SECURITY
Safety and security at the heart of operations THE PORT OF TILBURY HAS GONE WELL BEYOND THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ISPS CODE TO ENSURE FIRST-RATE SECURITY IN EVERY PART OF ITS OPERATION. PORT CUSTOMERS ARE REASSURED, TOO, BY THE HIGH-PROFILE PRESENCE OF TILBURY’S OWN LONG-ESTABLISHED POLICE FORCE
To ensure an effective operation, in addition to International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) accreditation, the port has its own police force and is a border inspection point for UK authorities. There is a particular emphasis on strong security at the London Container Terminal, which has one of the most comprehensive and modern surveillance systems in Europe. In addition, the terminal has fully manned 24-hour security on site. Vessels calling into LCT are required to complete and send a pre-notification form 24 hours before arrival. The port is monitored 365 days a year by a dedicated control room and over 300 closed circuit TV cameras. In addition, mobile X-ray scanners and government-financed radiation pods help to underline the port’s first-rate security operation. Within the container terminal there are large, modern Border Inspection Post (BIP) facilities where cargoes can be examined by Port Health, the UK Border Agency, Special Branch, the Forestry Commission, the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate, the Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate and Trading Standards. The BIP area has temperature controlled storage areas for handling chilled and frozen cargo. The staff work closely with the authorities to ensure that goods are attended to promptly and carefully.
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Tilbury police force The port has its own police force. The Port of Tilbury Police (previously the Port of London Police) can trace its origins back more than 200 years and claims to be the oldest police force in the country. It has the same powers as any other constabulary, with an operating area up to five miles from the port’s statutory limits. Having uniformed police officers stationed at the port’s main gate is a major deterrent to crime. The port police force has a wide range of powers within the port area including entering vessels, making arrests, seizure of goods and stop and search. However, any serious incidents or crimes are the responsibility of Essex Police.
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A key priority for the Port of Tilbury is to ensure the safety of its employees while also reinforcing the confidence of its customers. This reassurance is a key element in the smooth running of a port that employs large numbers of people – with many more having daily access – as well as handling cargo in huge volumes, some of it very valuable.