What powers do Border Force have in the UK?

The Force is responsible for keeping the borders safe and ensuring that all entering and leaving the country follow the relevant laws.

Copyright: Dwayne Hards.

The agency is accountable to both Parliament and ministers of the Government with the Home Secretary taking overall responsibility.

Officers of the Border Force get their powers from the Borders Act 2007, which also allows them to exercise the powers of a police constable. They also have additional powers under the common law and the Borders, Citizenship, and Immigration Act 2009. Additionally, they also have several other powers under various statutes, such as: the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 and the Trade in Goods (Categories of Controlled Goods) Order 2008.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct handles complaints of the Border Force and is obliged to do so by law.