| Zentrale Unterstützungsgruppe Zoll | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1997 – Present |
| Country | Germany |
| Branch | German Customs Service |
| Type | Special response unit |
| Role | Law Enforcement |
| Size | 36 officers |
| Garrison/HQ | Cologne, Germany |
The Zentrale Unterstützungsgruppe Zoll (Central Customs Support Group, ZUZ) is the SWAT unit of the German Customs Service (Bundeszollverwaltung) and subordinate to the German Customs Investigation Bureau (Zollkriminalamt, ZKA).
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In response to the increasing violence against law enforcement officers, the ZUZ was formed in 1997 as the customs SWAT team for use when regular officers would be in too much danger. Until that point, the German Customs services requested the service of the SEK units or the GSG 9 for high-risk missions. However, due to the workload of these units, the German Customs Service decided to establish their own special unit for these types of missions.
Any member of the German Customs Service can apply for the selection process of the ZUZ. Requirements are:
The selection process lasts 14 days and includes physical tests, medical examinations, interviews and aptitude tests.
Upon completion of the selection process, new ZUZ members have to attend a 10-week basic training which is followed by a 48-week advanced training.
Preservation of the various basic skills (i.e., shooting, sport and self-defence) is a top priority on the ZUZ training plan as well as driving and safety training and courses on new technical devices.
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