Security Operations Group

Active	1975 - Present
Country	Australia
Branch	Corrective Services NSW
Role	Corrections, Hostage rescue and Tactical Law Enforcement
Size	70
Part of	Security and Intelligence Division
Garrison/HQ	Statewide
Motto	"Negotiari Stria Nonvisiblis"
Commanders
Notable commanders	Ron Woodham

The Security Operations Group (SOG) is a unit of elite corrections officers of Corrective Services NSW formerly known as the Hostage Response Group (HRG).

Overview

The Security Operations Group is responsible for responding to emergencies such as hostage situations, escapes, riots, barricaded cells and trains other officers to respond to potential security threats. ^[1][2]

In 2012-13, the Hostage Response Group was amalgamated with the State Emergency Unit, K9 units and the Tactical Training Unit to form the Security Operations Group. ^[3] The Security Operations Group has officers responsible for searches to eliminate contraband from prisons from the amalgamation of the State Emergency Unit and K9 units. ^[4]

In the event of a prison riot, Immediate Action Teams of three or four officers respond and the regional Security Operations Group officers are available together with K9 units for major disturbances and in worst case scenarios the deployment of all the Security Operations Group. ^{[5][6] [7] [8] [9]}

Tactical Organisation

The Security Operations Group consists of the following: ^{[10] [11]}

• command team,
• negotiators,
• intelligence unit,
• tactical response officers

Tactical Roles

• Resolving siege and hostage situations;
• Providing a negotiation service in high risk and critical situations;
• Escorting and securing dangerous prisoners in high risk situations;
• Undertaking searches of cells in high risk situations;
• Armed escort of high risk offenders in custody;
• Specialist surveillance operations.

See also

•  Western Australia - Special Operations Group (Department of Corrective Services)
• Police Tactical Group

References

1. "Hostage Response Squad puts the order into law and order" (PDF). Attorney General Minister for Justice. 14 July 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
2. Russell, Anna. "Elite squad proves it is up to the job at the John Morony". Hawkesbury Gazette. 24 July 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
3. "2012-13 Annual Report" (PDF). Department of Attorney General and Justice. 31 October 2013. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
4. Burgess, Cindy. "Strip Searched on a Visit to Longbay". Justice Action. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
5. "Interview with Brian Kelly, Commander, Security NSW Corrective Services". ABC Four Corners. 7 November 2005. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
6. "Prison inmate to take officer hostage in emergency scenario" (PDF). Minister for Corrective Services. 26 May 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 11, 2011.
7. Khoury, Andre. "Crack response team ready for action at jail". The Macleay Argus. 9 December 2003. Archived from the original on October 8, 2011.
8. "Prisons chief Peter Severin unveils riot squad and security upgrades on eve of smoking ban in NSW jails". The Daily Telegraph. 8 August 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
9. "NSW jails prepare for riots ahead of smoking ban next week". ABC News. 6 August 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
10. "Prison inmate to take officer hostage in emergency scenario" (PDF). Minister for Corrective Services. 26 May 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 11, 2011.
11. Barwick, Jenny. "Hostage Response". Muswellbrook Chronicle. 28 September 2001. Archived from the original on March 1, 2012.

External links

• Corrective Services NSW