Nucleo Operativo Centrale di Sicurezza
The Nucleo Operativo Centrale di Sicurezza ( NOCS ) (German: Central operational security unit ) is a special unit of the Italian state police for counter-terrorism and hostage rescue.
Order
In addition to its primary mission of combating terrorism, the fight against organized crime is a task of the Nucleo Operativo Centrale di Sicurezza. Hostage rescue and special operations personnel protection also part of the remit of this unit. As NOCS but in comparison to other units of this type has only a small thickness, it is only used for very difficult operations.
Organization
At the top of the NOCS is a Chief Superintendent ( primo dirigente / vice commissioner ). The unit is divided into an operational and in a supporting part. The operational part is further subdivided into three groups, whose members specialize in particular tasks ( snipers, explosives specialists, divers, parachutists, etc.) but in all other areas must also have very good knowledge. At the operational level, the training group is located.
Training
According to medical and psychological tests, a six-month basic training begins. The tests and the basic training on are usually no more than five percent of applicants. It follows a two-year trial period, during which there is also the full training. Those who survive this section shall be included in an active team of the Nucleo Operativo Centrale di Sicurezza. Parts of the training take place in Abbasanta in Sardinia.
History
The NOCS was erected in 1978 at the height of the terror of the Red Brigades and other armed groups by a ministerial decree of the then Interior Minister Francesco Cossiga. The up to now most well-known use was in 1982, when terrorists to American General James Lee Dozier from NATO command Country South in Verona kidnapped. Twelve NOCS officials freed the General in an apartment in Padua and were for an award from the U.S. government with a high decoration.
European cooperation
The NOCS is cooperating in the framework of the ATLAS network with police special forces of other European countries.