North Wales Police launches first Mountain Rescue Support Team of its kind
North Wales Police has launched a new specialist Mountain Rescue Support Team which it says is the first of its kind in England and Wales.
The team has been created to strengthen the force’s response to incidents involving vulnerable people and volatile situations in the mountains and rural landscapes of North Wales.
Officers in the team will work alongside established mountain rescue teams and other emergency services, providing dedicated police support during incidents involving people who may be at risk of harm to themselves or others in difficult-to-access terrain.
North Wales Police said the region’s challenging geography and the large number of visitors attracted to its mountain areas created operational challenges requiring specialist skills, equipment and coordination.
Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said the creation of the team represented a “significant step forward” in the force’s ability to protect communities and visitors.
“Our officers regularly operate in some of the most challenging environments in the country, and this dedicated team will enhance our effectiveness, improve public safety, and further strengthen our partnership working with mountain rescue teams and other emergency services,” she said.
The officers involved will remain in their day-to-day policing roles but will have an additional specialist skill and can be deployed when required.
The force said the team would provide additional support during incidents in difficult and inaccessible terrain involving people who may be vulnerable or pose a risk to themselves or others.