Then and Now: Specialist Response Group
The original photo, dated in the 1980s, shows Security Operations Team police officers taking part in a briefing.
The current photo shows the significantly improved safety equipment including helmets, ear protection and vests.
The original photo, dated 1974, shows an ACT Policing officer from the Armed Offenders Squad holding an ArmaLite AR-15 rifle, also known as a M-16.
The current photo shows an SRG police officer holding a Knights Armament SR-16, also known as a SR-16.
The original photo shows Senior Constable Brodie dressed in the original Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) suit. The EOD suit was a heavy suit of body armour designed to withstand the pressure generated by a bomb and any fragments the bomb may produce.
The current photo shows a Bomb Response police officer dressed in the new EOD 10 suit and helmet. It is significantly lighter, more comfortable and gives users much greater mobility.
The original photo, shows Constable Ian White standing in front the ACT Policing search and rescue vehicle, with the equipment laid out for a school display.
The current photo shows an ACT Policing Search and Rescue officer standing in front of the Ford Ranger Supercab vehicle. The equipment laid out includes a full set of vertical rescue equipment, basket stretcher, breathing apparatus, generator, portable LED flood lights, cutting equipment, chainsaw, ladder, ski equipment, wetsuits, ropes, helmets and a UAV.
The original photo shows a Security Operations Team (SOT) officer undertaking a training exercise at ‘Bruce Stadium’, now known as GIO Stadium. The SOT officer is carrying an M16 with a .38 calibre revolver in a holster.
The current photo shows an SRG officer carrying an SR-16 with a Glock 17 in a holster.
The original photo, dated 1984, shows a Ford F350 truck parked out the front of the National Carillon. The Ford F350 replaced the previous ACT Policing Search and Rescue truck, the international brand 4WD, which had been purchased in 1975. The dimensions of the Ford enabled it to be placed into a Hercules transport aircraft if required.
The current photo shows a Ford Ranger Supercab, which is equipped with a bull-bar, winch, Max Trax, high-lift jack, snorkel and LED flood lights.
The original photo, dated pre-2000, shows an SRS police officer holding a Heckler and Koch MP5 with a Glock 17 in a holster. The other equipment includes 12-gauge shotgun rounds, para-dynamic load bearing vest, MK9 knife, Avon gas mask and a ballistics helmet. The pink paint flecks on his vest are from Simunition rounds, also known as paint filled non-lethal training ammunition.
The current photo shows an SRG police officer holding a SR-16 with a Glock 17 in a holster.