GMP officers undergo specialist Project Servator training at the airport

More officers working in GMP’s Airport Policing Team have undergone specialist Project Servator training to further strengthen security at Manchester Airport. 

Project Servator is a policing tactic that aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public and is used by a number of UK police forces, including GMP. 

The officers completed the Servator training course at the airport and will be available to support colleagues on deployments across the force area. 

Deployments are highly visible and can happen at any time and in any location and make use of resources including uniformed and plain-clothes officers, police dogs, the mounted unit and, at the airport, armed officers. 

Chief Inspector Gayle Brister said: “Police, partners, businesses and the public are all working together to make the UK a difficult place for criminals and terrorists to operate and that includes here at the airport. 

“A key tactic we use in partnership with airport security, British Transport Police and Border Force is Project Servator - a policing tactic that aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public.  

“The approach relies on unpredictable and highly visible police deployments, while also building a network of vigilance made up of business and community partners, and the general public. 

“Our officers are experienced and specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone is planning or preparing to commit an act of crime and having extra trained officers will strengthen that. 

“We are here for your safety, but everyone has a vital role to play by reporting anything that doesn’t feel right, for example an unattended item or someone acting suspiciously. 

“Report suspicious activity immediately to a police officer or member of airport security staff. Or call your local police on 101.

"Suspicious activity is anything that seems out place, unusual or doesn’t seem to fit in with day-to-day life. In an emergency always call 999.” 

A spokesperson for Manchester Airport said: "The safety of our passengers and staff will always be our top priority.

"Thankfully, instances of crime at the airport are extremely rare and people can feel safe and relaxed as they begin their holidays here.

“Part of the reason for that is the police presence provided by Project Servator, which not only reassures passengers but deters those who may wish to commit crime here.

“It’s great to see more officers getting the specialist training needed to be part of Project Servator as we head into the busy summer season.”

More information on Project Servator and how to spot suspicious activity can be found on the GMP website here

Police officers also engage with the online community, sharing information about Project Servator and its successes - follow #ProjectServator on social media.

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