Central Customs Support Group
Zentrale Unterstützungsgruppe Zoll
Active1997 – present
Country Germany
AgencyBundeszollverwaltung
TypePolice tactical unit
HeadquartersCologne
50°58′37″N 7°03′53″E / 50.97694°N 7.06472°E / 50.97694; 7.06472
AbbreviationZUZ
Structure
Officers47
A member of the ZUZ
Weapons used by the ZUZ

The Zentrale Unterstützungsgruppe Zoll (ZUZ) (Central Customs Support Group) is the police tactical unit of the German Customs Service (Bundeszollverwaltung) and subordinate to the German Customs Investigation Bureau (Zollkriminalamt, ZKA).[1][2]

History

In response to the increasing violence against law enforcement officers, the ZUZ was formed in 1997 as the customs tactical unit for use when regular officers would be in too much danger. Until that point, the German Customs services requested the service of the SEK units or the GSG 9 for high-risk missions. However, due to the workload of these units, the German Customs Service decided to establish their own special unit for these types of missions.

Recruitment and training

Any member of the German Customs Service can apply for the selection process of the ZUZ. Requirements are:

  • Not older than 35 years
  • Physical and mental fitness

The selection process lasts 14 days and includes physical tests, medical examinations, interviews and aptitude tests.

Upon completion of the selection process, new ZUZ members have to attend a 10-week basic training which is followed by a 48-week advanced training.

Preservation of the various basic skills (i.e., shooting, sport and self-defence) is a top priority on the ZUZ training plan as well as driving and safety training and courses on new technical devices.

Equipment

In addition to an extensive fleet, ZUZ members are armed with the following weapons：

See also

References

  1. ↑ Hansen, Stefan (2009). Neue deutsche Sicherheitsarchitektur: ist eine Reform der Kompetenzverteilung zwischen Polizeibehörden, Nachrichtendiensten und den Streitkräften notwendig? [New German security architecture: Is a reform of the allocation of rights and duties between police agencies, intelligence services and armed forces necessary?] (in German). Peter Lang. p. 53. ISBN 9783631585351.
  2. ↑ Soiné, Michael (2009). Ermittlungsverfahren und Polizeipraxis: Einführung in das Strafverfahrensrecht [Ermittlungsverfahren und Polizeipraxis: Einführung in das Strafverfahrensrecht]. Kriminalistik Verlag. p. 60. ISBN 9783783200232.
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