Lobby to improve port security

The Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) has long held concerns over the safety and security of our ports, particularly given the 85 miles of coastline in Dorset and the potential risks relating to small and unmanned ports.

With that in mind, he pledged to continue to lobby Government for improvements to port security locally and nationally, continuing on from similar work undertaken during his first term of office.

The PCC can demonstrate many examples of where he has raised his concerns and sought to influence Government in providing more funding, resources and reassurances over port security.

These include letters to the Home Secretary and other relevant ministers raising general concerns and specific issues relating to Portland; the “Perfect Storm” blog following the detention of individuals at Poole Port; support for the launch of the South West Port Watch Scheme; and writing to the management company of Bournemouth Airport seeking reassurances after some identified security breaches.

In addition, the Dorset Police and Crime Panel have also supported the PCC in writing to the Home Secretary echoing his concerns and the lack of a satisfactory response in addressing them.

For his part at the local level, the PCC has also delivered on his commitment to increase resources within the Dorset Police Marine Unit, allowing for greater resilience and shift coverage.