Special Operations Group of the Tasmania Police

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SOG subdued overalls insignia patch

The Special Operations Group (SOG) is the Police Tactical Group of the Australian Tasmania Police. SOG is a highly trained group within the Tasmania Police Service, made up of current serving Tasmania Police members from varied sections and branches^[1].

1 Mission
2 History
3 Principle roles
4 References
5 See also
6 External links

[edit] Mission

SOG officers training

The role of the Group is to offer, via specific tactical training, support to state-wide police operations where police or members of the Tasmanian public have been or are likely to be exposed to violence or other threats deemed to be of high risk ^[2].

This also includes potential deployment in a national counter-terrorism role in support of the National Anti Terrorist Plan (NATP). The Special Operations Group is deployed by the Assistant Commissioner (Crime & Operations). Negotiation is the primary tool for resolution, wherever possible, however the SOG provides high level containment skills and a National "best practice" resolution capability.

[edit] History

The SOG commenced in 1978 with police officers undertaking basic tactical training. Since that time the Group has gone through a number of significant changes, primarily brought about by national trends that saw extreme violence and related threats used and/or targeted against members of Australian communities. Since 1978, the Group has experienced several changes in name and training philosophies – from the Armed Offenders Squad to Special Weapons Squad and now Special Operations Group, a name which more accurately reflects the true nature of the Group's duties^[3].

The Tasmanian Police SOG was involved in the infamous 1996 Port Arthur massacre helping to bring the event to conclusion by arresting the heavily armed gunman Martin Bryant^[4].

[edit] Principle roles

Resolving siege and hostage situations, as well as armed offender situations;
Counter-terrorism and hijacking operations;
The escort and security of VIPs, internationally protected persons, Heads of State;
Undertaking searches of premises in high risk situations;
The arrest of armed and dangerous offenders;
Escorting and securing dangerous prisoners in high risk situations;