DOZENS of Ministry of Defence Police have been relocated in North Yorkshire this month, providing extra support to the region.

The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP), relocated its Northern Operational Support Unit (OSU), of 40 officers from temporary accommodation at Dishforth to a new HQ at RAF Linton on Ouse.

The unit will cover the north of England and Scotland in a variety of specialist roles, including searching, firearms duties, specialised video evidence gathering using advanced monitoring equipment, but it can be called upon to provide support across the UK if needed.

Insp Gordon Bruce, of the OSU said the unit could be used to support North Yorkshire Police in major investigations, and welcomed the support of the base.

“The OSU can be called in to support all military units and bases across the UK, but we have also been called in to help the civilian police on a number of occasions,” he said.

“We are really looking forward to being based at RAF Linton on Ouse, and the support we have received from the station has been tremendous.”

The MDP is a civilian police force funded by the Ministry of Defence protection of defence bases from terrorism, criminal activity and illegal trespass, but officers also have full constabulary powers, and all 3,500 officers are fully firearms trained.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Madgwick, of North Yorkshire Police, welcomed the move, and hoped to work closely with the team in future.

“I am delighted that the Northern OSU have moved to their new headquarters at RAF Linton on Ouse.

“We have a great working relationship with them and have assisted them with numerous operations over the years,” he said.

“They have many skills which we have called upon on many occasions, such as their specialist search capabilities which we have utilised during murder and missing person investigations.

“I hope our positive and mutually beneficial relationship will continue in the coming years.”