Armoured Land Rover not used in 11 years
The armoured Land Rover bought by Guernsey Police in 2012 has never been used in earnest, but the force says it remains a ‘valuable tool’.
The vehicle cost about £180,000 at the time, a spokesman said.
Although it has been deployed during exercises over the years, ‘it has not been used in its primary role since its purchase’, he said.
The armoured vehicle would be called upon in situations involving immediate life at risk, or where there was an armed individual involved.
‘It would be used to rescue injured people, or transport paramedics into a dangerous scene.’
There was criticism of the purchase at the time, but then-Chief of Police Patrick Rice said it was his job ‘to ensure that the island is adequately protected’.
The spokesman estimated that the vehicle had running costs of about £190 a year – about £50 for mechanical parts and £140 for labour time, and fuel.
In addition, the armour must be recertified once every 10 years ‘for a small cost’.
The vehicle is still available for use by officers.
‘While it has not been used in its primary role since its purchase, it is a very valuable tool to have available,’ said the spokesman.
‘If a scenario ever does arise where it is used, if it saves just one life, it will have been more than worth the cost.’
