Multi-agency training exercise comes to an end

Derbyshire Constabulary along with the Military, emergency services and other partner agencies have held a three-day training exercise this week.

Derbyshire Constabulary along with the Military, emergency services and other partner agencies have held a three-day training exercise this week.

The exercise was one of a number of pre-planned routine exercises, of this nature, organised around the country to test and strengthen a response to a terrorist incident, it was not in response to any specific intelligence or threat.

The sites that were used included Midland Railway, Chesterfield Football Club and Gulliver’s Kingdom.

Residents and businesses living close to the sites were informed of the exercise and were warned about increased noise and the presence of the military and emergency services.

Deputy Chief Constable Simon Blatchly said: “It is essential that we test emergency services and partner agencies to ensure that they are prepared as to what response would be given should we experience a real-life incident.

“The realistic scenarios are an excellent way to put training to use and to enhance relationships with partner organisations.

“The exercise was a success and several training objectives that required testing were met. It is crucial that we continue to test and train our officers to ensure that we provide the protection that the public expect and deserve.”

“It is important to note that the exercise was funded as part of an existing training programme and did not affect local policing budgets, and the level of service to the public by all agencies involved was not affected and business as usual continued.

“I would like to express my thanks to all agencies involved and to the public and local businesses for their patience should they have heard any noise or disruption. Also, a thank you goes to all the venues used.”