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Border Policing strengthened
New measures to ensure closer working at the border between the police and the UK Border Agency (UKBA) were announced today by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.
The UK Border Agency, which will bring together the work of the Border and Immigration Agency, UK Visas and parts of HM Revenue and Customs at the border, will work closely with the police and other law enforcement agencies to improve border controls and security.
Today key measures have been announced which will ensure an immediate and seamless operation between the police and the new UKBA. Detailed plans will be published shortly.
To strengthen effective police coordination at a strategic level Chief Constable Roger Baker of Essex Police will join the UKBA board with immediate effect.
Jacqui Smith said:
"A unified border agency will make our borders even stronger. With tougher policing powers UKBA officers will be able to work closely with the police protecting the country from illegal immigration, organised crime and terrorism.
"Roger Baker has experience of policing at the border in his role as Chief Constable of Essex Police and his skills will be invaluable in ensuring UKBA delivers in its role.
"With this crucial police support, alongside tougher checks at our border, and the approaching roll out of ID cards for foreign nationals, there will be a triple ring of security around Britain."
The new measures include:
In addition to the 3,000 police permanently based at our borders 39 new Special Branch posts will be funded in 2008/09 to increase specialist police coverage where it is most needed, with funding for border policing increasing to around £75m in the new financial year.
In April a new framework for inter-agency cooperation at the border will be published. It will give the opportunity for greater progress than either further structural change within the police service or between the police and the UK Border Agency.
In the autumn new legislation will also be sought to provide the basis for new powers for the UKBA as part of a new immigration bill.
Discussions are also starting with police forces and authorities about whether change is necessary for funding of Special Branch posts at ports and airports with the potential for a new funding regime from 2009/10.
The Government is also considering how to implement the conclusions of the independent report into airport policing, with the aim of clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the police, airport operators and other agencies to deliver a high level of security at UK airports and we will set out proposals on this later in the year.
Speaking about his appointment today Chief Constable Roger Baker said:
"Maintaining security of our border is paramount to the security of the UK and I am proud to have been appointed to represent the police on UK Border Agency Board.
"The Police already work closely with the Border and Immigration Agency and Customs colleagues at ports and airports across the UK. As the Chief Constable of Essex Police I have had first hand experience of building those important relationships required to tackle crime at the border and I am looking forward to using my skills and expertise to help ensure UKBA deliver safety and security to the public."
In response to a recommendation in the Cabinet Office report Security in a Global Hub - Establishing the UK's new border arrangements published last November, the Home Office is also working with the Association of Chief Police Officers for England, Wales and Northern Ireland to consider how policing - which is currently delivered by the local force for each port and airports - may best be organised to deliver a fuller level of integration at the border, taking into consideration the drive for greater collaboration which is at the heart of the Government's programme for improving protective services.
The Home Office will also be discussing with the Scottish Devolved Administration and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland ways of strengthening working relationships between the Scottish police service and the new agency taking into account the devolved nature of policing in Scotland.
Notes to Editors
1. The single border agency was announced by the Home Secretary on 14 November 2007 (PN 178/2007). It was recommended by the Cabinet Secretary Gus O'Donnell in 'Security in a Global Hub - Establishing the UK's new border arrangements'. It will bring together The Border and Immigration Agency, Customs officers and UK Visas to create a single uniformed force to protect the border.
2. Gus O'Donnell also recommended a review into the structure of the police at the border, which the Home Office has asked the Association of Chief Police Officers to carry out.
3. Roger Baker began his career with Derbyshire Constabulary in 1977, progressing through the ranks via a number of uniform and CID roles to Chief Superintendent. He has also been Staff Officer to the National Director of Police Training and Staff Officer to the President of the Association of Chief Police Officers.
He was appointed Assistant Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police in February 2001. His portfolio at Staffordshire included responsibility for Crime and Operations. Then he was appointed Deputy Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police in September 2003 where he had portfolio responsibilities for crime and critical incidents.
On 1 July 2005 he was appointed as Chief Constable of Essex Police.
Nationally he is Chair of the Policing Bureaucracy Gateway and Eastern Region Chief Constable Representative on ACPO TAM. He was appointed as Chair of the ACPO Youth Issues Group on the 1 January 2007 and Chair of the ACPO Performance Management Business Area on the 1 May 2007.
He holds a Master of Business Administration degree as well as an MA in Organisational Management and a Diploma in Applied Criminology and Police Studies.
