WA Police bolstered by new armoured vehicles, specialised boats

Friday, 6 October 2023 11:51

By Monique Welhan

The new BearCat. PIC: Paul Papalia CSC MLA/Facebook

WA Police have been equipped with two new armoured vehicles and specialised boats.

The Tactical Response Group (TRG) now have use of two custom-built BearCat vehicles and two new Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIB).

The BearCats were built by American company Lenco at a cost of $1.1 million.

Used by specialist military and police teams around the world, BearCats respond to high-risk situations including active shooters, the execution of high-risk warrants and hostage rescue scenarios.

The $1.2 million RHIBs were built and delivered by local manufacturer Kirby Marine.

Designed for extreme pace and manoeuvrability, RHIBs can also be rapidly deployed making them the ideal intercepting craft.

This includes those suspected of being involved in the transportation of illicit drugs.

Each 9.5 metre vessel boasts twin 225hp Suzuki engines and can reach speeds up to 50 knots (approx. 95 km/hr).

The vessels replace existing RHIBs which have reached the end of their operational life and have been traded into the Henderson based boat builder.

"The Western Australia Police Force is better equipped than ever before in history," Police Minister Paul Papalia said.

"Specialist officers, such as those in the Tactical Response Group, frequently respond to a range of high-risk threats across the State, which is why the WA Government continues to ensure it's resourced with the best operational assets.

"From international drug smuggling plots to terror threats and lone gunmen, our tactical teams need to be prepared for everything."

The arrival of the new BearCats has expanded the TRG's armoured vehicle fleet by one vehicle with an ageing 2006 model BearCat to be decommissioned and donated to the Police Historical Society.