Heathrow
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Welcome to Heathrow Aviation Security
Who we are The Aviation Security Operational Command Unit is responsible for the policing at Heathrow and London City airports. It is a unique command as there are few areas of policing where the threat from terrorism, the need to ensure the safety and security of iconic sites and responding to organised crime and volume theft come together. Aviation Security is at the heart of the MPS Counter Terrorism Strategy and has the capability to respond to a variety of threats. The unit’s most striking feature is, however, the professionalism of its staff in responding to these challenges. Aviation Security is highly regarded both within the MPS and beyond. What we do The overarching aim for Aviation Security is “ to make Heathrow and London City Airports safe and secure places for the public and staff, and hostile environments for terrorists and criminals”. The unit works closely with the other emergency services and both airport operators to provide a high level of response to aircraft emergencies. London City Airport
Heathrow Airport
Present Day and the Future The MPS took over the policing of Heathrow from the British Airports Authority Constabulary on the 1st November 1974. In 2004 the command took over responsibility for the policing of London City Airport. The priorities of the unit have developed immensely over the years following changes in the political, economic and environmental climate along with devastating events such as September 11th 2001 and 7th July 2005 attacks affecting the arena in which we must police our ports. The creation of our Safer Airport Teams in 2007, based on the Safer Neighbourhood model, has engendered improved relations between police, public and business alike. The teams are made up of police officers and PCSOs whose role is to integrate within the local working areas, be it the airport terminals, car parks or the cargo area and to provide support and help to solve the problems and issues that arise throughout the different communities. In August 2007 Heathrow found itself at the centre of both public and media attention with the presence of the Climate Camp demonstration. This protest against airport expansion was a huge challenge for officers and airport staff alike and involved real ‘Team Met’ working, with officers and staff from across the MPS working together over the course of the action. At Heathrow, the opening of Terminal 5 has hugely increased the passenger capacity of the airport. The terminal itself took 15 years to make and eight of those years were involved in the building of the terminal, even so, it finished on schedule. Heathrow airport is currently the only airport licensed to receive the Airbus A380. The rollout of this aircraft to many airlines over the next few years will herald a change in air travel much like the Boeing 747 did in the 1970’s. In 2012 both airports will play a key part in the Olympic Games as gateways for the athletes, VIPs and the general public attending the events. The unit is already working with its partners to ensure this can be carried out as safely and successfully as possible.
The confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline is staffed around the clock by specialist counter-terrorism police officers and staff. The terrorist threat remains real and there is no room for complacency. The public should remain alert and aware of their surrounding at all times. If something strikes you as suspicious and out of place then trust your instincts and call the police. If you think you have seen something suspicious or you are unsure about somebody's activities or behaviour, however insignificant it may seem at the time, call the confidential Anti-Terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. A text phone service is available for people with speech or hearing difficulties on 0800 032 45 39 (text messages from mobiles are not accepted). You can also submit your information using our confidential online form.
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