The Special Operations Group (SOG) is a highly trained part time group within the Tasmania Police Service, made up of current serving Tasmania Police members from varied sections and branches.

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 extreme violence or other threats deemed to be of high risk.

The Group is deployed by the Assistant Commissioner (Crime & Operations) and when deployed enhances negotiation as the primary tool for resolution, wherever possible.

In its present form, 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.

The SOG is also proud of the fact that two of the most highest ranking members of Tasmania Police, namely Commissioner Richard McCREADIE and Assistant Commissioner Barry BENNETT, are both ex Commanders of the Group.

The primary role of the SOG is to support the VISION of the Tasmania Police, "To be widely recognised as a premier police organisation" and the MISSION, "To ensure that Tasmania is the safest state in the nation."

In essence, the SOG provides the Tasmania Police Service and the Tasmanian community, with a specialist tactical resource that offers protection, rescue and resolution capabilities in high-risk situations.

This also includes possible deployment in a national counter terrorist role, when in support of the National Anti Terrorist Plan (NATP) and sanctioned by the Government.

Members of the Group are carefully selected via a specific and demanding multi phase selection process, designed to clearly identify applicants with the best potential to undergo the rigorous, demanding and sometimes dangerous training.

Applicants must be: -

Applicants must also have continually displayed a high level of: -

Maintaining prime physical and mental condition and general well being is a significant component of a successful SOG operative.

Albeit that members complete physically training in their own time, all members must undertake and pass an annual fitness assessment, designed to assess their physical state of readiness for operations.

Training:

Undoubtedly, SOG training offers members the opportunity to acquire skills in various disciplines beyond those required for normal policing duties. Some of those skills include: -

Undertaking the above training, not only enhances a member’s state of readiness to act appropriately in the face of adversity, but assists in personal confidence and builds self esteem.