New additions to our fleet

We have recently taken delivery of several new vehicles that will support officers across County Durham and Darlington.

Among the latest additions are specially adapted Audi Q7s, which will be used by our Roads and Armed Policing Unit, and a Toyota Hilux, which will support our Neighbourhood Policing Team in Barnard Castle, with funding support provided by Rurali.

Rurali is a force-wide initiative that helps tackle rural crime and bridge intelligence gaps within our rural communities, enhancing safety and security.

Roads policing and rural policing are among the most demanding areas of frontline policing, requiring officers to carry a significant amount of equipment. The Toyota Hilux will enable officers to patrol some of our most remote communities, with its full off-road capability allowing it to assist with search and rescue operations, drone deployments, and operations involving suspects who often use off-road vehicles themselves.

The vehicle can also carry additional road traffic equipment, advanced first aid supplies, including a trauma kit and defibrillator, and a drone supported by an in-built power supply. These resources can prove lifesaving across the large and varied area our officers cover.

The Audi Q7s will form part of our armed response vehicle fleet and, due to their dual role, must carry equipment to support both roads policing operations and firearms response. This includes firearms, officer safety equipment, advanced medical kits, specialist method-of-entry tools, and roads policing resources such as cones, signage, and stingers.

All equipment is stored in custom housing for quick and easy access when required. These vehicles are designed to help keep both the public and officers safe when attending the most serious incidents.

Chief Inspector Sarah Hindmarsh, from our Roads and Armed Policing Unit, said: “Investing in modern, purpose-built vehicles helps ensure our officers have the tools they need to protect our communities, respond effectively to incidents, and provide vital support wherever it is needed.

We need to be able to reach people safely and quickly across both urban and rural areas, while ensuring our officers are equipped to meet the challenges they face every day.”