Officers have to undergo a strenuous training and selection process, followed by advanced training to gain more specialised skills.
They are trained to deal with armed assailants, conduct hostage rescue operations on land and at sea, perform high-risk prisoner escorts and undertake protective security operations.
For a taste of the strength and skill required, this reporter tried on an officer’s tactical vest, which can weigh up to 15kg, and gained a pair of sore arms from trying to force open a door with a battering ram.