Current timestamp: 10/06/2023 01:44:04
AgeAlertAnonymousAppealsApplicationsApply Or RegisterArea OutlineArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow UpAutomatic DoorsBack ArrowBusinessCalendarCashArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow Down[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-chrome' for 'English (United Kingdom)']ClockCloseContactDirectionsDocumentDownloadDrawDrugExpandExternal LinkFacebookFb CommentFb LikeFiletype DefaultFiletype DocFiletype PdfFiletype PptFiletype XlsFinance[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-firefox' for 'English (United Kingdom)']First AidFlickrFraudGive FeedbackGlobeGuide DogHealthHearing ImpairedInduction LoopInfoInstagramIntercom[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-internet-explorer' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LaptopLiftLinkedinLocal ActivityLoudspeakerLow CounterMailMapMap PinMembershipMenuMenu 2[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-microsoft-edge' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Missing PeopleMobility ImpairmentNationalityNorth PointerOne Mile RadiusOverviewPagesPaper PlaneParkingPdfPhonePinterestPlayPushchairRefreshReportRequestRestart[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-rotate-clockwise' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Rss[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-safari' for 'English (United Kingdom)']SearchShareSign LanguageSnapchatStart AgainStatsStats And Prevention AdviceStopSubscribeTargetTattosTell Us AboutTickTumblrTwenty Four HoursTwitterTwitter LikeTwitter ReplyTwitter RetweetUploadVisually ImpairedWhatsappWheelchairWheelchair AssistedWheelchair ParkingWheelchair RampWheelchair WcYoutubeZoom InZoom Out

Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site

Skip to main content

Skip to main navigation

Welcome

This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.

Show me the site

Go to Leicestershire Police homepage

Search this website

Main navigation menu

  • Report

    Back to Report

    • Crime
    • Domestic abuse
    • Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences
    • Road traffic incident
    • Report antisocial behaviour
    • Missing person
    • Fraud, bribery or corruption
    • Civil disputes
    • Spiking
    • Lost or found property
    • Lost or stolen vehicles
  • Tell us about

    Back to Tell us about

    • Tell us about possible terrorist activity
    • How to tell us about something you've seen or heard
    • A procession or event you are planning
    • Filming
    • Abnormal vehicle load
  • Apply or register

    Back to Apply or register

    • Careers
    • Charity collection licences
    • Compensation for victims of crime
    • Firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate
    • Attend a misconduct hearing
  • Request

    Back to Request

    • A collision report
    • Intellectual property (IP) licence
    • Compensation for something the police have done
    • Your fingerprints
    • Information: about the police, about yourself or someone else
  • Thanks and complaints

    Back to Thanks and complaints

    • Complaints
    • Say thanks
    • Feedback about the website
  • Your area

Breadcrumb

  1. ...
  2. News

The team who work to keep the force vehicles on the road

Main article content

Navigation

News

08:00 31/05/2020

Responding to emergency incidents is the norm for police officers  - the blues and twos go on and they leap into action.

But what of the team behind the police vehicle fleet – the ones who keep the cars, vans and motorbikes vital to any emergency response, on the road?

It’s certainly no easy task given the size of the fleet which runs into hundreds and the importance of keeping it up and running 24/7 and in tip top condition so that it meets the highest of standards.

So just who makes up this team known as the Transport Unit?

For a start there are a number of vehicle technicians – the ones whose job it is to assess the problem or damage and carry out the actual repair. There’s also managerial and administrative support staff who keep the cogs turning and help to prioritise, as is necessary in any job of this sort. The unit itself is based at police headquarters in Enderby.

 

policecar2.jpg

The Transport Unit work to ensure the force's vehicle fleet is in full working order

 

The vehicles are extremely important to policing an area which not only covers the city, but communities across the rest of the county from north to south, East to West and as far afield as Rutland. The unit may also, from time to time, be called upon to provide services and repairs to outside forces.

So just what vehicles are we talking about and how much can we tell you?

There are several different makes and models driven by officers but the majority are made up of the nippy Vauxhall Astra with some extremely high powered BMWs thrown in. Top speeds can reach up to 170mph depending on the make and model. Not surprising then that those behind the wheel are specifically trained to handle fast cars and extreme situations.

“There’s always a pressure to get things done as soon as possible,” said Marc Swingler, workshop controller for the unit.

Policemotorbike.jpg

The team work on a range of police vehicles including cars, vans and motorbikes

 

“But then this isn’t like any ordinary garage where you can book things in weeks in advance. The turn-around has to be quick but we try to rise to that challenge daily to support our vehicle users. We know how important these vehicles are. They’re in constant use day and night because the force operates 24/7 and officers are responding to all sorts of emergencies as well as conducting daily business.

“We’re a crucial support service to frontline officers and we’re extremely proud to do this job every day. I speak for all my staff when I say we really enjoy our job and the part we play in the Leicestershire Police family.”

Of course these aren’t just ordinary Vauxhall Astras and BMWs. Most are equipped with blue light systems, video and voice recording equipment, as well as tracking systems, first aid and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) officers may need in the line of duty.

Marc said: “For operational reasons we can’t reveal everything the force uses but the vehicles and the equipment all have to be accounted for and of course, kept in good working order. There’s no way we can send a car out if it isn’t all working as it should and only half the equipment needed is in it.

“Policing is like no other job out there and we’re no exception really, but it’s hugely rewarding to be here doing a vital job. The team at the Transport Unit put in an outstanding effort and make me proud every day. We go above and beyond but we do that because we love it.”

Leicestershire Police is currently recruiting. For more information and to apply visit the website.

 

 

Share

Is there a problem with this page?

Footer navigation

We use cookies on this site to give you a better, more personalised experience.

I'm fine with cookies I'd like to manage the cookies

Leicestershire Police

  • Contact us
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Campaigns
  • News
  • Privacy notice
  • Cookies
  • Terms and conditions
  • Accessibility

Information and services

  • Advice and information
  • Crime prevention
  • Stats and data
  • Accessing information (FOI)
  • Report
  • Tell us about
  • Apply or register
  • Request
  • Feedback

Partners

  • Police.uk
  • Ask the Police
  • Police and Crime Commissioner

Follow us on

© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.