FORCE CAPABILITY BOOSTED BY 14 NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART VANS

The force has continued its investment into our fleet by taking delivery of 14 state-of-the-art new vans for the Tactical Aid Unit in support of the Plan on a Page commitments.

The TAU has received considerable investment, resulting in the unit almost doubling in size in terms of officer numbers.

The officers are split between Openshaw and Leigh to enhance our service delivery across Greater Manchester.

The new vans continue this investment and look significantly different, being navy in colour and having improved livery.

They have been kitted out to meet our current demand and with future demand in mind.

With the inside also being upgraded, including the installation of TV monitors to hold briefings, the new vans can double up as JESIP command vehicles on major incidents.

They also have their own power supply to maximise the use of mobile technology.

Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said: “The new vans are part of a 12-month project, which is on track to see all 14 vans operational by the end of June 2023. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to make this happen.

“The TAU has been utilising a number of vehicles which have reached their end of life.

“These new vans will help with the force’s plans to invest in the specialist capability of the TAU, ensuring that the teams have the very best equipment to respond to threats and protect our communities.

“The staff have been directly involved in developing the specification for the vehicles, to ensure that they meet the diverse operational demands which the TAU is called upon to deal with.

“The whole look and feel of the new vans is very impactive and provides a statement of intent to demonstrate the proactive, no-nonsense approach GMP is taking to deal with crime and disorder.

“Now that the new vans are operational, our colleagues and members of the public can expect to see them patrolling crime hotspots, proactively dealing with criminals on the streets and supporting planned operations across our districts, such as Op Vulcan and Op Avro, nighttime economy policing and wider neighbourhood policing issues.”