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Top 10 Most Highly Trained Police Forces In The World
The most highly trained police forces in the world are constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing threats of crime and terrorism. To stay ahead of the curve, many police forces have invested heavily in training their officers to be highly proficient in a variety of skills.
This includes everything from firearms handling and hand-to-hand combat to hostage negotiation and tactical operations. When it comes to keeping their communities safe, police forces around the world rely on the skills and training of their officers.
These officers are sometimes called upon to respond to the most dangerous and challenging situations, such as hostage rescues, terrorist attacks, and high-profile crime scenes. To ensure that their officers are prepared for anything, many police forces provide extensive training in various areas.
Most Highly Trained Police Forces In The World
The table below contains the name of the top 10 most highly trained police forces in the world:
| Rank | Police Force | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GIGN (Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale) | France |
| 2 | EKO Cobra (Einsatzkommando Cobra) | Austria |
| 3 | SO19 (Specialist Firearms Command) | United Kingdom |
| 4 | SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) | United States |
| 5 | NOCS (Nucleo Operativo Centrale di Sicurezza) | Italy |
| 6 | GSG 9 (Grenzschutzgruppe 9) | Germany |
| 7 | FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) | United States |
| 8 | SDU (Special Duties Unit) | Singapore |
| 9 | National Police Agency | Japan |
| 10 | PSP (Polizia di Stato) | Italy |
1. GIGN – France
The GIGN (Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale) is the elite police tactical unit of the National Gendarmerie of France. It was founded in 1974 in response to the Munich massacre, and it has since become one of the world’s respected and feared special forces units.
They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including counter-terrorism: hostage rescue, VIP protection, high-risk arrests, counter-insurgency, and disaster response. The unit is highly trained in a variety of skills, including firearms training, hand-to-hand combat, tactical operations, explosives disposal, parachuting, and survival.
Furthermore, the GIGN is also equipped with the latest in weapons and equipment, including assault rifles, sniper rifles, submachine guns, handguns, body armour, night vision goggles, and explosives.
2. EKO Cobra
EKO Cobra is among the most highly trained police forces; it is Austria’s primary counter-terrorism special operations tactical unit. It is not part of the Austrian Federal Police but is directly under the control of the Federal Ministry for the Interior.
The police force was formed in 1978 as a response to the Munich massacre. It is headquartered in Wiener Neustadt and has sub-offices in Graz, Linz, and Innsbruck.
EKO Cobra has a strength of around 450 operators. It is divided into four operational units: the Intervention Group, the Observation and Research Group, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, and the Training Group.
Furthermore, EKO Cobra is equipped with a variety of weapons and equipment, including assault rifles, sniper rifles, submachine guns, handguns, body armour, night vision goggles, and explosives.
3. SO19
SO19 (Specialist Firearms Command) is the firearms unit of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in London, England. It was formed in 1969 in response to the increasing threat of terrorism.
It is responsible for providing armed response and tactical support in situations involving firearms and other high-risk incidents. SO19 officers undergo extensive training to handle a wide range of scenarios, including counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescues, and armed confrontations.
They work closely with other law enforcement agencies and can be called upon to respond to critical incidents both within London and occasionally outside the city when needed. SO19 plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety and protecting citizens from armed threats in the London area.
4. SWAT
SWAT, which stands for Special Weapons and Tactics, is a specialized law enforcement unit commonly found in various police departments across the United States. The teams are trained to handle high-risk and critical situations that are beyond the capabilities of regular police officers.
These situations may include hostage rescues, armed confrontations, counter-terrorism operations, and serving high-risk warrants. SWAT officers undergo rigorous training in various tactical skills, such as marksmanship, close-quarters combat, crisis negotiation, and specialized equipment usage.
Furthermore, they are equipped with advanced weaponry, body armour, and other tools to respond effectively to dangerous and volatile scenarios. While SWAT teams are often associated with responding to violent incidents, they also play a role in community policing, conducting drug raids, and assisting in special events where heightened security is necessary.
5. NOCS (Nucleo Operativo Centrale di Sicurezza)
Another highly trained police force on our list is the NOCS; the Nucleo Operativo Centrale di Sicurezza (NOCS) is an elite law enforcement unit in Italy.
Translated as the Central Security Operations Service, NOCS is a specialized division of the Italian State Police (Polizia di Stato) with a primary focus on counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and high-risk law enforcement operation.
It was established in the 1970s to combat terrorism and deal with complex criminal situations that required highly trained personnel and specialized equipment. The unit operates under strict secrecy and is known for its extensive training and expertise in various tactical skills, including close-quarters combat, marksmanship, and special operations techniques.
6. GSG 9 (Grenzschutzgruppe 9)
GSG 9 (Grenzschutzgruppe 9) is a particular unit of the German Federal Police (Bundespolizei). It was founded in 1972 in response to the Munich massacre, and it is one of the world’s highly trained and respected special forces units in t 9 and is known for its exceptional training, operational capabilities, and professionalism. Its members undergo rigorous and demanding training, which includes advanced weapons proficiency, tactical combat, explosives handling, close-quarters battle techniques, and crisis negotiation.
The unit operates with the utmost secrecy and is called upon for critical situations that are beyond the scope of regular police forces. GSG 9’s successful operations have earned it a reputation as one of the world’s most capable and respected counter-terrorism units.
7. FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT)
The FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) is a specialized tactical unit within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States. Established in 1983, the HRT is responsible for handling high-risk hostage situations, domestic and international counter-terrorism operations, and apprehending violent fugitives.
HRT members are highly trained in various skills, including marksmanship, close-quarters combat, tactical negotiation, and specialized equipment usage. They undergo continuous training and are equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and technology to respond to a wide range of dangerous and unpredictable scenarios.
In addition, HRT works in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies, including local and state police, as well as international partners when required. The team’s extensive expertise and experience make it a vital asset in safeguarding national security and protecting American citizens both within the United States and overseas.
8. SDU (Special Duties Unit)
Another highly trained police force on our list is the Special Duties Unit (SDU) of Singapore; it is an elite tactical unit of the Hong Kong Police Force. Also known as “Flying Tigers,” the SDU was established in 1974 and is tasked with handling high-risk situations, including counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescues, and armed confrontations.
Furthermore, the SDU members undergo rigorous and specialized training in various tactical skills, such as marksmanship, close-quarters battle, hostage negotiation, and crisis management. They are equipped with advanced weaponry, body armour, and other specialized equipment to handle critical incidents effectively.
The unit operates with a high level of professionalism and secrecy. They are often deployed in response to serious threats to public safety and have been involved in various significant operations, both within Hong Kong and occasionally overseas.
9. National Police Agency
The Japanese National Police Agency oversees law enforcement in Japan, and it includes several specialized units known for their professionalism and training. While not consistently listed among the top 10 most highly trained police forces in the world, Japan’s police have a reputation for discipline, efficiency, and effective community policing.
Some of the specialized units within the Japanese police, such as the Special Assault Team (SAT), are trained to handle high-risk situations, including counter-terrorism and hostage rescues. The SAT undergoes rigorous training in marksmanship, tactical operations, and crisis management to maintain readiness for critical incidents.
Though not always ranked in the top 10 globally, the Japanese National Police remains an essential component of public safety in the country. They focus on maintaining order, ensuring public security, and building strong relationships with the communities they serve.
While specialized units like SAT demonstrate high levels of training, the overall strength of the Japanese police force lies in its disciplined and community-oriented approach to law enforcement.
10. PSP (Polizia di Stato)
The Polizia di Stato, or Italian State Police, is one of Italy’s primary law enforcement agencies. While it may not always be listed among the top 10 most highly trained police forces in the world, the PSP is known for its professionalism and dedication to public safety.
The agency encompasses various specialized units, such as the Nucleo Operativo Centrale di Sicurezza (NOCS) and the Mobile Units for Rapid Interventions (UMIR), which are trained to handle counter-terrorism, organized crime, and high-risk situations.
In addition, these units undergo extensive training in tactical skills and crisis management to effectively respond to critical incidents and protect citizens. The agency’s commitment to maintaining law and order in Italy is commendable.
Their focus on community policing, combined with the expertise of its specialized units, makes it an essential component of Italy’s law enforcement landscape. The PSP strives to ensure public safety, combat crime, and uphold the rule of law throughout the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 10 most highly trained police forces in the world represent a league of elite law enforcement units renowned for their exceptional skills, professionalism, and dedication to public safety.
These specialized units, such as the British SAS, French RAID, and German GSG 9, have earned their reputation through rigorous training, operational experience, and successful missions.
They are equipped to handle high-risk situations, including counter-terrorism, hostage rescues, and armed confrontations, with precision and efficiency. While these top-tier police forces lead the way in global law enforcement, it is essential to acknowledge that numerous other skilled and committed police units worldwide also play critical roles in protecting communities and upholding the rule of law.