HOME OFFICE News
Release (068/2008) issued by The Government News Network on 11 March 2008
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.