Special Operations.Com

Australian Special Operations Forces

Victoria

Special Operations Group

SUMMARY
The Victoria Police Special Operations Group (SOG) provides the Victorian community with an armed offender and counter terrorist response capability. The SOG also acts as Victoria’s "Bomb Squad" and deals with the safe rendering of explosive devices.

HISTORY
The Special Operations Group was formed in 1977. Its primary function at that time was to provide a response capability to counter politically motivated and criminal terrorist activity. This function remains as the number one priority for today’s Special Operations Group.

WHAT THE SOG DOES

Response to Critical Incidents
The SOG provides a response capability to unplanned operational critical incidents such as sieges and siege hostage situations, armed offender tasks and bomb response incidents. The SOG also provides assistance to operational police in planned operations involving apprehension of dangerous suspects.
Development of Non- Lethal Tactics
In recent years the SOG has developed a range of non lethal options for dealing with violent suspects. Less lethal tactics have been used to resolve situations involving violent criminal suspects and violent mentally disturbed persons.
Provision of Specialist Skills and Equipment
The SOG also provides specialist assistance in performing tasks which are beyond the scope of operational police. Some of these tasks may require specialist equipment or expertise in certain areas.

TRAINING AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Members of the SOG are carefully selected to ensure that new members are able to meet all operational requirements of an SOG operative. Applicants are selected from other areas of Victoria Police and join at the constable or senior constable rank. A minimum service of three years is required before being eligible to apply for a position at this rank.

The SOG selection process includes a medical, fitness test, psychological test, practical pre-selection testing and a selection panel. Applicants who successfully complete this phase of testing commence the SOG training course which is of 12 weeks duration. The training course provides the applicant with all the skills and knowledge they will need to function as a member of the SOG. On entry to the SOG, members continue to learn new skills in a diverse range of specialist areas. Ongoing competence is maintained through intensive skills training.

The Victoria Police Special Operations Group has a proud history of excellence in a difficult field of policing. The SOG’s highly trained professional officers provide a valuable service to Victoria Police and the Victorian Community.