Police undertake scenario exercise at Taupo Airport

Dozens of Police, Fire Service and St John’s Ambulance staff were in attendance at a reported "situation" at Taupo Airport today – all in the name of ensuring the Taupo region is as prepared as it can be for any potential incident in the area.

The mock scenario at Taupo Airport involved an “agitated and armed passenger” on board a “commercial” flight preparing to depart from the Airport. The plane had a number of “passengers” on board, with reports that some of them had been injured.

A large contingent of Taupo Police were deployed to the Airport, with the area cordoned off to members of the public.

The “incident” was eventually resolved when members of the Rotorua Armed Offenders Squad apprehended the “offender” on board the plane, releasing the “passengers” without further harm.

The Taupo Police Area Tactical Co-ordinator, Senior Sergeant Tony Jeurissen, says the objective of today’s exercise was to assess Police and emergency services systems and processes around any potential incident at Taupo Airport – or elsewhere in Taupo.

“The Bay of Plenty Police District undertakes emergency scenario exercises like this one on a semi-regular basis, to ensure that our systems and processes are as tight as they possibly can be in the event of a real situation.

"Like any organisation, we are constantly looking for improvements to our operations. It's important for us to determine the aspects that work well, and identify any improvements that need to be made.

“Scenario exercises like this are an important part of our planning and preparation.”

Senior Sergeant Jeurissen says he is pleased with the way the exercise developed, and the eventual successful outcome.

He says a full debrief will be held next week, to ensure that the exercise is fully analysed and any improvements identified.

He says Taupo Police would like to thank all members of the public who were involved in today’s exercise.