Special Tactics Group

"Anti-Terrorist Squad" redirects here. For the Indian police units, see Anti-Terrorism Squad.
Special Tactics Group
Active
  • 1977 to 1991 (Anti-Terrorist Squad)
  • 1991 to present (Special Tactics Group)
CountryNew Zealand
AgencyNew Zealand Police
TypePolice tactical group
Role
HeadquartersWellington
AbbreviationSTG
Structure
Operators39[1]
Sections
Notables
Significant operation(s)

The Special Tactics Group (STG) is the full-time police tactical group of the New Zealand Police. The STG, originally named the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), was established to respond to high-risk situations which are beyond the scope or capacity of everyday policing. STG officers directly support operational police in incidents, such as sieges, with specialist tactical, negotiation, intelligence, and command support services.

Officers are assigned to the STG on a full-time basis with sections based in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.[2] In 2012, the STG became a police tactical group following the New Zealand government joining Australia’s national counter-terrorism coordination organisation.[3]

  1. ^ "Written question - 5950 (2008). Ron Mark to the Minister of Police". NZ Parliament. 19 June 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d "Staff recruited for specialist team". Ten One Magazine. No. 353. New Zealand Police. January 2012. Archived from the original on 19 January 2012.
  3. ^ "Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee". Australian National Security. Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 9 July 2017.