List of law enforcement agencies in Northern Ireland facts for kids

Northern Ireland has many different groups that work to keep people safe and make sure laws are followed. These groups are called law enforcement agencies. They help protect everyone, from making sure roads are safe to investigating serious crimes.

Who Keeps Northern Ireland Safe?

Police Forces

These are the main groups that patrol streets and respond to emergencies. They help people and investigate crimes.

• Police Service of Northern Ireland: This is the main police force for all of Northern Ireland. They are responsible for general policing duties.
• Ministry of Defence Police: This police force protects important sites owned by the UK Ministry of Defence. They work at military bases and other special locations.
• Belfast Harbour Police: This small police force looks after the busy port of Belfast. They keep the harbour safe and secure.
• Belfast International Airport Constabulary: This police group keeps Belfast International Airport safe. They help passengers and make sure airport rules are followed.

Groups with Special Powers

These agencies have special powers to help with specific types of law enforcement.

• National Crime Agency: This agency tackles serious and organized crime across the UK, including Northern Ireland. They work on big cases like fraud.
• Northern Ireland Security Guard Service: This group provides security at government buildings in Northern Ireland. They help keep these important places safe.
• Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland: This independent office checks how the police act. If someone has a complaint about the police, this office investigates it fairly.

Groups with Specific Jobs

These agencies have specific jobs to do, often related to borders, taxes, or vehicles.

• Border Force: This group protects the UK's borders. They check people and goods coming into Northern Ireland to stop illegal items or activities.
• Immigration Enforcement: This agency makes sure that people living in the UK have the right to be there. They deal with immigration rules.
• His Majesty's Revenue and Customs: Often called HMRC, this department collects taxes for the government. They also work to stop tax fraud and smuggling.
• Driver and Vehicle Agency: This agency manages driving licenses and vehicle registrations in Northern Ireland. They make sure drivers and cars are safe and legal.

National Support Teams

Some groups provide special support or information to police forces across the UK, including Northern Ireland.

• National Wildlife Crime Unit: This unit works to stop crimes against wildlife, like poaching or illegal trading of animals.
• National Counter Terrorism Security Office: This office gives advice on how to protect places from terrorism. They help make public spaces safer.
• National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service: This service collects information about vehicle crime. They help police forces track stolen cars and stop car theft.
• National Domestic Extremism and Disorder Intelligence Unit: This unit gathers information about groups that might cause serious public disorder or extremism.
• National Fraud Intelligence Bureau: This bureau collects reports of fraud and helps police investigate these crimes. They work to protect people from scams.