Crime and intelligence - Northern Ireland and foreign travel policy (N18)

1. Summary of changes

1.1. This policy has been reviewed in June 2024 - no amendments to content have been made. 

2. What this policy is about

2.1. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that:

• whether the travel is on or off duty, business or recreational, members of Kent Police travelling to politically sensitive countries, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland are properly briefed on the potential risks associated with their travel
• sufficient advice is provided so the safety and security of members of Kent Police is enhanced whilst in these countries
• information or intelligence held by Kent Police is not disclosed or compromised

3. Statement of policy 

3.1. This policy applies to all officers and members of staff but is particularly relevant to those with access to highly classified or sensitive material, who may be of interest to intelligence services and therefore vulnerable to approach or compromise almost anywhere in the world. All officers and staff when travelling abroad on business must get the appropriate level authorisation and advice.

3.2. It is the policy of Kent Police that any officer or member of staff intending to travel to or through one of the countries listed in Appendix A, whether for duty purposes or whilst on holiday, or to travel on ships or aircraft owned by one of these countries, must consult the fixed intelligence management unit (FIMU) before making the journey. The FIMU, if necessary and appropriate, will make contact with relevant partner agencies based on the circumstances and destination of the intended travel.

3.3. In addition to the countries listed in Appendix A, any officer or member of staff intending to visit Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland must first inform FIMU. This relates to travel on or off duty. The advice to officers and staff travelling off duty for recreational purposes is that they should not carry their warrant cards and/or ID passes.

3.4. Officers and staff should also be aware of the attached appendices which contain general security advice and information for foreign travel. Officers and staff are also advised to visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for the most up to date information.

4. Implications of the policy

4.1. This policy has no finance, staffing or training implications.  

4.2. This policy has been assessed with regard to its relevance to race and diversity equality. As a result of this assessment the policy has been graded as having a medium potential impact. 

5. Monitoring and review

5.1. This policy will be reviewed every two years with the next review scheduled for June 2026.

6. Security

6.1. Kent Police has measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management policy (Policy W1000 - Information Management).

7. Retention and disposal of records

7.1. Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal policy (Policy W1012 - Records Review, Retention and Disposal).