Aviation Update

EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF AIRPORT & SEAPORT POLICE

Development of Membership (Since May 06)

Work has been undertaken to develop the membership within the aviation portfolio. Significantly we have attracted additional members from the Netherlands, Malta and Ireland.

Notwithstanding the current membership list, work was undertaken to develop a list of police contacts at European Airports and work continues in this area.

Development of Representation (Since April 06)

In addition to the foregoing, contacts have been established with the Polish Border Guard, the Hungarian National Police and the Czech Alien and Border Police. Whilst these agencies have not registered a formal interest in the organisation they have shown considerable interest and in the case of the Czechs have contributed to the Association's dialogue with EUROPOL. Efforts continue to develop existing relationships and progress contacts to full membership

Development of Relationships with Pan European bodies

The Aviation Portfolio has formed a link with EUROJUST. EUROJUST is a judicial body representing prosecution agencies from 25 Member States. The organisation has also offered use of its facilities in The Hague for seminars and meetings, complete with translation facilities. Consideration will be given to hosting workshops at this venue in between Conferences.

Contact has also been made with the EU with a view to the EAASP taking part in future meetings of the Aviation Advisory Group which works in parallel with Aviation Security Committee, set up under Regulation (EC) No. 2320/2002. This work would be conducted in parallel with that currently being undertaken by the Maritime Portfolio in their liaison with SAGMaS. To date the Stakeholder Advisory Group for Aviation Security, SAGAS, has declined to accept the EAASP as a contributing partner as it contends that the Group is geared toward end users within the regulatory process, specifically commercial interests.

The Aviation Portfolio is represented at the EU/ US Transport Security Cooperation Group.

European Airport Police Contacts

Work continues to develop a directory of European Airport Police Agencies. To date some 14 countries have responded to the request for information:

1. Austria
2. Bulgaria
3. Czech Republic
4. Gibraltar
5. Hungary
6. Ireland
7. Lithuania
8. Luxemburg
9. Malta
10. Netherlands
11. Poland
12. Portugal
13. Switzerland
14. UK/ N. Ireland

Aviation information bulletins are circulated regularly amongst European Law Enforcement Agencies in an effort to promote the work of the Association and to maintain our profile.

Joint training has been undertaken in identity document fraud, involving police officers from the UK and the Netherlands. The Royal Marechaussee Document Expertise Centre at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam has delivered this training to staff from the Greater Manchester Police.

In June 2007 the Aviation Portfolio will sponsor an exchange visit between the Czech Interior Ministry and Border Police and the Greater Manchester Police at Manchester Airport

The Metropolitan Police will host an aviation seminar in London in September 2007, the full details of which will be outlined at this year's Annual Conference in Malta.