Gloucestershire Constabulary Ports Unit

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The following pages will endeavour to provide you with an overview of the Gloucestershire Constabulary Ports Unit, their responsibilities, powers and contact details. Each page will be accessible via the displayed links above and please feel free to contact us to discuss any ports related issues or concerns you may have.

A flight notification form will be launched in the near future, which should be used to notify the Ports Unit of intended journeys and related details.

The links below to our partner agencies may assist you to find more information should you have a specific enquiry:

Gloucestershire Constabulary has a commitment to Ports Policing and the Ports Unit's purpose is to protect the national security of the UK.

Its primary role is to support the National Ports Scheme and, by working alongside other agencies such as Immigration and Customs departments, we aim to provide a professional service in countering any threat to Her Majesty's Government's interests in the UK and abroad.

The priority is to counter the threat to national security from terrorism, espionage, sabotage and organised (major) crime. Ports manifest themselves in various guises, Airports, Seaports, Ferry Ports and includes the Channel Tunnel Terminals. Dependant upon certain criteria appertaining to size and usage each Port is either designated or non-designated.

The Gloucestershire Ports Unit is responsible for all sea ports (including marinas) along the Gloucestershire coast, Sharpness Docks, Gloucestershire Airport along with many other non designated airstrips within the county which also fall within its remit.

Powers under the Terrorism Act 2000 and more general legislation are used by the unit's officers at all of these Gloucestershire Ports.

There are local bylaws which apply to certain Ports but our primary powers for Policing Ports are given to us by the Terrorism Act 2000.