‘Effective policing at NI’s airports and harbours must meet current and future needs’, says CJI Chief Inspector

The report published today (October 15) by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) followed a review of the day-to-day policing undertaken by Belfast Harbour Police and Belfast International Airport Constabulary.

It examined how the separately funded and operated police services met their statutory responsibilities and also their engagement with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), which has overall responsibility for policing in Northern Ireland.

“We all recognise that Northern Ireland’s airports and harbours, including Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast Harbour, are key entry and exit points for visitors and citizens leaving and returning home as well as their importance to our economy, business and trade,” said Jacqui Durkin, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland.

“Recent investment and ambitious expansion plans means effective policing at these critical locations needs to meet current and consider future needs. This is crucial to maintain national security, prevent and disrupt criminal activity and keep everyone safe who lives, works at or visits them.”

She added: “This was the first time CJI had inspected Belfast International Airport Constabulary and inspectors were concerned by the lack of appropriate police experienced leadership as well as gaps in existing accountability arrangements and consistency in operational delivery and outcomes.

“We were also concerned by its existing rank structure which would benefit from review.

“Belfast International Airport Constabulary is one of many law enforcement organisations present in and concerned with security at Belfast International Airport, these include the PSNI, the UK Border Force, Home Office Immigration Enforcement Division and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs on the airport site.

“However, it is important that all policing services exercise their police powers effectively and meet expected national policing and training standards regardless of the jurisdiction size or how they are funded.” Ms Durkin

Ms Durkin said they have recommended that within the next six months Belfast International Airport Constabulary should develop a “vision, strategy and policing plan” to direct policing at the airport that addresses these issues and aligns with the current PSNI Policing Plan priorities.

“We have had positive discussions with senior management at Belfast International Airport about the inspection findings and inspection report publication and I acknowledge their commitment to secure policing improvements that are needed in the short and longer term,” said the Chief Inspector.

“I also welcome the development of an action plan by Belfast International Airport to underpin the implementation of the accepted inspection recommendations,”

Inspectors found that Belfast Harbour Police benefitted significantly from police experienced leadership and appropriate accountability and robust governance arrangements were in operation.

“Belfast Harbour Police was a trusted partner of the PSNI where a mutually beneficial, professional relationship had developed and was maintained. Belfast Harbour Police officers also had access to appropriate information and continuous police training that ensured they had the knowledge and expertise to operate to national standards,” said Ms Durkin.

Inspectors found the development of a visible, neighbourhood-focused policing model within the Belfast Harbour Estate that reflected the policing demands in the area had been well received by stakeholders.

“While we welcome this positive relationship, inspectors have recommended the policing priorities of the Belfast Harbour Police should be more aligned with those set by the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the PSNI,” said Ms Durkin.

Inspectors, however, highlighted an area for improvement in the work of the Belfast Harbour Police’s Criminal Justice Unit, which has responsibility for the management of criminal incidents and follow-up activity, in that it could be discouraging officers from maintaining an investigative mindset leading to a loss of skills.

“We consider Belfast Harbour Police would benefit from assessing the effectiveness of this model,” said the Chief Inspector.

Reflecting on the inspection findings which were common to both policing services, and acknowledging the previous memoranda Belfast Harbour Police had with the PSNI, Ms Durkin said the Belfast International Airport Constabulary and Belfast Harbour Police should agree and sign a new Memorandum of Understanding with the PSNI within six months.

This should detail the roles and responsibilities of each police service when dealing with high-risk types of crime as well as specify access to PSNI systems, custody facilities, training, support and assistance.

A key strategic recommendation that a fundamental review of policing at Northern Ireland’s airports should be led by the PSNI in partnership with Belfast International Airport Constabulary and Belfast Harbour Police and completed in the next 18 months has also been accepted. This should provide assurance that current operating models and arrangements were working effectively and to agreed national policing standards.

Ms Durkin said that both police services should begin discussions with the Public Prosecution Service for Northern to move from the current paper-based systems to a more efficient digital case planning and submission process for criminal case files in keeping with the current Digital Justice Strategy.

She also called for work be undertaken by the Department of Justice to prepare for legislative change within the next Northern Ireland Assembly mandate that would extend the powers of both police services, when required, to operate beyond their respective jurisdictions.

“The current restrictions and geographical limitations imposed on Belfast Harbour Police and Belfast International Airport Constabulary presents risks for officers and the public and inevitable consequences for the full and proper investigation of crime and the transportation of people under arrest to PSNI custody facilities. This needs to be addressed,” said the Chief Inspector.

In conclusion Ms Durkin said: “Public confidence in policing is a shared responsibility, informed by all those who have and who use policing powers including in our airports and harbours.

“We must ensure quality policing standards and shared priorities across all police services, particularly around the Northern Ireland Executive’s Programme for government ambitions for Safer Communities and Ending Violence against Women and Girls.

“I hope the five strategic and five operational recommendations, to secure improvement and strengthen policing arrangements made in this report and accepted by the inspected organisations, will assist with this.”