Armed Offenders Squad (Victoria)
The Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) in Victoria, Australia, is a specialist unit within Victoria Police responsible for responding to high-risk incidents involving firearms, sieges, and other critical situations where specialized tactical skills are required.
The AOS is composed of highly trained and equipped police officers who undergo rigorous selection and ongoing training in areas such as advanced firearms handling, tactical operations, negotiation techniques, and crisis management. The unit operates under strict command and control protocols and adheres to a detailed set of operational procedures designed to minimize risk and ensure public safety.
The primary roles of the Armed Offenders Squad include:
- Responding to incidents involving armed offenders, including sieges, hostage situations, and armed robberies.
- Providing tactical support to other police units during high-risk operations.
- Executing high-risk search warrants.
- Providing close personal protection to dignitaries and other individuals at risk.
- Assisting with crowd control during large-scale events where a potential threat exists.
The AOS operates under a clear legal framework and its members are subject to strict accountability measures. The use of force by AOS officers is governed by legislation and police policy, emphasizing de-escalation and the use of force only as a last resort.
The unit works closely with other specialist units within Victoria Police, such as the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) and the Special Operations Group (SOG), to ensure a coordinated and effective response to critical incidents.