All I can say is that the KPI's are an assurance given to the port operator.
They dictate, if memory serves, what the operator can expect in terms of queuing times. If someone is held up for more than the allotted time, then there will be a knock on effect but can anyone here say that this is not acceptable? Or is it proper to keep within the allotted time frames and allow someone to proceed simply to stop the queue being held up? I don't think so. Interviewing someone entering the UK about their intentions is a nightmare if there are language issues and simply accepting the first answer that comes into their heads when ones experience shows that they're up to something that will require time to get at is necessary. This is when officers start to disappear off the control. Duty of care to the detained person becomes a prime concern as does making sure that due process is followed in lawfully administering that power.
There are many juxtapositions in doing this work - most notably the commercial and law enforcement imperatives.
Which comes back to the business of flight scheduling and the space allocated to the port control authorities - none of which the port control authorities have any control over. If desks are empty - there will be a reason for it. Casework is usually the answer - other flights generated cases to be dealt with and you will not see any of this - it's understandable to believe otherwise that something is amiss. Most places don't have enough space behind the scenes for all the staff to even sit down and work. What you see out front is not the sum of all activity obviously.
What is really clear is that much of the issue relates to the port operator themselves and the space they allocate to the business of state at the port - they provide a hall with 5 desks but then proceed to land ten flights an hour into the port.This is not uncommon but they're the first to make a fuss about queues even though we all know it's a smokescreen to pass the buck. They caused the problem.
Blame should be rightly attributed where blame exists - the port operators have to take this on the chin but it's all too easy to blame those who don't always answer back. These are tough times for airlines and operators - they will take any money coming their way with gleeful abandon but to woefully ignore the needs of the travelling public and then blame it on one small part of the international travellers experience is simplistic and frankly disgusting.
I agree, these passengers will vote with their feet and go to airports that treat them with respect. It will not be because of how UKBA and the Police operate at that port though - it will be how they were forced to queue for 3 hours to get through security, it will be how they were ripped off buying a beer airside, it will be how the airline treated them like idiots and cancelled a flight with no information to the pax, it will be because they were ripped off for parking.
It won't be because there was a requirement to not smuggle fags or use a false passport.
That is the case here.
I agree with the tax bit too - robbery.
Last edited by qwertyplop; 14th Mar 2009 at 09:33.