Special Emergency Response Team (Queensland)

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SERT subdued shoulder patch
SERT subdued shoulder patch
For the Canadian unit see Special Emergency Response Team.

Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) is the Police Tactical Group of the Queensland Police, Australia. SERT is part of the Specialist Services Branch which incorporates units such as the Dog Squad, Explosive Ordnance Response Team (Bomb Squad), Mounted Police and Water Police.

Contents

[edit] History

Initially formed in 1975 and originally known as the Emergency Squad, the unit underwent several name changes over the years and up until 1992 was known as the Special Weapons and Operations Squad (SWOS). Prior to 1992 the unit was part time made up of officers drawn from other areas of the Police and performing tactical duties as required. Since 1992 the unit is a full-time dedicated police tactical unit and is now known as the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT).

[edit] Mission

To provide a specialist service to the community and support police operations by the attainment of a high level of expertise and professionalism in resolving incidents which exceed normal police capabilities.


[edit] Principal roles

  • Protecting endangered witnesses;
  • Resolving siege and hostage situations, as well as armed offender situations;
  • Providing a negotiation service in high risk and critical situations;
  • Undertaking searches of premises in high risk situations;
  • The arrest of armed and dangerous offenders;
  • Escorting and securing dangerous prisoners in high risk situations;
  • Providing support services for major operations
  • High angle rescue
  • Less lethal tactics deployment
  • Water and Airborne operations and insertion

[edit] See also

[edit] Similar Australian units

See also: Police Tactical Group

[edit] International units

[edit] Related articles

[edit] External links