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Revision as of 13:42, 27 December 2005 by Sapient (talk | contribs) (→Public order: Update link)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)The Territorial Support Group (TSG) is a special response unit of London's Metropolitan Police Service. The TSG replaced the controversial Special Patrol Group in 1987, and was tasked with three main roles in the policing of London:
- providing a level one response to public order
- reducing priority crime through borough support
- securing the capital against terrorism
TSG units patrol in marked police vans. Each unit consists of between four and six police constables and a sergeant.
Public order
Although public order is not the TSG's only role, it is certainly their most visible and well-known. TSG vans are equipped with wire window shields, and officers are equipped with plexiglass riot shields, visored helmets, shin and elbow guards and fireproof uniform coveralls. This level of protection allows them to deal with many potentially violent situations, including riots, football violence and some armed suspects (although the presence of firearms is dealt with by the police Force Firearms Unit, CO19). TSG officers are not armed, and are only equipped with handcuffs, ASP batons and CS spray like any other beat officer in the Met.
Borough support
The TSG provides support to regular divisional officers through high-visibility patrols, pro-active targeting of suspects, surveillance, decoy operations and providing a presence on the streets.
Terrorism response
The TSG is equipped and trained to deal with the aftermath of a terrorism emergency in London, and the unit includes a dedicated CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear) team. Working closely with SO13 (the Metropolitan Police Anti-Terrorist Branch) the TSG also has considerable counter-terrorism capabilities.
Bases of operations
The TSG operates from five bases located throughout London:
- TSG1 in Paddington
- TSG2 in Finchley
- TSG3 in Chadwell Heath
- TSG4 in Catford
- TSG5 in Clapham