Tasmania Police has accepted the transfer of a gifted armoured Lenco BearCat from Western Australia Police, further strengthening the organisation's capacity to safely respond to high risk incidents statewide.
The 2012 Lenco BearCat, which is the same model as the armoured vehicle already utilised by Tasmania Police, will be allocated to the Special Operations Group (SOG) and will complement existing armoured capability currently deployed across the State.
Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said that the additional vehicle enhanced Tasmania Police's ability to manage incidents involving long arms, sieges, armed offenders and other high risk situations, while providing a greater level of protection for police, other emergency service workers and members of the community.
"The BearCat is bullet and blast resistant and is designed to support the safe deployment of specialist police, as well as the extraction of injured persons or members of the public from high risk environments," he said.
"Tasmania Police SOG currently operates a combination of armoured assets positioned across the State. The inclusion of this gifted BearCat will allow improved coverage in both northern and southern regions, increasing operational flexibility and resilience during critical incidents."
Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said that the vehicle was scheduled to arrive in the state this weekend, before undergoing routine maintenance and preparation prior to operational deployment, including registration and operator training.
"Members of the public may see the vehicle on Tasmanian roads from time to time; however, its presence should not cause alarm," he said.
"The BearCat will not be used for general duties or patrols and will only be deployed in circumstances where specialised armoured protection is required.
"The acceptance of this vehicle represents a strong example of inter jurisdictional cooperation between Australian policing agencies and ensures Tasmania Police continues to maintain contemporary, effective specialist capabilities."
