Public/Protective Services students were thrilled to spend a day at Gatwick Airport as part of the Border Force UK Student Day Experience. The students were escorted to different security areas of the South Terminal and experienced what happens on a daily basis for Border Force staff.
The students learned about the powers of Border Force UK, passport control, drug smuggling, the illegal trading of endangered animals and plants, and the searching of bags. They also gained knowledge of body scanning, finger printing, the making safe of fire arms, holding area procedures and the Custody suite.
The Border Force Team carried out role play simulations relating to Immigration and Customs scenarios which the students thoroughly enjoyed. One scenario involved practising interview techniques of suspicious individuals at the Border Force Passport Control checkpoint.
In the Searching of Bags exercise, the students were tasked with trying to find illegal substances or security risks hidden in some of the suitcases. One group found drugs hidden in a suitcase and another located a bomb hidden deep inside the inner lining of a suitcase.
Accompanying tutor, Ciaran Fox, commented: “The students had a great experience throughout the day gaining valuable knowledge about the role and responsibilities of Border Force UK. The students are now very interested in learning more about this exciting career path and some students will be applying for the Border Force UK Apprenticeship.”
