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Channel Television can reveal plans to beef up security at local ports and airports in the run up to the Olympics.
The authorities are introducing "enhanced border controls" so Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney do not become a "weak link" in the effort to prevent terrorism during the Games.
An advertising campaign will be launched to prepare islanders to expect some inconvenience when they travel.
In practice, that is likely to mean longer queues as you head through Passport Control.
Heightened security in London includes the prospect of surface to air missiles being based on a residential tower block, and a much more visible presence from the police.
Though the Channel Islands' response will be much lower key, we are still likely to notice it.
Michael Robinson from the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service said: "There is heightened security up to and during the Olympics absolutely, and we'll play our part in that, we're determined to do that."
"And what does heightened security actually mean? Well, it can mean all sorts of things. We've seen on television just recently putting rockets on high rise blocks in London. It can mean anything from that to the enhanced border controls that we're going to undertake in Jersey. There's a whole range of measures that are going to be taken across the board and we'll play our small part in it."
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Posted By: Captain Pugwash on 09-May-2012
Hmm i see an oxymoron hoving into view on the one hand the customs havnt got the staff to police our ports and stop hard drug traffickers but enough staff to stop joe public with a few extra cigs up his jumper and the There is heightened security announced above so what is true or is it all just tosh?
Posted By: Chloe on 05-May-2012
No one should be complaining really. I don't have any time or patience for those who do. We are very lucky to have the resources we do in Jersey. I understand Jersey is pretty unknown to a lot of the UK, however I am more than willing to be 'inconvenienced' to keep living my safe, comfortable life in Jersey. It's something you all should appreciate a little more. Please don't forget about the armed forces keeping you safe, that ALLOWS you to say this is all a bunch of paranoia, but only because you're still alive - because of them. Suck it up, please. I realise the threat of a terrorist attack in the Channel Islands is significantly unlikely, (touch wood!) however, you cannot think yourselves and these Islands invincible forever - they have not been invincible forever, just look at The Occupation. I'm not implying we'll be a victim of a terrorist attack, and God forbid another Occupation, however, you cannot be wrapped up in cotton all your lives. Come on now, please. Show some respect. Deal with it please. :)
Posted By: Mary on 05-May-2012
Wait a minute am I not right in saying that 2 departments, Immigration and Customs merged a few years ago, therefore they should have ample staff I would like to know how many they have in that department, no doubt lots of managers and pen pushers instead of people catching smugglers.
Posted By: Tee St Brelade on 04-May-2012
What next!!! I'd be surprised if the suspected terrorists even knew where Jersey is! The Olympics is happening in London!
Posted By: David on 04-May-2012
Oh Dear Lord, more hype and paranoia! Is it really nessessary? I don't think so as if there is any danger it will come from with in the UK itself.
Posted By: percy on 04-May-2012
longer queues at passport control. It took us 30 minutes to get off condor the other day, so what has changed
Posted By: Jack, St Brelade on 04-May-2012
Agree with some of the other comments here, Management at Customs need to get their act sorted and their priorities right, what is more important catching potential terrorists and drug smugglers coming through the ports rather than trying to shift the blame when they have miserably failed to stop illegal drugs coming into the Island
Posted By: Alison S - Town on 04-May-2012
Ha ha. Makes me laugh. This coming the day after they say customs are short staffed at peak times, and have to abandon some things daily.
Looks like an open invitation for unscrupulous people to make full use of Customs admission of the inability to cope, to me!
Posted By: SPUD on 04-May-2012
Why should everyone be penalised for this? There should always be a separate queue for locals and another for British Passport holders - everyone else should have to join a third queue where stricter controls are in place. Get more staff!
Posted By: Testator Silens on 04-May-2012
When questioned about the drop in drug seizures Michael Robinson is quoted as saying ‘Our concern is that because of understaffing, especially at peak times, we have to abandon some Customs controls on an almost daily basis,’ Are the responses spun to suit the nature of the question?
Posted By: mallouin St Brelade on 04-May-2012
Subtle enhancements and clever use of staff yes,combined with a targeted advertising campaign,but no to openly armed police at our ports.This sends out an unnecessary message to our visitors at the height of the season.
Posted By: Mary on 04-May-2012
Well I hope that means customs organising themselves properly. It takes an hour to get off the boat from St Malo. When queuing with my local passport I have noticed customs are messing around for ages dealing with passengers with passports that need closer examination. Surely there should be a seperate lane for the people that are not UK passport holders. Simple really but what do I know.
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04/05/2012
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