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The New Zealand Defence Force has introduced 18 new emergency response vehicles into service to support Joint Military Police Unit personnel during a ceremony at Devonport Naval Base.
The new Ford Rangers are designed to assist Joint Military Police Unit (JMPU) personnel as they undertake a range of tasks within NZDF camps, bases and training areas, and will provide assistance during civil emergency and natural disaster responses.
The vehicles cover a range of modern policing capabilities, such as speed and alcohol detection, investigation equipment, and immediate first aid support such as automated electronic defibrillators. New vehicles will be rolled out elsewhere in New Zealand in late October.
Commander Joint Support Group, Colonel Ant Blythen confirmed that the new fleet of universal response vehicles arrived on time and within budget.
“The introduction of the new vehicles is a great step forward for the NZDF policing capability with modern, fit-for-purpose vehicles,” Colonel Blythen said.
“Getting these vehicles into service is the result of a lot of work by the Headquarters JSG Logistics Cell and JMPU working with Capability Branch and Defence Equipment Management Organisation.”
JMPU responsibilities include crime prevention, incident response services and a fundamental mission to increase community safety and wellbeing and maintain the military justice system.
Staff have previously used a mixed fleet of seven different vehicle types, some approaching end-of-life timing.
