Security Operations Group
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Infobox law enforcement unit
| unit_name = Security Operations Group
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| dates = 1975–present
| country = Australia
| agency = Corrective Services NSW
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| ops_juris = Statewide
| command_structure = Security and Intelligence Division
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| motto = "Negotiari Stria Nonvisiblis"
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| notable_commanders = Ron Woodham
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The Security Operations Group (SOG) is a unit of elite corrections officers of Corrective Services NSW, Australia 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.{{cite web|title=Hostage Response Squad puts the order into law and order|url=http://www.justice.nsw.gov.au/Documents/Media%20Releases/MR_14_HOSTAGE_RESPONSE_SQUAD_PUTS_THE_ORDER_INTO_LAW_AND_ORDER.pdf|website=Attorney General Minister for Justice|publisher=14 July 2014|accessdate=15 March 2016}}{{cite web|last1=Russell|first1=Anna|title=Elite squad proves it is up to the job at the John Morony|url=http://www.hawkesburygazette.com.au/story/2438692/elite-squad-proves-it-is-up-to-the-job-at-the-john-morony/|website=Hawkesbury Gazette|date=24 July 2014|publisher=24 July 2014|accessdate=15 March 2016}}
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.{{cite journal|title=2012-13 Annual Report|journal=Department of Attorney General and Justice|date=31 October 2013|url=http://www.correctiveservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/Documents/DAGJ_Annual-Report_2013_Complete.pdf|accessdate=15 March 2016}} 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.{{cite web|last1=Burgess|first1=Cindy|title=Strip Searched on a Visit to Longbay|url=http://www.justiceaction.org.au/oldWebsite/Framed/Iss31_40/Frmd_35/Fr35_Txt2.html|website=Justice Action|accessdate=15 March 2016}}
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.{{cite web|title=Interview with Brian Kelly, Commander, Security NSW Corrective Services|url=http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2005/s1497258.htm|website=ABC Four Corners|publisher=7 November 2005|accessdate=15 March 2016}}{{cite web|title=Prison inmate to take officer hostage in emergency scenario |url=http://www.correctiveservices.nsw.gov.au/_media/dcs/information/media_releases/2009-media-releases/ministerial-media-releases/20090526-prison-inmate-officer-hostage-emergency-scenario.pdf |website=Minister for Corrective Services |publisher=26 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311105304/http://www.correctiveservices.nsw.gov.au/_media/dcs/information/media_releases/2009-media-releases/ministerial-media-releases/20090526-prison-inmate-officer-hostage-emergency-scenario.pdf |archivedate=March 11, 2011 }}{{cite web|last1=Khoury |first1=Andre |title=Crack response team ready for action at jail |url=http://www.macleayargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/crack-response-team-ready-for-action-at-jail/316190.aspx |website=The Macleay Argus |publisher=9 December 2003 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008031300/http://www.macleayargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/crack-response-team-ready-for-action-at-jail/316190.aspx |archivedate=October 8, 2011 }}{{cite web|title=Prisons chief Peter Severin unveils riot squad and security upgrades on eve of smoking ban in NSW jails|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/prisons-chief-peter-severin-unveils-riot-squad-and-security-upgrades-on-eve-of-smoking-ban-in-nsw-jails/news-story/00daea22c07aa174e863ef2ed7c8bcf2|website=The Daily Telegraph|accessdate=15 March 2016}}{{cite news|title=NSW jails prepare for riots ahead of smoking ban next week|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-06/nsw-jails-are-prepared-for-riots-after-smoking-ban/6678050|website=ABC News|date=6 August 2015|publisher=6 August 2015|accessdate=15 March 2016}}
Tactical Organisation
The Security Operations Group consists of the following:{{cite web|title=Prison inmate to take officer hostage in emergency scenario |url=http://www.correctiveservices.nsw.gov.au/_media/dcs/information/media_releases/2009-media-releases/ministerial-media-releases/20090526-prison-inmate-officer-hostage-emergency-scenario.pdf |website=Minister for Corrective Services |publisher=26 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311105304/http://www.correctiveservices.nsw.gov.au/_media/dcs/information/media_releases/2009-media-releases/ministerial-media-releases/20090526-prison-inmate-officer-hostage-emergency-scenario.pdf |archivedate=March 11, 2011 }}{{cite web|last1=Barwick |first1=Jenny |title=Hostage Response |url=http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/hostage-response/387380.aspx?storypage=0 |website=Muswellbrook Chronicle |publisher=28 September 2001 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301150318/http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/hostage-response/387380.aspx?storypage=0 |archivedate=March 1, 2012 }}
- 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
- {{flag|Western Australia}} - Special Operations Group (Department of Corrective Services)
- {{flagicon|Australia}} Police Tactical Group
References
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
External links
- [http://www.correctiveservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/ Corrective Services NSW]