Queensland has spent $400000 with American based company, Lenco, on an armoured response vehicle (ARV) for the QLD Police Service Special Emergency Response Team (SERT).
Police Minister Neil Roberts said the nine tonne vehicle would add to SERT's tactical options during domestic high risk and counter-terrorist operations.
"The ARV possesses a range of highly specialised communication technologies in addition to full ballistic protection and high level four-wheel-drive and off road capability," he said.
"The vehicle will provide SERT officers with a range of additional deployment options including enabling the recovery of injured people, supporting a safe negotiation platform, providing a delivery platform for SERT operatives during high risk operations and moving resources during high-risk situations."
Acting Commissioner Ian Stewart said the QPS will enhance the safety of QPS and emergency services personnel and members of the public in high-risk situations.
"It is worth noting that the vehicle's internal layout and configuration was designed by our own SERT officers," he said.
"Lenco stated during testing that the design requested by SERT had not previously been undertaken but provided significant operational advances on previous models.”
He stated the manufacturer believed the QPS design would become the template for design of future vehicles.
According to Mr Roberts all SERT officers had undertaken training and were qualified to operate the vehicle.
The State’s emergency response team undertakes the QPS tactical response to terrorist operations in the state and can support interstate counter terrorist operations.
"SERT also provides state-wide operational support to regional police where operational taskings exceed normal police capabilities or specific specialist skills are required,” he said.
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