Since 1976, Grampian Police has successfully operated a specific unit known as the Energy and Protective Security Unit (EPSU) which is dedicated to providing support and advice to the oil and gas industry and fulfils a variety of roles including close liaison with all oil and gas operators, contractors, drilling and service companies in relation to offshore emergency response.  The unit has a strong focus on providing assistance regarding contingency procedures and takes part in company emergency response exercises.  The EPSU also provides support and advice to operational police officers and acts as a conduit for information between the police and the energy sector.

Grampian Police provide the chair and secretariat for the Emergency Preparedness Offshore Liaison (EPOL) Group.  This is an industry driven initiative fully supported by the force, encouraging oil and gas companies to share good practice and other information in relation to offshore safety and to address emergency planning and response issues.  The group was established in 1995 with the aim of providing a forum to allow organisations to come together in order to learn lessons from both real incidents and exercise scenarios and to improve existing emergency response procedures.

Grampian Police EPSU is currently exploring the impact the development of the UK offshore renewables industry may have on the force and is involved with other UK police forces in sharing learning and experiences in this field.

For further information contact:
Inspector David Nicoll
Grampian Police
Grampian Police HQ
Queen Street
Aberdeen
AB10 1ZA

T: +44(0)1224 306394
E: david.nicoll@grampian.pnn.police.uk
www.grampian.police.uk