Tayside Police - Specialist Units - Special Branch

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The security of our air and sea ports is also a remit of Special Branch covered specifically by the Tayside Police Ports Unit.

The unit, along with our uniform colleagues, police all the non-designated airfields in the region and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, in particular the Terrorism Act 2000 (TACT2000).

The unit is also interested in obtaining intelligence and information concerning all aspects of crime including offences of smuggling, contraband and illegal immigration.

The unit works closely with other agencies, in particular HM Revenue & Customs and the Border & Immigration Agency.

TACT2000 came into force on the 19th of February 2001. It replaced all previous legislation concerning terrorism.

The law impacts upon general aviation and the responsibilities of pilots/owners.

The requirement to seek authority to fly to and from the Common Travel Area (CTA) which consists of Northern Ireland, Eire, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, from a non-designated airfield remains. However, the notification period has been reduced from 24 hours to a minimum of 12 hours.

You will be aware of your responsibilities in relation to flight notifications to HM Customs.

Should you have any enquiries in relation to HM Customs then the following contact details will be of use :

HM Revenue & Customs National Advice Centre - Fax 0870 240 3738
HM Revenue & Customs National Advice Centre - Phone 0845 010 9000
HM Revenue & Customs website - www.hmrc.gov.uk

Officers from the Tayside Police Ports Unit will make visits to airfields in an effort to meet owners, pilots and operators.

Can you help?

YES - as a pilot/owner by being aware of your responsibilities and complying with them.
YES - by being vigilant and notifying us of anything suspicious.

What to look out for

Evidence of unauthorised activity at your airstrip, e.g. fresh tyre marks
Packages being transferred from an aircraft to a vehicle in unusual locations, such as a remote part of the airfield
Activity or sightings of aircraft at night or on unused airstrips
Strangers trying to hire your aircraft or those belonging to other club members
Strangers using, or seeking permission to use, your airstrip
Evidence of adaptation of aircraft for concealment purposes

If you do notice anything unusual

DO NOT involve yourself
DO NOT touch any suspicious packages
Make a note of any registration number, markings or description
Call Tayside Police immediately - your information will be treated in confidence - on 0845 600 5705, or 999 in an emergency

Under TACT2000 it is a requirement of the pilot or Captain to complete the General Aviation Report (GAR) in respect of all flights to the CTA with no less than 12 hours notification. It is an offence to wilfully fail to comply with this regulation.

Please contact the Ports Unit with details of your Common Travel Area flight plans to the following fax numbers
During normal office hours : 01382 596509
Outwith normal office hours : 01382 200449

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