New Zealand AOS

[Sgt. VeNom]

In the name of trans-tasman rivalry, I thought I'd post some pictures of the NZ AOS.

From the official website (http://www.police.govt.nz/service/aos/):


Armed Offenders Squads (AOS) were first established in 1964, after the fatal shooting of four police officers in incidents in Lower Hutt and Waitakere. There are now 17 squads, covering all main centres.

NZ Police is essentially an unarmed service, and there is determination both within Police and in the public to keep it that way. But the AOS provides Police with the means of effectively and more safely responding to and resolving situations in which there is an actual or threatened use of firearms or other weapons against members of the public or Police.
The basic methods of operating have not changed - that is to cordon, contain and appeal to armed offenders. These tactics are successful in the vast majority of incidents, which are resolved without the use of force. The AOS is also used for some pre-planned operations where there is a high risk, for example large cash escorts, or assisting other Police with search warrants.

The squads are supported by negotiation teams and specially trained police dogs and handlers.
AOS members are all volunteers. They must qualify at a rigorous national selection and induction course, and receive regular additional training in their districts. They are part-time, drawn from all branches of the Police, and operate on a call-out basis.

AOS attended 533 incidents nationwide in the 1998/99 year.

http://wairarapa.co.nz/times-age/news2002/images/020507a2.jpg

http://www.police.govt.nz/images/photos/aos.jpg

http://www.atnow.net/kawhia.school.nz/data/image62.jpg

http://www.atnow.net/kawhia.school.nz/data/image64.jpg

http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/pics/bomb.jpg

http://xtramsn.co.nz/homepage2/imageLargeView/0,,3898766,00.jpeg

http://chris021.bur.st/AOS/images/dsc01140.jpg

http://chris021.bur.st/AOS/images/dsc01141.jpg

http://stuff.co.nz/inl/common/imageViewer/0,1445,223216,00.jpg

http://www.hbtoday.co.nz/pics/news0309.JPG

http://media.apn.co.nz/webcontent/image/jpg/tauranga.JPG

And something a little different:

http://www.peterellis.org.nz/Institutions/Police/2005-0304_NZHerald_PoliceCultureSick.jpg

[garoco]

Cheers Bro! :-)

[BiZ]

AOS?

Don't be soft, go with the STG. ;)


http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/7905/new20zealand20tactics1pi.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/4606/nz20police8ot.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/4367/nzstgsuburban9jh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/9582/nzstgroup5jh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/2548/dsc011414mx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/1765/dsc011446be.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/8639/dsc011354ea.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Some 'old school' AOS

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/161/nzaosshotgun8bw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/9982/nzaosglock5ip.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/9025/nzaossniperclose0gr.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/3026/nzaosgasmask2kz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[uTu]

In the name of trans-tasman rivalry, I thought I'd post some pictures of the NZ AOS.
......

http://www.hbtoday.co.nz/pics/news0309.JPG
just shoot bro


And something a little different:

http://www.peterellis.org.nz/Institutions/Police/2005-0304_NZHerald_PoliceCultureSick.jpg
lol, norty

great pics - cheers

[BiZ]

there great any chance of a clear photo of that beret for a project i'm working on ?
also whats the diff between AOS & STG

AOS are part time Regional tactical units, whereas STG are full-time and are gearded more towards CT and high profile gigs etc, they also have a few roles that AOS don't have and get some fancier gear and funding etc.

[Yimmy]

Do SAS still do civie blagger stuff now we have SO19?

I think he means more how SO19 are to Trojan units.

[BiZ]

Do SAS still do civie blagger stuff now we have SO19?

I think he means more how SO19 are to Trojan units.

Sort of. That's probably the easiest way to define.

As the pics show though, AOS go fully decked out and perform a wide range of tactical duties whereas UKPol Trojan units are almost always in standard local uniform* and are more simply the "containment and response" element...


*Yes, plus vest and tools obviously.

[bigjeff]

so do they respone to terrorism?

[BiZ]

so do they respone to terrorism?

Who/what?

Respond or respone?

Bigjeff sometimes I wonder if you hit the cans a little before you jump on the ol computer...

AOS would be the first tactical armed reponse to a gig (notice I said tactical), then once it's declared as a high risk or CT gig then STG would roll in to take the glory.

Of note, several STG members were over here for the 2000 Olympics as 'Specials' under the SPG. ;)