GDP trains Customs in search techniques

Instructors from the Gibraltar Defence Police Search Team have delivered ‘vital’ training to HM Customs personnel.

In a statement the GDP said this was another example of cooperation between the two forces.

The training took place over two days and covered basic search techniques with a particular focus on vehicle searches.

HM Customs are routinely required to conduct vehicle searches so this was a valuable element of the training.

A GDP Search Team instructor said: “In this day and age, adopting appropriate search techniques is vital as it guarantees our livelihoods are not endangered by events which are evident in the whole wide world.” 

“Affording this kind of training to our colleagues does not only provide us with the added security at Gibraltar’s entry points but it also ensures that no illegal items are imported too.  It has been a pleasure instructing this young and eager team of colleagues and we will endeavour to enhance this.”

Meanwhile a representative from H M Customs Training dept said: “We totally appreciate the time and effort that the Gibraltar Defence Police have invested in training our staff.  I wish to extend our gratitude to those involved in organising and delivering this course”.

To date a number of courses have been delivered and over 50 Customs Officers have attended.  The training may be developed further in the future and include other forms of search awareness.

The GDP continues their close ties with H M Customs and their Training departments regularly meet to discuss future projects.