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Policing Kent's borders

Ports, docks, airports and Channel Tunnel

Kent is the gateway to Europe through the ports of Dover, Folkestone and Ramsgate, the Channel Tunnel and a number of airfields and airports such as Manston and Lydd.

Policing these key entry and exit points to the UK takes three main forms:

  • combating the threat of terrorism from both inside and outside the UK
  • tackling organised immigration crime (for example, people smuggling and child trafficking)
  • tackling organised commodity crime (the smuggling of goods, including drugs and firearms)

Terrorism

Since the London bombings on 7 July 2005, the country has been in a heightened state of alert. The continuing threat to the UK is constantly being monitored.

Kent Police regularly assesses the security measures we have in place and regularly reviews our policing response.

We have a key role to play in countering the current threats and maintaining national security. We will continue to use powers available under the Terrorism Act 2000 which enable us to stop, question and detain people if necessary.

 

If you are stopped or travelling with children

Read our FAQs on being stopped at a port, airport or when travelling through the Channel Tunnel.

You can also download the information to take with you:

 

Report any suspicions

We continue to urge the public and businesses to stay vigilant and report anything suspicious or unusual. In an emergency call 999, or contact your local police station by calling our central switchboard on 101.

It is important to contact us - even if you only have a hunch about something. You may hold a crucial piece of information in an ongoing investigation.