![Zentrale Unterstützungsgruppe Zoll - weapons](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/15/Zentrale_Unterst%C3%BCtzungsgruppe_Zoll_-_weapons.jpg)
The ''Zentrale Unterstützungsgruppe Zoll'' (Central Customs Support Group, ZUZ) is the
police tactical unit
A police tactical unit (PTU) is a specialized police unit trained to handle situations that are beyond the capabilities of ordinary law enforcement units because of the level of violence (or risk of violence) involved. A police tactical unit's tas ...
of the
German Customs Service (''Bundeszollverwaltung'') and subordinate to the German Customs Investigation Bureau (''
Zollkriminalamt
The German Customs Investigation Bureau in Cologne (german: Zollkriminalamt, ZKA) and its investigation offices are federal agencies that fall under the German Finance Ministry. The ZKA coordinates customs investigations nationwide in particu ...
'', ZKA).
[
]
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:
*
Glock 17
Glock is a brand of polymer-Receiver (firearms), framed, Recoil operation#Short recoil operation, short recoil-operated, locked-breech semi-automatic pistols designed and produced by Austrian manufacturer Glock Ges.m.b.H., Glock Ges.m.b.H. The ...
pistol
*
Glock 26
Glock is a brand of polymer- framed, short recoil-operated, locked-breech semi-automatic pistols designed and produced by Austrian manufacturer Glock Ges.m.b.H. The firearm entered Austrian military and police service by 1982 after it was th ...
pistol
*
Heckler & Koch MP5
The Heckler & Koch MP5 (german: Maschinenpistole 5) is a 9x19mm Parabellum submachine gun, developed in the 1960s by a team of engineers from the German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch. There are over 100 variants and clones of the MP5, ...
sub-machine gun
*
Heckler & Koch G36
The Heckler & Koch G36 (Gewehr 36) is a 5.56×45mm assault rifle designed in the early 1990s by German weapons manufacturer Heckler & Koch as a replacement for the heavier 7.62×51mm G3 battle rifle. It was accepted into service with the ''Bu ...
assault rifle
*
Heckler & Koch HK416
The Heckler & Koch HK416 is a gas-operated assault rifle chambered for the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge. It is designed and manufactured by the German company Heckler & Koch.
Although the design is based on the AR-15 class of firearm (specifical ...
assault rifle
See also
*
KSK
*
Kampfschwimmer
*
GSG 9
*
Spezialeinsatzkommando
*
Counter-terrorism Rapid Response- Italian
Guardia di Finanza
The ''Guardia di Finanza'' (G. di F. or GdF) () (English: literal: ''Guard of Finance'', paraphrased: ''Financial Police'' or ''Financial Guard'') is an Italian law enforcement agency under the authority of the Minister of Economy and Finance. ...
similar unit
References
External links
*
Bundeszollverwaltung
1997 establishments in Germany
Non-military counterterrorist organizations
Police tactical units
Specialist law enforcement agencies of Germany
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