Immigration Officers Given New Uniforms at Gatwick Airport

Thursday 30th of August 2007 11:37:45 PM

In an effort to deter people from entering the UK illegally and to help immigration officers better serve the public, new uniforms will be issued to all immigration officers working in Gatwick Airport. "Maintaining and strengthening the security of Britain's borders is a top priority. We are determined to improve public confidence in how immigration is managed. Key to this is the creation of highly visible staff at our borders, to deter people who have no right to be here."

Immigration officers working at Stansted Airport in Essex have already adopted this new uniform policy.

In addition to new uniforms, which include dark blue suits and light blue shirts, officers will also use the latest technology to monitor those traveling into the UK. Passport scanners, iris recognition, and implementing a list of those who are not allowed in the country to be checked by officers will be used to identify people and protect UK citizens.

Protecting those who are traveling and those who live in the UK has become a much larger priority over the years due to several failed terror threats. Showing a much larger presence in public places such as airports can help officers find and detain those who are suspicious and also give peace of mind to those who use the airports on a regular basis for business or vacation travel.

(c)Janusz Gawron, www.sxc.hu