Special Branch ports unit make a significant contribution to countering the terrorist threat and maintaining national security by posting Special branch officers at airports and seaports. Special Branch officers at ports also contribute to the generic police effort towards the reduction of serious and organised crime by monitoring passengers in order to provide intelligence about criminal activity.

The effectiveness of Special Branch ports activity is enhanced through working very closely with colleagues in the United Kingdom Immigration Service, the Home Office, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs , the Department of Transport, the Security Service and other intelligence agencies.