AFP lifts the lid on secretive, elite Tactical Response Team
Editor’s note: Vision available via Hightail
The AFP is unveiling the specialist capabilities of its elite Tactical Response Team (TRT) by releasing new footage that takes the public inside the secretive unit’s training and operational programs.
The previously classified vision showcases the AFP’s world-class tactical capabilities.
The TRT is responsible for responding to high-risk, emergency situations in the most challenging environments and conditions across Australia and offshore.
Team members are on standby to deploy both domestically and internationally to the most serious and high-risk investigations and emergency responses.
As part of their role TRT operators undertake continuous training to ensure they are ready for deployment at any given time. Members must be resilient, courageous and prepared to work under extreme operational pressure whilst able to adapt quickly to different scenarios in an unpredictable environment.
In 2022 the team deployed to 135 incidents and operations throughout the country and overseas.
More than 70% of this work involved specialist operational support to search warrants, high risk apprehensions and a variety of response tasks including maritime interdiction, rural surveillance, high-value escorts and counter terrorism operations.
TRT has been involved in some of the AFP’s most significant investigations and events including high-risk search warrants and arrests during Operation Ironside.
TRT has assisted with high profile extraditions and the escorting of alleged offenders. This includes the escorting of a man aged in his thirties allegedly linked to Operation Ironside South-Britannic from Darwin to Melbourne in August, 2022.
The TRT was also responsible for ensuring the secure transit of a 31-year-old Australian man accused of terrorism offences who was extradited to Victoria in December, 2022.
AFP Superintendent Phillippa Connell said the team’s primary task was to protect the community as well as members of the AFP and partner agencies in some of the most confronting circumstances faced by law enforcement.
“The AFP’s Tactical Response Team is an elite team that is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets,” said Superintendent Connell.
“The team is world-class and is an essential capability for the AFP’s most complex and dangerous operations and are ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to keep Australians safe.”
Superintendent Connell said the TRT is also deployed to assist with AFP operations overseas as part of the AFP’s International Command network.
“Our team has access to the latest technology, equipment and methodologies to support the AFP and protect Australians and Australia’s national interests locally, nationally and abroad. “
TRT comprises of specialist capabilities including marksmen, dynamic entry, roping, rural operations and mobility and are trained in weapons and tactics, marine operations, stability response, tactical technology and everything in between.
Members are chosen after a 14-month training and selection process.
TRT operators are selected from current AFP and PSO members who apply during special recruitment rounds.
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