Airport armed police patrols ‘nothing to be concerned over’
ARMED police and plain clothes officers have been patrolling in plain sight at East Midlands Airport.
Leicestershire Police’s Special Operations unit and airport police could be seen around the airport at various times in the day and night this week.
It was all part of Project Servator, a watch scheme aimed to detect and stop terrorism and other criminal activity.
The tactic, which is being used across multiple forces in the UK, was first trialled at the Castle Donington location in December 2019.
Sergeant James Wakefield, who is part of EMA’s Protective Security, said: “Project Servator patrols are unpredictable and highly visible, but if you see our officers in the airport there’s nothing to be concerned about, it’s business as usual and isn’t linked to any increased threat, or intelligence relating to the airport.”
As well as specially trained, armed officers in and around the airport, there are also a number of plain clothes officers supported by other policing departments and police dogs.
Posters and display boards have been placed around the building and leaflets are being handed out by officers to explain more about the initiative.
While officers can answer any questions you might have about Project Servator, there are also elements of the tactic that are not seen by the public.
As well as CCTV and automatic number plate recognition to provide greater security, discreet officers have also been patrolling the grounds.
Sergeant Wakefield added: “Everyone has an important role to play in helping to keep EMA and our local communities safe by reporting anything that doesn’t feel right, for example, an unattended item or someone acting suspiciously.
“You will never get into trouble for reporting a genuine concern and we’ll always take your report seriously.”
Police are working closely with EMA staff and businesses, partner agencies and members of the public to maintain a “network of vigilance” at the airport.