State Protection Group
Encyclopedia
The State Protection Group (SPG) is part of the Specialist Operations
division of the New South Wales Police Force, having been established in 1991 to deal with extraordinary policing responses. The SPG directly supports police in high-risk incidents such as siege
s with specialised tactical, negotiation
, intelligence
and command-support services. The unit also provides rescue and bomb disposal support, witness security
, armoury services and general security for police and other government institutions
Later other sections were also added to the command including the Police Armoury, Negotiation section, Bomb disposal and Dog Unit.
Plan has required each state police force to maintain a specialist counter-terrorist and hostage-rescue unit (Police Tactical Group
).
The NSW Tactical Operations Unit, formed in June 1991, aims to resolve high-risk incidents by containment and negotiation, with minimal or judicious use of force to be applied only as a last resort and based on full and careful assessment. Unlike the former Special Weapons and Operations Squad (SWOS) (1979–1991) and Tactical Response Group (TRG) (1981–91), the TOU is a full-time assignment and is not assigned to riot control or crowd control
situations, which are handled by the Public Order and Riot Squad
(PORS). The unit is available to provide extraordinary assistance to operational police in high-risk incidents such as resolving siege
and hostage situations, as well as armed offender situations. The TOU also conducts arrest of armed and dangerous offenders such as Ivan Milat
and those involved in bikie related shootings.
The TOU is equipped with 'less-lethal'
devices as well as specialist firearms and equipment for 'domestic' and counter-terrorist
operations. Members of the TOU are equipped with a wide range of specialist firearms including Heckler & Koch UMP
submachine guns and tactical shotguns. The TOU is equipped with a wide range of specialist vehicles including armoured Chevrolet vans and a Lenco BearCat
armoured Ford F550 .
The SPG, in conjunction with the NSW Police Academy, is responsible for the initial selection and training of SPSU volunteers, followed up by monthly local training. The SPSU officers also attend an annual training camp organised by the School of Operational Safety and Tactics Unit to maintain consistency in their training levels. The majority of SPSU team leaders are former TOU officers.
As the SPSU is a part-time unit and are not responsible for counter terrorist operations (responsibility lies with the TOU) they are not trained or equipped to the same level as the TOU. SPSU teams are equipped with a range of specialist tactical gear including less than lethal munitions such as Taser
s, beanbags
as well as various shotguns and M4
/M16
semi automatic rifles.
support of operational police in situations of any risk category. This support extends from searches for evidence
, to working with negotiators at extreme heights.
Police Rescue operators are trained to use equipment such as Jaws of Life, metal detector
s, trapped person locaters, sophisticated communication equipment and cutting tools etc. These officers are experts in abseiling
, climbing
, single rope techniques and stretcher escorts with cliff machines.
The Units core responsibilities include:
Some of the Rescue Unit's responsibilities and challenges include:
In 1993 the Department of Defence handed over bomb disposal responsibilities to the NSW Police Force. The Bomb Disposal section was established within Forensic Services and then in 1997, the section was relocated to the SPG. Prior to the 2000 Sydney
Olympic Games
, the Bomb Disposal
section was amalgamated with the Rescue Unit.
The Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit is based in Zetland (Sydney). Part-time units are based in Wollongong
, Cooma
, Goulburn
, the Blue Mountains, Bathurst
, Newcastle
and Lismore
. The part-time units are responsible for land rescue and bomb appraisal operations.
The unit was the subject of an Australian ABC television series (1991–1996) and a 1994 feature film, Police Rescue
.
The unit was established to support police in locating offenders and missing persons
, detecting and detaining fleeing criminals and detecting drugs
, firearms and explosives Dogs used for patrol duties are German Shepherds or Rottweilers. The Labrador
retriever is the breed of choice for specialist detection for narcotics and explosives, etc.
After training, all police dog teams are able to track and find wanted offenders or missing persons, search all types of buildings, detect illicit drugs, and support foot-patrolling of public places to deter crime and make these places safer for the community. There are 14 police dogs and handlers operating in each region and three located at the Police Dog Training Centre, a total of 59 teams.
Dog Squad officers may be called upon to chase and apprehend offenders who may be escaping arrest and may be armed and dangerous or act as a deterrent and back up in dangerous situations such as brawls, sieges, riots and domestics. They are also used to provide high profile foot patrols in places such as schools, industrial areas, shopping complexes and during large public events such as New Year's Eve or sporting events, etc.
The Dog Unit currently has the following capabilities/specialist dogs:
NSW Police Force general purpose and tactical dogs are also issued their own sets of canine body armour/ballistic vests.
Specialist Operations (New South Wales)
The Specialist Operations is a Command within the New South Wales Police Force that is responsible for a range of specialist groups of the police force...
division of the New South Wales Police Force, having been established in 1991 to deal with extraordinary policing responses. The SPG directly supports police in high-risk incidents such as siege
Siege
A siege is a military blockade of a city or fortress with the intent of conquering by attrition or assault. The term derives from sedere, Latin for "to sit". Generally speaking, siege warfare is a form of constant, low intensity conflict characterized by one party holding a strong, static...
s with specialised tactical, negotiation
Negotiation
Negotiation is a dialogue between two or more people or parties, intended to reach an understanding, resolve point of difference, or gain advantage in outcome of dialogue, to produce an agreement upon courses of action, to bargain for individual or collective advantage, to craft outcomes to satisfy...
, intelligence
Intelligence (information gathering)
Intelligence assessment is the development of forecasts of behaviour or recommended courses of action to the leadership of an organization, based on a wide range of available information sources both overt and covert. Assessments are developed in response to requirements declared by the leadership...
and command-support services. The unit also provides rescue and bomb disposal support, witness security
Witness protection
Witness protection is protection of a threatened witness or any person involved in the justice system, including defendants and other clients, before, during and after a trial, usually by police...
, armoury services and general security for police and other government institutions
History
Established in June 1991, the State Protection Group replaced four former specialist units;the Special Weapons and Operations Section(SWOS), the Witness Security Unit, regional Tactical Response Groups and the Police Rescue Squad.Later other sections were also added to the command including the Police Armoury, Negotiation section, Bomb disposal and Dog Unit.
Principal roles
- Protecting endangered witnesses;
- Resolving siegeSiegeA siege is a military blockade of a city or fortress with the intent of conquering by attrition or assault. The term derives from sedere, Latin for "to sit". Generally speaking, siege warfare is a form of constant, low intensity conflict characterized by one party holding a strong, static...
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;
- Rescue and bomb disposalBomb disposalBomb disposal is the process by which hazardous explosive devices are rendered safe. Bomb disposal is an all encompassing term to describe the separate, but interrelated functions in the following fields:*Military:...
operations; - Counter-terrorismCounter-terrorismCounter-terrorism is the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt to prevent or in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments...
and hijackingAircraft hijackingAircraft hijacking is the unlawful seizure of an aircraft by an individual or a group. In most cases, the pilot is forced to fly according to the orders of the hijackers. Occasionally, however, the hijackers have flown the aircraft themselves, such as the September 11 attacks of 2001...
operationsMilitary operationMilitary operation is the coordinated military actions of a state in response to a developing situation. These actions are designed as a military plan to resolve the situation in the state's favor. Operations may be of combat or non-combat types, and are referred to by a code name for the purpose...
; - The escort and security of VIPsVIPSVIPS may stand for:* Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, a group of current and former officials of the United States Intelligence Community* Volunteers in Police Service, a volunteer program that provides volunteer assistance to local police...
, internationally protected persons, Heads of State; - Building security through the Security Management Branch; and
- Providing specialist engineering services and supply of ammunitionAmmunitionAmmunition is a generic term derived from the French language la munition which embraced all material used for war , but which in time came to refer specifically to gunpowder and artillery. The collective term for all types of ammunition is munitions...
and firearms for the NSW Police Force through the Armoury.
Organisation
The Assistant Commissioner (Counter Terrorism), Nick Kaldas, is responsible (as of May 2009) for both the Counter Terrorist Co-ordination Command (CTCC) and the State Protection Group (SPG), the former being headed by Detective Chief Superintendent Peter Dein, and the latter by Chief Superintendent Wayne Benson. The SPG consists of the following sections:Tactical Operations Unit (TOU)
Since 1978, the Australian Government's National Anti-TerrorismCounter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism is the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt to prevent or in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments...
Plan has required each state police force to maintain a specialist counter-terrorist and hostage-rescue unit (Police Tactical Group
Police Tactical Group
Police tactical groups , formerly known as "police assault groups", are part of the Australian government's National Anti-Terrorism Plan which, since 1978, has required each state and territory police force to maintain a specialised counter-terrorist and hostage rescue unit jointly funded by the...
).
The NSW Tactical Operations Unit, formed in June 1991, aims to resolve high-risk incidents by containment and negotiation, with minimal or judicious use of force to be applied only as a last resort and based on full and careful assessment. Unlike the former Special Weapons and Operations Squad (SWOS) (1979–1991) and Tactical Response Group (TRG) (1981–91), the TOU is a full-time assignment and is not assigned to riot control or crowd control
Crowd control
Crowd control is the controlling of a crowd, to prevent the outbreak of disorder and prevention of possible riot. Examples are at soccer matches, when a sale of goods has attracted an excess of customers, refugee control, or mass decontamination and mass quarantine situations . It calls for gentler...
situations, which are handled by the Public Order and Riot Squad
Public Order and Riot Squad
The Public Order and Riot Squad is the full-time 'riot squad' of the New South Wales Police Force. PORS is within the command of Field Operations under the Major Events and Incidents Group which is responsible for planning for major events such as Operation Vikings, APEC, the World Youth Day and...
(PORS). The unit is available to provide extraordinary assistance to operational police in high-risk incidents such as resolving siege
Siege
A siege is a military blockade of a city or fortress with the intent of conquering by attrition or assault. The term derives from sedere, Latin for "to sit". Generally speaking, siege warfare is a form of constant, low intensity conflict characterized by one party holding a strong, static...
and hostage situations, as well as armed offender situations. The TOU also conducts arrest of armed and dangerous offenders such as Ivan Milat
Ivan Milat
Ivan Milat-Luketa was a Croatian painter and sculptor. He is a painter of the modern era in Croatian art history.-Life:...
and those involved in bikie related shootings.
The TOU is equipped with 'less-lethal'
Less-lethal weapon
Non-lethal weapons, also called less-lethal weapons, less-than-lethal weapons, non-deadly weapons, compliance weapons, or pain-inducing weapons are weapons intended to be less likely to kill a living target than are conventional weapons...
devices as well as specialist firearms and equipment for 'domestic' and counter-terrorist
Counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism is the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt to prevent or in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments...
operations. Members of the TOU are equipped with a wide range of specialist firearms including Heckler & Koch UMP
Heckler & Koch UMP
The UMP is a submachine gun developed and manufactured by Heckler & Koch. The UMP has been adopted by various agencies such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection...
submachine guns and tactical shotguns. The TOU is equipped with a wide range of specialist vehicles including armoured Chevrolet vans and a Lenco BearCat
Lenco BearCat
The Lenco BearCat is a wheeled armored personnel carrier in use with numerous military and law enforcement agencies.-History:Since 1981 the Massachusetts based Lenco Industries, known as Lenco Armoured Vehicles has designed and manufactured armored vehicles for Law Enforcement, Military, Government...
armoured Ford F550 .
State Protection Support Units (SPSU)
To contain emergency situations in country/regional locations (such as sieges, hostage situations and suicide intervention), 300 part-time volunteer SPSU officers are on call across the state under regional command. Although the SPG TOU is a full-time statewide unit, part-time SPSU personnel are frequently called out in addition to or in lieu of the TOU. SPSU tactical officers are also used for high-risk operations such as arrests of armed offenders and forced-entry raids.The SPG, in conjunction with the NSW Police Academy, is responsible for the initial selection and training of SPSU volunteers, followed up by monthly local training. The SPSU officers also attend an annual training camp organised by the School of Operational Safety and Tactics Unit to maintain consistency in their training levels. The majority of SPSU team leaders are former TOU officers.
As the SPSU is a part-time unit and are not responsible for counter terrorist operations (responsibility lies with the TOU) they are not trained or equipped to the same level as the TOU. SPSU teams are equipped with a range of specialist tactical gear including less than lethal munitions such as Taser
Taser
A Taser is an electroshock weapon that uses electrical current to disrupt voluntary control of muscles. Its manufacturer, Taser International, calls the effects "neuromuscular incapacitation" and the devices' mechanism "Electro-Muscular Disruption technology"...
s, beanbags
Flexible baton round
A bean bag round, also known by its trademarked name flexible baton round, is a baton round fired as a shotgun shell used for less lethal apprehension of suspects.-Description:...
as well as various shotguns and M4
M4 Carbine
The M4 carbine is a family of firearms tracing its lineage back to earlier carbine versions of the M16, all based on the original AR-15 designed by Eugene Stoner and made by ArmaLite. It is a shorter and lighter variant of the M16A2 assault rifle, with 80% parts commonality.It is a gas-operated,...
/M16
M16 rifle
The M16 is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. Colt purchased the rights to the AR-15 from ArmaLite, and currently uses that designation only for semi-automatic versions of the rifle. The M16 fires the 5.56×45mm NATO...
semi automatic rifles.
Negotiation Unit
Under the supervision of a small full-time cadre, highly trained negotiators are on call across the state on a part-time, as-needed basis. Negotiators work hand in hand with other units of the State Protection Group in order to resolve incidents peacefully.Intelligence Unit
This unit provides intelligence information to negotiators and other TOU officers involved in high-risk incidents. Such intelligence may include information on people involved (offenders, hostages or suspects), or the provision of plans and photographs of premises.Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit
Originally created in 1942 as the Police Cliff Rescue Squad for the express purpose of recovering the bodies of suicide victims, or rescuing persons trapped on cliffs, the Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit has undergone numerous changes and expansions over the years. Apart from responding to 000 (emergency calls) calls, the Police Rescue Unit provides specialist search and rescueSearch and rescue
Search and rescue is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.The general field of search and rescue includes many specialty sub-fields, mostly based upon terrain considerations...
support of operational police in situations of any risk category. This support extends from searches for evidence
Evidence
Evidence in its broadest sense includes everything that is used to determine or demonstrate the truth of an assertion. Giving or procuring evidence is the process of using those things that are either presumed to be true, or were themselves proven via evidence, to demonstrate an assertion's truth...
, to working with negotiators at extreme heights.
Police Rescue operators are trained to use equipment such as Jaws of Life, metal detector
Metal detector
A metal detector is a device which responds to metal that may not be readily apparent.The simplest form of a metal detector consists of an oscillator producing an alternating current that passes through a coil producing an alternating magnetic field...
s, trapped person locaters, sophisticated communication equipment and cutting tools etc. These officers are experts in abseiling
Abseiling
Abseiling , rappelling in American English, is the controlled descent down a rock face using a rope; climbers use this technique when a cliff or slope is too steep and/or dangerous to descend without protection.- Slang terms :...
, climbing
Climbing
Climbing is the activity of using one's hands and feet to ascend a steep object. It is done both for recreation and professionally, as part of activities such as maintenance of a structure, or military operations.Climbing activities include:* Bouldering: Ascending boulders or small...
, single rope techniques and stretcher escorts with cliff machines.
- General Land Rescue,
- Specialist Support,
- Land Search and
- Rescue and Bomb Response
Some of the Rescue Unit's responsibilities and challenges include:
- Rescuing people trapped in difficult high or deep places such as mines, storm-water drains, cliffs, scaffolding and remote places.
- Rescuing people involved in industrial, traffic, railway and aircraft accidents or who may have become trapped in household equipment, machinery or playground equipment.
- Providing power or lighting in emergencies or for police operations
- Rescuing livestock and animals in accidents
- Working in toxic or hazardous environments
In 1993 the Department of Defence handed over bomb disposal responsibilities to the NSW Police Force. The Bomb Disposal section was established within Forensic Services and then in 1997, the section was relocated to the SPG. Prior to the 2000 Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
Olympic Games
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
, the Bomb Disposal
Bomb disposal
Bomb disposal is the process by which hazardous explosive devices are rendered safe. Bomb disposal is an all encompassing term to describe the separate, but interrelated functions in the following fields:*Military:...
section was amalgamated with the Rescue Unit.
The Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit is based in Zetland (Sydney). Part-time units are based in Wollongong
Wollongong, New South Wales
Wollongong is a seaside city located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia. It lies on the narrow coastal strip between the Illawarra Escarpment and the Pacific Ocean, 82 kilometres south of Sydney...
, Cooma
Cooma, New South Wales
-Education: is Cooma's only public high school, it serves the town and seven of the neighbouring rural towns and villages such as Berridale, Jindabyne, Nimmitabel, Bredbo and Dalgety....
, Goulburn
Goulburn, New South Wales
Goulburn is a provincial city in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia in Goulburn Mulwaree Council Local Government Area. It is located south-west of Sydney on the Hume Highway and above sea-level. On Census night 2006, Goulburn had a population of 20,127 people...
, the Blue Mountains, Bathurst
Bathurst, New South Wales
-CBD and suburbs:Bathurst's CBD is located on William, George, Howick, Russell, and Durham Streets. The CBD is approximately 25 hectares and surrounds two city blocks. Within this block layout is banking, government services, shopping centres, retail shops, a park* and monuments...
, Newcastle
Newcastle, New South Wales
The Newcastle metropolitan area is the second most populated area in the Australian state of New South Wales and includes most of the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Local Government Areas...
and Lismore
Lismore, New South Wales
Lismore is a subtropical town in northeastern New South Wales, Australia. Lismore is the main population centre in the City of Lismore local government area. Lismore is a regional centre in the Northern Rivers region of the State.-History:...
. The part-time units are responsible for land rescue and bomb appraisal operations.
The unit was the subject of an Australian ABC television series (1991–1996) and a 1994 feature film, Police Rescue
Police Rescue
Police Rescue was an Australian television series which originally aired on ABC TV between 1989 and 1996. It was produced by ABC and Southern Star Xanadu in association with the BBC....
.
Rescue Squad Major Involvements
It is estimated that the unit has attended over 300,000 jobs in the past 60 years. The Unit has been involved in some of the States, and Australias, largest incidents including the following:- 1974 Cyclone TracyCyclone TracyCyclone Tracy was a tropical cyclone that devastated the city of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, 1974...
- 1977 Granville rail disaster
- 1978 Sydney Hilton bombingSydney Hilton bombingThe Sydney Hilton bombing occurred on 13 February 1978, when a bomb exploded outside the Hilton Hotel in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. At the time the hotel was the site of the first Commonwealth Heads of Government Regional Meeting , a regional off-shoot of the biennial meetings of the heads...
- 1979 Sydney Ghost Train fire
- 1989 Newcastle earthquake1989 Newcastle earthquakeThe 1989 Newcastle earthquake was a Richter magnitude 5.6 earthquake that occurred in Newcastle, New South Wales on Thursday, 28 December 1989, at 10:27 am. It was one of Australia's most serious natural disasters, killing 13 people and injuring more than 160...
- 1989 Kempsey bus crashKempsey bus crashThe Kempsey bus crash occurred in Australia on December 22, 1989 when two full tourist coaches, each travelling at 100km/h, collided head-on on the Pacific Highway at Clybucca Flat, 12 km north of Kempsey, New South Wales. The collision killed both drivers instantly. The impact snapped seats from...
- 1997 Thredbo landslide1997 Thredbo landslideThe Thredbo landslide was a catastrophic landslide that occurred at the village and ski resort of Thredbo, New South Wales, Australia, on 30 July 1997. Two ski lodges were destroyed, and a total of 18 died.- Landslide :...
- 1999 Glenbrook rail accident
- 2003 Waterfall train disasterWaterfall train disasterThe Waterfall rail accident was a train accident that occurred on 31 January 2003 near Waterfall, New South Wales, Australia. The train derailed, killing seven people aboard, including the train driver.-Incident:...
- 2007 Sydney Harbour ferry/pleasure cruiser crash
- 2008 Sydney Harbour boat collision
- 2009 British backpacker Jamie Neale search
- 2011 Mosman collar bomb incidentMosman bomb hoaxThe Mosman bomb hoax took place in the Sydney suburb of Mosman, New South Wales, Australia on 3 August 2011. An apparent collar bomb was placed around the neck of 18-year-old schoolgirl Madeleine Pulver by a balaclava-clad home intruder...
- 2011 Parramatta Bomb Hoax/Hostage Incident
Police Armoury
The Police Armoury was established in 1872 and provides specialist engineering services, maintenance and supply of ammunition and firearms for the NSW Police Force.Dog Unit
More commonly referred to as the Dog Squad, the Police Dog Unit was initially created in NSW between 1932 to 1953 and was reintroduced in 1979.The unit was established to support police in locating offenders and missing persons
Missing Persons
Missing Persons is an American band who plays a blend of New Wave and Pop rock. The band was founded in 1980 in Los Angeles by guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, vocalist Dale Bozzio, and drummer Terry Bozzio. They went on to add bassist Patrick O'Hearn and keyboardist Chuck Wild. Dale's quirky voice...
, detecting and detaining fleeing criminals and detecting drugs
DRUGS
Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows are an American post-hardcore band formed in 2010. They released their debut self-titled album on February 22, 2011.- Formation :...
, firearms and explosives Dogs used for patrol duties are German Shepherds or Rottweilers. The Labrador
Labrador
Labrador is the distinct, northerly region of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It comprises the mainland portion of the province, separated from the island of Newfoundland by the Strait of Belle Isle...
retriever is the breed of choice for specialist detection for narcotics and explosives, etc.
After training, all police dog teams are able to track and find wanted offenders or missing persons, search all types of buildings, detect illicit drugs, and support foot-patrolling of public places to deter crime and make these places safer for the community. There are 14 police dogs and handlers operating in each region and three located at the Police Dog Training Centre, a total of 59 teams.
Dog Squad officers may be called upon to chase and apprehend offenders who may be escaping arrest and may be armed and dangerous or act as a deterrent and back up in dangerous situations such as brawls, sieges, riots and domestics. They are also used to provide high profile foot patrols in places such as schools, industrial areas, shopping complexes and during large public events such as New Year's Eve or sporting events, etc.
The Dog Unit currently has the following capabilities/specialist dogs:
- general purpose and
- tactical dogs (who work closely with the TOU)
- drug detection
- firearms, explosives detection
- cadaver detection
NSW Police Force general purpose and tactical dogs are also issued their own sets of canine body armour/ballistic vests.
Similar Australian units
- Australian Defence Force - Tactical Assault Group
- Corrective Services - Hostage Response GroupHostage Response GroupThe Hostage Response Group is the tactical and special operations unit of the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services.Across New South Wales Corrective Services facilities have their own Immediate Action Teams , and larger 'on-call' Regional Security Units and the K9 units for major...
International units
- SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics)SWATA SWAT team is an elite tactical unit in various national law enforcement departments. They are trained to perform high-risk operations that fall outside of the abilities of regular officers...
- List of Special Response Units