Aviation Portfolio

 

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Aviation Group Mission Statement

Today, we live and work in a Europe that has sought to reap fully the benefits of globalisation, bringing with it new challenges of worldwide networks and infrastructure that operate within the key theme of interdependence. Current world events highlight the ever-growing need to be able to communicate internationally with like-minded professionals able to network confidently and share both knowledge and experience

The European Association of Airport and Seaport Police embraces the evident expansion of European Member States that has brought an increased urgency to the Aviation and Maritime Transport Agendas and a search for a standardisation of “Protective Security” measures throughout.

The EAASP Aviation Group (EAG) seeks to pursue the Association’s goal of achieving security through an integrated Europe and to play an important role in the fight against serious and organised crime and terrorism.

The EAG will promote trans-national cooperation between member organisations, from both Law Enforcement and Industry communities alike, since cooperation between private business and the public sector is an absolute must to determine and prevent criminal and terrorist activity at an early stage.

The EAG will examine opportunities to conduct joint security operations and initiatives at European airports, developing the exchange of information and intelligence between members.

The Group will also look to promote common standards and interoperability across Europe; identifying good practice pertinent to the four strands of; Protective Security (Terrorism), Crime, Public safety and General Policing; those issues subject to a global impact and which cause us most concern at our airports.

To this end the EAG will also seek out training and exercise opportunities for members.

I wish to engage with as many colleagues as possible; to participate in close collaboration between the police and the industry at airports throughout Europe, in order to prevent international, organised cross-border crime, strengthen efforts in combating terrorism and to build reliance in the response to critical incidents.

Mike Brooks
Vice President EAASP (Aviation)

 

 

 

Aviation Update
EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF AIRPORT & SEAPORT POLICE

Aviation Portfolio

Vice President: Mike Brooks

Development of Membership (Since May 06)

Work has been undertaken to develop the membership within the aviation portfolio. Significantly we have attracted additional members from the Netherlands, Malta and Ireland.

Notwithstanding the current membership list, work was undertaken to develop a list of police contacts at European Airports and work continues in this area.

Development of Representation (Since April 06)

In addition to the foregoing, contacts have been established with the Polish Border Guard, the Hungarian National Police and the Czech Alien and Border Police. Whilst these agencies have not registered a formal interest in the organisation they have shown considerable interest and in the case of the Czechs have contributed to the Association’s dialogue with EUROPOL. Efforts continue to develop existing relationships and progress contacts to full membership

Development of Relationships with Pan European bodies

The Aviation Portfolio has formed a link with EUROJUST. EUROJUST is a judicial body representing prosecution agencies from 25 Member States. The organisation has also offered use of its facilities in The Hague for seminars and meetings, complete with translation facilities. Consideration will be given to hosting workshops at this venue in between Conferences.

Contact has also been made with the EU with a view to the EAASP taking part in future meetings of the Aviation Advisory Group which works in parallel with Aviation Security Committee, set up under Regulation (EC) No. 2320/2002. This work would be conducted in parallel with that currently being undertaken by the Maritime Portfolio in their liaison with SAGMaS. To date the Stakeholder Advisory Group for Aviation Security, SAGAS, has declined to accept the EAASP as a contributing partner as it contends that the Group is geared toward end users within the regulatory process, specifically commercial interests.


The Aviation Portfolio is represented at the EU/ US Transport Security Cooperation Group.

European Airport Police Contacts

Work continues to develop a directory of European Airport Police Agencies. To date some 14 countries have responded to the request for information:

1. Austria
2. Bulgaria
3. Czech Republic
4. Gibraltar
5. Hungary
6. Ireland
7. Lithuania
8. Luxemburg
9. Malta
10. Netherlands
11. Poland
12. Portugal
13. Switzerland
14. UK/ N. Ireland

Aviation information bulletins are circulated regularly amongst European Law Enforcement Agencies in an effort to promote the work of the Association and to maintain our profile.

Joint training has been undertaken in identity document fraud, involving police officers from the UK and the Netherlands. The Royal Marechaussee Document Expertise Centre at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam has delivered this training to staff from the Greater Manchester Police.

In June 2007 the Aviation Portfolio will sponsor an exchange visit between the Czech Interior Ministry and Border Police and the Greater Manchester Police at Manchester Airport

The Metropolitan Police will host an aviation seminar in London in September 2007, the full details of which will be outlined at this year’s Annual Conference in Malta.