Reflex

This multi-agency initiative was set up in 2000 as part of the government’s response to organised immigration crime. Its remit is to co-ordinate operations against organised immigration crime including smuggling and trafficking, and to develop the intelligence and strategic planning to underpin them. Chaired by the National Crime Squad (NCS) it brings together the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS), the Immigration Service (IS), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Intelligence and Security Agencies, and key police forces including the Metropolitan police and Kent police. As a consequence of Reflex, a number of Immigration Crime Teams staffed by immigration and police officers under the auspices of the NCS have been set up. Additionally Immigration Liaison Officers based overseas liaise with agencies and police services on organised immigration crime.