An Investigation into Border Security Checks

Author:

Independent Chief Inspector of the UK Border Agency

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £14.75

Larger image

'An Investigation into Border Security Checks' is a report from the Chief Inspector of the UK Border Agency on the level of checks operated at ports of entry to the UK. This follows the disclosure that some checks may have been suspended without the approval of ministers and the subsequent suspension of the then Head of Border Force.

The investigation focuses on:

• the Home Office Warnings Index (WI) - used to ascertain whether passengers are of interest to the Government agencies;

• Secure ID - checking passengers' fingerprints at immigration control against those provided in the visa application process; and

• the risk-based measures pilot used to identify where it was no longer routine to open the biometric chip or perform WI checks within European Economic Area passports.

The suspension of checks was reportedly dependent upon the volume of passengers, the level of risk presented, the staff available and the infrastructure of the ports. Overall, the Chief Inspector found poor communication, managerial oversights and a lack of clarity about roles and responsibilities. There was no single framework to set out potential border security checks, which of these could be suspended, in what circumstances and by what level of authority.

A new framework of security checks is urgently needed, unambiguously specifying checks that must always be carried out and those where there is discretion to suspend.

Extent	84 pages	ISBN	9780108511363
Size	A4	Price	£14.75
Format	Paperback	Published	20 Feb 2012
Availability	Black and white copy, 1-3 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges