The Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, announced that the NSW Police Force’s capacity to respond to high risk incidents has been boosted with a new $3 million Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics training facility. The announcement coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Tactical Operations Unit, which started in 1991 as part of the State Protection Group.
“The NSW Police Force counter terrorism capabilities are world-leading, with police officers ready to respond to high-risk incidents, “ Minister Elliott said.
“The new facility will provide hands on training to specialist officers from a range of commands including: The Tactical Operations Unit, Police Negotiators, Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, and the Public Order and Riot Squad.
“The facility is also available to other specialist officers from partner agencies to ensure all emergency service organisations across the state gain the benefit of this immersive training resource.
“The NSW community is the ultimate benefactor knowing that their police and emergency services continue to focus on reducing the threat of terrorism in this state,” he said.
The state-of-the-art facility is in metropolitan Sydney and will ensure specialist and tactical officers are available for time-sensitive and critical operational deployments. The facility will also be available for partner agencies for preparedness training.
The facility has been purpose-built to train specialist police officers in a wide range of tactics and techniques and includes various modifiable structures to replicate real-life scenarios, including:
- a free-standing multi-storey building structure for hostage rescue scenarios;
- a streetscape for vehicle and active armed offender training;
- static helicopter mock-up to practice fast rope;
- climbing wall;
- weapon less control area; and
- space to conduct classroom-style training.
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