Armed Offenders Squad
Police squad in New Zealand / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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For the disbanded unit of Victoria Police (Australia), see Armed Offenders Squad (Victoria).
The Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) are specialist part-time units of the New Zealand Police based around the country available to respond to high risk incidents using specialist tactics and equipment.[2]
Quick Facts Active, Country ...
Armed Offenders Squad | |
---|---|
Active | August 1964 – present |
Country | New Zealand |
Agency | New Zealand Police |
Type | Police tactical unit |
Role | |
Headquarters | Wellington |
Abbreviation | AOS |
Structure | |
Officers | 320 part-time[1] |
Squads | 17[2] |
Notables | |
Significant operation(s) |
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The AOS was established when front-line police officers did not carry firearms. While today officers still do not routinely carry sidearms, they have ready access to firearms if required, including high-powered rifles, and receive firearms training.[3] A new expanding role for the AOS is assisting with planned operations.[1][4]