General Information
The European Association of Airport and Seaport Police annually host a conference in a strategically placed city in Europe which plays host to a significant airport and or seaport.
The 2012 conference took place in the Porto Palacio Hotel on the 24th and 25th April in the beautiful city of Porto, Portugal and was an outstanding success attracting delegates from most European countries and the United States representing major airports, seaports, police services and major international commercial organisations operating in ports. The theme of this year’s conference was;
“Delivering Effective Security Across European Borders Through Partnership and Co-operation”
Over the course of the two days, delegates received presentations on a number of key issues which included cross border crime, international movement of drugs, security at both air and seaports, current intelligence relating to terrorist threats against the aviation and maritime sectors, the latest technology in tracing explosives, Piracy and Stowaways and the first international presentation from the Italian Coastguard on the operational response to the Costa Concordia cruise ship sinking.
Once again, the EAASP delivered a half day tabletop exercise which related to an evolving incident which affected an airport and seaport. These unique exercises are welcomed by the delegates as it allows for an integrated and learning environment in considering the collective required multi agency response to an incident as well as identifying both good practice and operational gaps which will then support new elements of the associations Strategic Delivery Plan.
The conference was opened by the associations President John Donlon and the Rui Rocha e Silva the Public Service Police airport commander for Porto.
Picture.Subintendant Rui Rocha e Silva
Every year a Presidents award is given to a member of the EAASP for his or her outstanding contribution to the vision and direction of the association. This year the ward was given to Richard Chisnall who has supported the association in the development and subsequent delivery of the EAASP’s first EU project – Project EPSIEN. A special award was also given to Bill Woodside who was historically a member of the executive committee and successfully acted as project manager for the Epsien Project.
Pictured: President John Donlon presenting an award to Bill Woodside
In summing up the 2012 conference, John Donlon stated “ I am delighted at the quality and detail delivered by those giving presentations at this years conference. Once again the association has promised and delivered an exceptional conference which is now recognised across Europe as being professional and excellent value for money. Our association goes from strength to strength and I am confident that the renewed and newly found professional friendships gained at this conference allows for a more joined up Europe in our collective fight against serious crime and terrorism at our air and seaports.”
General Information
