The Port of Dover Police has hosted a special celebratory open day for the Port community to mark 80 years of service by the Port's very own police service.
The event coincided with a recent relocation of the Port of Dover Police's headquarters to the Terminal Control Building, bringing it to the heart of operations within Europe's busiest international ferry terminal. Guests, including former Port of Dover Police colleagues, were able to see the new offices as well as the range of equipment used by the Police (such as for forensics, search and transportation) to keep the Port's 12-13 million customers and its local community safe.
Much has changed at the Port since its police service was established in 1933; the same year that British police first used a radio appeal over the airwaves for help in catching a criminal. The modern Port of Dover Police now has excellent marine capabilities for dealing with issues on the sea, courtesy of its high-speed rigid inflatable boat (RIB), call sign 'Delta 99'. It also has nationally trained specialists in the fields of counter terrorism security and police search designed to meet the needs of a major 24/7 international gateway handling £80 billion of trade each year.
The weekend's celebration was a chance to acknowledge the Port of Dover Police's commitment to ensuring a safe and secure Port and to see just how that commitment is met today.
During the opening ceremony, Superintendent Paul Wilczek, Chief Officer of Police at the Port of Dover, said: "There is a long and proud tradition in the Port of Dover Police of serving our Port community. The uniforms may look a little different to the old uniforms we have had on display at our open day, but what lies beneath is still the same absolute commitment to everyone associated with the Port of Dover."
To further mark the anniversary, the Port of Dover, a long-standing supporter of Dover Athletic Football Club, sponsored the weekend's match.
Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "The work of the Port of Dover Police is fundamental to the success of the Port of Dover, to the security of every customer and ultimately to the nation. They are a shining example of what excellent customer service is all about and I am delighted to mark this 80th anniversary. With the successful work in more recent times of our Neighbourhood Policing Unit in the wider community, it is also fitting that we celebrated the anniversary cheering on our local football team with our friends at Dover Athletic."
