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Targa Tops the Police Popularity Poll
01 Mar 2003
In recent years, there is a fair chance that anyone visiting sites along the increasingly tourism-orientated River Thames in London will have noticed a Metropolitan Police Targa 31 on patrol. Since 1998, the Thames Division of the Met has been updating its traditional fleet with the thoroughly modern Targa 31s built by Botnia Marin in Finland and supplied by Poole based Wessex Marine.
The fourth and latest Targa 31 is named Nina MacKay in honour of a Police Officer killed in the line of duty.
The vessel has completed its commissioning and sea trials in Poole and been handed over to representatives of Thames Division.
The first Targa 31 for the Met drew raised eyebrows from some traditionalist operators suspicious of its improved performance and crew comfort. However, as the craft went on to prove its durability in a strenuous working environment, acceptance has turned into enthusiasm and it is significant that the specification of the fourth boat is almost identical to that of the first.
Speaking informally, crew members indicate that Targas are their first choice for all duties due to the improved working conditions of quietness, warmth and safety afloat. The popularity has translated into higher than expected workloads and running hours but without an increase in down time.
MJ Information No: 18024
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