Senior constable Aaron Brady from the New Zealand Police Force said he first came across the idea at the Burnham Military Camp where shipping containers were used as a training facility for the army.

The 14 modified shipping containers have cut out sections to create window and door frames. They are stacked to form a three-storey structure, which includes the two-storey house and the addition of another level to simulate a helicopter cabin.

This unique configuration has enabled the police tactical team to replicate a range of activities.

“The strength of the shipping container is ideal because the frames for the doors and windows need to be able to withstand manual breaching, but the actual doors and windows we install have to be standard size to replicate real houses so officers can then practise gaining access through them,” says senior constable Brady.

“We currently use this facility for a range of training drills including ‘fast roping’ training, where officers descend down a rope from the helicopter onto a building or the ground in situations where it is impossible to land.

“The top level of the structure simulates the conditions inside a helicopter, enabling us to complete this drill in a realistic environment without the cost of using a real helicopter.”

The containers were supplied by Royal Wolf, who specialise in the hire, sale and modification of new and refurbished shipping containers. The New Zealand police previously used old, derelict and demountable buildings for general training and demonstrations but shipping containers provided a far better solution because of their strength and durability.

Senior constable Brady says the containers are much more adaptable for training requirements and because they are stackable, their footprint on site is minimised.

“This makes the facility more cost effective as we are able to leave the containers in place for the duration of the training and all we have to do is replace the doors and windows when needed.”

The project has been very successful and the New Zealand Police are looking to expand the structure and the project in the future.