An inspection of how the UK Border Agency and Border Force handle customs and immigration offences at ports May-October 2012 John Vine CBE QPM Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration Our Purpose We ensure independent scrutiny of the UK Border Agency and Border Force, providing confidence and assurance as to their effectiveness and efficiency. Our Vision To drive improvement within the UK Border Agency and Border Force, to ensure they deliver fair, consistent and respectful services. All Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration inspection reports can be found at www.independent.gov.uk/icinspector Email us:
[email protected] Write to us: Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, 5th Floor, Globe House, 89 Eccleston Square, London, SW1V 1PN United Kingdom Contents Foreword 2 1. Executive Summary 3 2. Summary of Recommendations 6 3. The Inspection 7 4. Background 9 5. Inspection Findings: Operational Delivery – Customs and Immigration Offences 15 6. Inspection Findings: Operational Delivery – Entry, Stay and Removal Decisions: 22 7. Inspection Findings: – Safeguarding individuals 32 8. Inspection Findings: – Continuous Improvement 36 Appendix 1 – Inspection Criteria 42 Appendix 2 – Glossary 43 Acknowledgements 46 1 Foreword from John Vine CBE QPM Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration One of the most important functions of Border Force and the UK Border Agency (UKBA or the Agency) is to detect, investigate and, where appropriate, seek to prosecute those who are suspected of committing immigration and customs offences. This inspection examined the efficiency and effectiveness of the handling of such offences, with a particular focus on the work of the Agency’s Criminal and Financial Investigation (CFI) teams at Heathrow, Manchester Airport and Dover.