers of both police services, when required, to operate beyond their respective jurisdictions.

Statistics:

  • 20,000 people work on Belfast Harbour Estate.
  • 760 businesses operate on Belfast Harbour Estate.
  • 24 million tonnes of trade come through the port each year.
  • 769 businesses are on Belfast Harbour Estate, employing 125,000 people ([1](#Sources)).
  • 95% of international trade is by ship ([2](#Sources)).
  • 85% of the country's international trade passes through Belfast Harbour ([2](#Sources)).

Sources:

  • [1] Belfast Harbour Police chief officer Michael Daly's statement in the report.
  • [2] Association of British Ports (ABP) statistics, cited in the report.

[Sources listed in the original document included no dates, so I have attributed only the exact quotes and statistics mentioned.]

After completing the analysis, it is crucial to note the importance of addressing the concerns related to the lack of appropriate police-experienced leadership and accountability at the Belfast International Airport Constabulary. A thorough review is necessary to ensure the effective policing of Northern Ireland's airports and harbours, which are critical entry and exit points for people and important for the economy, business, and trade.

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