Although also called 'Specijalci' the Special Purpose Police Units differ from the SAJ in that they are regional "SWAT Teams," of sorts. Divided into battalions and brigades, every region in Serbia has its own Special Force Police brigade, and Special Purpose Units are stationed in barracks around Serbia. The Belgrade Special Police Brigade is stationed in the old Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) barracks in Zvezdara, a suburb of Belgrade.

Much like the Interior Army forces of the former Soviet Union's Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), the MUP special units have access to armored-mechanized units, artillery and rocket units with multiple rocket launchers (stationed at the "13 Maj" police station). SPU forces have at their disposal anti-aircraft guns, and 14 armored vehicles (wheeled and amphibians equipped with 14.5mm anti-aircraft guns). Special Purpose Units are also most likely armed with M-70 and M-76 rifles and other small arms.

Special Police Units consist of around 7,000 men, but these numbers can quickly be expanded by bringing in men from the regular police force. Special Police training is conducted every day, is more physically demanding and includes martial arts, as might be expected of these types of units.

Information provided courtesy of Peter Tomich

Back