Procedures

Please find all of Border Force's Procedures below, these are an essential part of your Basic Training.

At UK Border Force, the search procedure is a critical aspect of ensuring national security and controlling the flow of people and goods throughout the country. The Border Force operates at border points across the UK, carrying out checks on incoming passengers, vehicles, and cargo. The search procedure is carried out in a systematic and thorough manner to identify potential risks, contraband, or individuals who may pose a threat to the country.

Initial Checks:

When passengers or vehicles arrive at the UK border, they must first go through initial checks. These checks involve verifying travel documents, such as driving licenses to ensure they are genuine and valid. The officer at the border may also ask some routine questions about the purpose of their commute and any goods being carried.

Body Search:

In certain situations, if an individual is suspected of carrying contraband or posing a security risk, a body search may be conducted. The Border Force officers are trained to carry out these searches professionally, respecting the individual's dignity and privacy. Body searches are only carried out in private areas and, in most cases, with a witness present.

Vehicle Inspection:

For vehicles, including cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles, officers may carry out a thorough inspection to ensure that no illegal goods or individuals are being smuggled. This can involve using specially trained dogs to detect drugs, or other prohibited items.

Every 3-5 HGV vehicles must be searched upon arrival at any of the border crossings.

Also Note That There is no Specific Time for Vehicle Inspections,

Detention and Investigation:

If during the search procedure, the Border Force officers discover any illegal items, suspicious activities, or individuals with irregularities in their travel documents, they have the authority to detain the person or goods for further investigation. Detained individuals may be held in a secure facility until their case is resolved, and contraband goods may be seized.

It is Border Force Protocol that 1 in every 10 vehicles that pass through the border need a full search, these are known as "Random Vehicle Inspections".

Please adhere to the relevant search procedures in place when performing these searches and ensure the correct scene containment has been used.

There are some goods you cannot bring into the UK - they’ll be seized by Border Force.

These include:

• controlled drugs

• offensive weapons, for example, flick knives

• self-defence sprays, for example, pepper spray and CS gas

• endangered animal and plant species

• indecent and obscene materials, such as books, magazines, films and DVDs

• personal imports of meat and dairy products from most non-EU countries

The UK Border Force is a law enforcement agency responsible for securing the UK's borders and enforcing immigration and customs laws. As part of its duties, the Border Force has the authority to conduct searches and make arrests in specific circumstances. These powers are granted under various laws, including the Immigration Act 1971, the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979, and the Terrorism Act 2000, among others.

Search Powers:

Personal Search: Border Force officers have the power to conduct personal searches on individuals whom they have reasonable grounds to suspect of carrying prohibited items, contraband, or engaging in illegal activities. These searches are carried out with respect for the individual's dignity and privacy and are often performed in private areas.

Vehicle and Luggage Search: The Border Force can search vehicles, including cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles, arriving at ports and other entry points to the UK. They may also search luggage, bags, and belongings to identify any hidden or prohibited items.

Use of Detection Technology: Border Force officers use various technologies, such as specially trained sniffer dogs and metal detectors to detect drugs, money, and other contraband concealed in luggage, vehicles, or on individuals.

Customs Inspection: The Border Force has the authority to inspect goods and merchandise being imported across the country to ensure compliance with customs regulations. Officers may ask passengers to declare any items they are bringing into the UK and may seize goods that are restricted, prohibited, or exceed the duty-free allowance.

Detain Powers:

Immigration Offenses: Border Force officers have the power to detain individuals suspected of committing immigration offenses, such as entering the UK illegally, overstaying their visa, or providing false information during immigration checks.

Customs Offenses: Officers can detain individuals involved in smuggling, evading customs duties, or importing prohibited goods.

Terrorism Offenses: Under the Terrorism Act 2000, Border Force officers have the authority to detain individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism or terrorist-related activities.

(Further detention powers can be found under the sentencing guidelines page, here.)