Marine Unit - PS Grainger
Marine Unit - PS Grainger
Life before MDP
PS Grainger brought nearly two decades of specialist firearms experience to the Ministry of Defence Police Marine Unit. During 19 years with Sussex Police, he served as an Armed Response Vehicle officer, Tactical Rifle Officer, and Operational Firearms Commander, responding to spontaneous and planned specialist firearms incidents across Surrey and Sussex and supporting major national events including Royal and sporting occasions.
Why the MDP?
Having made the decision to retire early from Home Office policing, PS Grainger felt he still had more to offer in armed policing. "I wasn't ready to give up policing," he explains. "I still had a real desire to continue my armed policing career." After researching the MDP thoroughly and speaking with former colleagues already serving, he made the move to the Marine Unit.
A Typical Day
A typical shift begins with handover and arming procedures before balancing team management, administration, and responding to planned or spontaneous incidents. The day concludes with off-going handover and de-arming procedures.
Most Rewarding Aspects
The most rewarding aspects of his role are commanding escorts and planned operations alongside managing and developing his team. Integrating marine skills alongside established firearms tactics has been a particular highlight. "Learning new marine skills and implementing them alongside firearms tactics has been really rewarding," he says.
Advice for Your First Day
His advice for new recruits joining the Marine Unit? "Invest time early in learning the IT systems - it pays off."
Interest in joining our Marine Units?
Find out more about how to apply.
