The ''Zentrale Unterstützungsgruppe Zoll'' (ZUZ) (Central Customs Support Group) is the
police tactical unit
A police tactical unit (PTU) is a specialized police unit trained and equipped to handle situations that are beyond the capabilities of ordinary law enforcement units because of the level of violence (or risk of violence) involved. The tasks of a ...
of the
German Customs Service (''Bundeszollverwaltung'') and subordinate to the German Customs Investigation Bureau (''
Zollkriminalamt
The German Customs Investigation Bureau in Cologne () and its investigation offices are federal agencies that fall under the German Finance Ministry. The ZKA coordinates customs investigations nationwide in particular monitoring foreign trade ...
'', 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
, formerly , is the police tactical unit of the German Federal Police (Bundespolizei). The unit is responsible for combatting terrorism and violent crime, including organized crime. In addition to its headquarters location in Sankt Augustin-H ...
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
*
BORTAC
The Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) is one of two police tactical units in the Special Operations Group, under the United States Border Patrol (USBP) that specialize in counterterrorism, high-risk tactical law enforcement situations, hostage ...
*
KSK
*
Kampfschwimmer
*
GSG 9
, formerly , is the police tactical unit of the German Federal Police (Bundespolizei). The unit is responsible for combatting terrorism and violent crime, including organized crime. In addition to its headquarters location in Sankt Augustin-H ...
*
Spezialeinsatzkommando
''Spezialeinsatzkommando'' (SEK, "Special Task Force") are police tactical units of each of the 16 German Landespolizei, state police forces that specialize in a quick response with SWAT unit tactics to emergencies. Along with the ''Mobiles Einsa ...
*
Counter-terrorism Rapid Response- Italian
Guardia di Finanza
The Guardia di Finanza (; G. di F. or GdF; or ) is an Italian militarised law enforcement agency under the Ministry of Economy and Finance (Italy), Ministry of Economy and Finance, instead of the Ministry of Defence (Italy), Ministry of Defence ...
similar unit
References
External links
*
Bundeszollverwaltung
1997 establishments in Germany
Police tactical units
{{Germany-gov-stub