For many years the Association has worked hard to progress a development strategy which included a desire for more formal recognition of our work by the European Commission in progressing networking opportunities and strategic advice on a pan European basis. This work initially commenced with the EAASP being offered a seat on the Commission's DGTren Stakeholder Advisory Group on Maritime Security (SAGMAS) and this has been of mutual benefit to both organisations.

In July 2009 the EAASP executive became aware that tenders were being invited for a DGTren sponsored project around

"Transport Security: Creation of a network for the exchange of information in order to define and promote harmonised dissemination as regards safety incidents at port and fleet level in the Member States."

A full executive meeting was called and the committee reviewed and considered the project details to ensure that it was a project that we felt would appropriately represent the aims and values of the EAASP. Secondly, the Executive Committee needed to ensure that within the membership of the Association we would be best placed with the breadth of experience and contacts to take on the project and deliver a quality research and proposal document.

A project team worked hard to prepare a formal bid to take on the project with proposal papers being submitted to DGTren on the 15th October 2009.

The Exco are now pleased to announce that we were successful in our bid and the contract was awarded by the EU in December. The proposed project is entitled

"EPSIEN: European Port Security Information Exchange Network".

This project will bring together members of the EAASP to work in co-operation with identified European partners and organisations to research methods to obtain and disseminate information and low level intelligence not just between European Police but essential port operatives such as security officers, harbour masters and marina managers.

We have also had early support from our colleagues in QinetiQ who will actively be involved in the development process and also FePort who represent private port operators in Europe.

Special thanks needs to be extended to Bill Woodside and Richard Chisnall from QinetiQ who spent many hours researching and preparing the successful submission document.

The Association have also been approached by two other organisations who are bidding for EU projects in seperate areas of work who believe that the association are well placed to assist their bids as either expert advisors or end users. This further recognises the importance of the work and experience that is maintained within the EAASP.

Further details can be obtained form our General Secretary, Paul Campbell.

The Executive Committee are delighted to announce that with the lifting of restrictions in European airspace, the 2010 conference will take place in Budapest from 27th to 29th April.

For details on how to book your place please see the section conference.

2007

Mr Brian Cranmer, representing the Maltese Maritime Authority, Malta. Brian has since moved on from this role and is currently working for MUSC.

2008

Mr Paul Campbell, representing Hampshire Constabulary, United Kingdom.

2009

Mr Nico Dubois, representing Rotterdam Seaport Police, Holland.

2010

Mr Paul Campbell, representing Hampshire Constabulary, United Kingdom.

Project Kraken was initially developed by Hampshire Constabulary in the United Kingdom and has become so succesful that it has been included in the UK's Police National Maritime Security Strategy with UK police forces encourgaed to adopt the principals within their own local maritime strategies.

What is Project Kraken ?

Project Kraken delivers an enhanced crime and counter terrorist 'vigilance' capability within the maritime environment of the United Kingdom. It engages key stakeholders together with local communities to provide a hostile environment to terrorists and criminals looking to disrupt the every day lives and safety of those who live, work or travel through the waters of the UK.

Police forces are encouraged to create a local phone number and email address to provide a mechanism for the reporting of unusual activity or behaviour within the maritime environment, believed or suspected to be linked to acts of crime or preparatory acts of terrorism.

Whilst it is almost impossible to say with any certainty what a criminal or a terrorist might look like, an individual's activity or behaviour can become suspicious in the context of the location they are in. Likewise, the unexpected or unusual presence of a vessel or a particular cargo within a small port or marina might just cause reason for concern by those who live, work and relax in that particular environment on a regular basis.

Project Kraken provides for the collation and assessment of all information and intelligence relating to such suspicious activity or behaviour in circumstances that could be linked to criminal or terrorist activity or acts of a preparatory nature. It allows for the appropriate deployment of assets and resources from UK Police and their partner agencies in response to a potential or defined threat.

Those who join Project Kraken receive a quarterly newsletter detailing local crime and also issues that may be of interest to the Police. A DVD outlining suspicious activity has also been created which is used to brief marine users, harbour masters, marina managers and other government departments.

If anyone is interested in receiving any information in respect of Project Kraken then please contact our General Secretary Paul Campbell on the following email:  paul.campbell@hampshire.pnn.police.uk.

The Association lies at the heart of European Transport Policing. Our members are engaged in the technical and operational dimensions of transport policing each and every day. If you're reporting on a topical issue relating to European Transport, or seeking a press facility, you may wish to consider contacting the Association.

Your first point of contact is Paul Campbell. Paul can be reached by email at: paul.campbell@hampshire.pnn.police.uk. If you prefer, you may contact any Executive Committee Member. Contact details can be found within the Executive Committee page on this web site.