Port Police branch out further into the community

Thanks to the pro-active and persistent approach of the Port of Dover Police in lobbying the Government over a long period, the Port's police force is now able to act anywhere within Kent and more widely within England and Wales for policing activities connected with the Port of Dover, thereby enabling it to provide a greatly enhanced service to customers and the community.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "This is a fantastic achievement which has been many years in the making. Our Police officers do a fantastic job but they have been hampered from doing an even better job. The new legislation releases the restrictions placed upon them for far too long and fundamentally transforms their ability to carry out their duties. A great boost to them and the whole Port community which enables them to provide the best Port police service for the Port's many customers."

The Port of Dover Police had derived its policing powers from legislation enacted in 1847 (The Harbours Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847), which allowed Port Constables to act on any land owned by Dover Harbour Board and one mile beyond. As the Port has grown and developed into Europe's busiest international ferry port, the limited jurisdiction has become obsolete as, when investigating crime and offences committed in and around the Port, the offenders, victims and witnesses often reside many miles away. This has frustrated the Port of Dover Police which is committed to providing a first class service, particularly to victims.

Having raised this as a matter of concern with Government through the Department for Transport, which agreed with the Port of Dover that modernisation of the legislation was needed, the amendment to the legal framework was delivered through the Marine Navigation Act 2013. The Port of Dover Police received considerable support throughout the process from Kent Police whose Chief Constable has been extremely helpful in approving the Port's widened remit within Kent.

The Chief Officer of the Port of Dover Police, Superintendent Paul Wilczek said: "We are very grateful for the support of the Chief Constable of Kent in carrying out our duties within our home county. The legislation allows the Port of Dover Police to act completely independently and now far more efficiently. We are committed to keeping our customers and stakeholders safe and the extension of our jurisdiction will significantly enhance our ability to bring offenders to justice."