Go North East has partnered with Cleveland and Durham Police by donating a bus which will be used to mock-up real life emergency situations.
The double-deck bus, which is already in use by the force, will operate as a training facility for over 100 firearms officers and commanders across both police forces.
In return earlier this year, Cleveland and Durham Police delivered training to Go North East’s senior leadership team – and will shortly be carrying out similar training to the company’s control room team – on handling potentially difficult scenarios.
Inspector Karl Brown, of Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “Having a bus which has been used in real service makes our training more realistic. Our officers are able to understand the spaces they will be working in and how they will organise themselves, making the training more effective.
“We are really grateful for the donation. It will enhance the effectiveness of our training, benefitting the officers and the public.”
Stephen King, Commercial Director at Go North East, added: “Forging partnerships of this nature, which not only benefit local people but our region in general, are of the utmost importance to us.
“What’s especially rewarding about this relationship with Cleveland and Durham Police is the ability for us to learn from one another and, for the ongoing support and training they have provided, we are extremely grateful.
We’re extremely pleased our donated bus has become a key training tool for officers.”
