BHX Airport Watch (The BAESS Scheme) was established in 2005 and is a joint initiative of the West Midlands Police based at Birmingham Airport and the Birmingham Aviation Enthusiasts Group and is sponsored by Birmingham Airport.

With the continuing threat of terrorism there has been a heightening of security at airports throughout the world, making the hobby of watching and photographing aircraft an increasingly difficult pastime.

Enthusiasts have found themselves "moved on" from their favoured observation points, being classed as a possible security risk. The West Midlands Police at Birmingham Airport have put in place a security scheme to assist enthusiasts in continuing their hobby, as well as tapping into the knowledge and presence of said enthusiasts in the fight against potential terrorism and crime.

The "BAESS" is a joint initiative of the West Midlands Police based at Birmingham Airport and the Birmingham Aviation Enthusiasts Group and is sponsored by Birmingham Airport Limited. It has the following aims:

• The use of enthusiasts' knowledge of aviation environment and observation skills to report any suspicious activity.
  
  
• To promote responsible behavior amongst enthusiasts, discouraging the small minority that cause damage, obstructions etc.
  
  
• To promote greater understanding of the enthusiasts' cause and consultation on enthusiasts' issues with both the West Midlands Police and the Airport Company.

An ID badge is issued (free of charge) to all members of the "BHX Airport Watch". The badge does not confer entry to any private, restricted or secure area, it merely confirms that the holder is a genuine aviation enthusiast, and is intended to save both Police and enthusiast time by providing a quick and easy check when required.

Enthusiasts wishing to join the scheme can obtain an application form by sending an email to gordon_stretch@hotmail.com*

* flyintobhx.co.uk only advertises this scheme on behalf of BHX Airport Watch, should you require any information, help or assistance on your application, please only use the email address provided above.


Police officers from Birmingham Airport are asking for your help!!
The Flight Path Protection Team is a dedicated unit of Police Officers based at West Midlands Police Operations Aviation Unit at Birmingham Airport. As part of a government led initiative the team are working on engaging with communities in the areas surrounding the airport. We are asking these members of the public to be additional "eyes and ears" reporting anything suspicious to us in an attempt to reduce the opportunity for terrorist related incidents.

It is important to note that the security threat assessment to the UK has NOT been raised and there is no current intelligence or suggestion that an attack is likely or expected. If you feel that you could contribute to this initiative and would like to join the Airport Police “Community Engagement Register” then please email the details to mnpt@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk


Promoting co-operation between Aviation Enthusiasts, West Midlands Police and Birmingham Airport.

Please report suspicious activity to the Airport Police on 0121 712 6151
or the Anti-Terrorist hotline on 0800 789321