The customs department is operating at 57 officers below its full capacity, the Government said yesterday.

Although a statement from the national security ministry insisted that “sustained recruitment and workforce planning” were continuous.

The established operational strength required for Customs to function at full capacity is 228 officers, the Government said, but only 171 officers are in post.

It added that the department plans to hold another recruitment drive this year to increase its capacity and effectiveness.

The statement came after Opposition Leader Robert King said in an Opinion article published in The Royal Gazette that staffing shortages placed “sustained and unacceptable pressure” on frontline customs officers at the Hamilton docks and LF Wade International Airport.

Mr King, the Shadow Minister of National Security, claimed that there were public accounts pointing to low morale and leadership challenges within the department.

Michael Weeks, the national security minister, said the department was “in a seasonally slower operational period” as trainee officers undertake classroom-based training for a up to six weeks.

He said the Government takes seriously the welfare of customs officers and the operational effectiveness of the department.

It remains focused on ensuring the island’s borders are protected through appropriate staffing, training and modern enforcement tools, he added.

The Government said fewer than 300 passengers are arriving on most days of the week at the airport, a figure which it compared to 1,800 passengers who travel to the island during the busier summer months.

During this time, it said trained officers continue to function in operational posts, ensuring continuity of service to the travelling public and commercial importers.

The statement added that the training cycle is a “normal and planned part” of workforce development and does not indicate a decline in morale or service delivery.

Peak operational demand traditionally begins in mid-April through May and the Government said preparations for that busier period were under way.

Last year, 13 customs officers were hired and a majority of the recruits were strategically placed at the airport during peak operational periods, where passenger volumes and risk profiles are highest.

In terms of sick leave, the Government said officers across the service may be absent at various times owing to documented medical conditions that — based on medical advice — are not related to workplace fatigue or excessive work schedules.

It said it was unaware of organised sick-outs or work stoppages within Customs.

Mr King wrote earlier that critical inspection equipment at Hamilton docks was out of service for an extended period.

The Government said the X-ray scanner at the port was fully repaired and has been operational since last week.

“While there have been limited periods over the past decade when the equipment was offline, it is incorrect to suggest that Customs is currently operating without scanning capability at the docks,” its statement added.

It said the installation of a new scanning system and the completion of the associated building structure were expected within the next few months.

In the interim, officers continue to conduct inspections using established alternative enforcement procedures, the Government said.