Officers from the Department’s Special Operations Group (SOG) and WA Police’s Regional Operations Group (ROG) joined forces in the operation at Casuarina Prison.
The exercise was staged to evaluate the effectiveness of the SOG and ROG operating together during an emergency at a custodial facility requiring Police involvement.
Members of the Correctional Emergency Response Team from Serco-operated Acacia Prison also participated in the exercise by role playing as rioting prisoners.
In the scenarios, officers had to quell the staged disturbance in which “prisoners” armed with debris barricaded themselves in an area of the maximum-security prison and resisted capture.
Drone and body worn camera footage of the operation was monitored live from the State Operations Command Centre by senior Corrective Services officers and Police counterparts.
“Exercises like this allow us to test and evaluate operating practices between the SOG and ROG, including communications, tactics, equipment and frontline operations,” Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said.
“We can also examine the decision-making process, strategies and tactics of scene commanders,” Commissioner Royce said.
ROG Superintendent Noel Gartlan said the operation would enhance the readiness and response capabilities of the two agencies for handling critical prison incidents.
“Regular joint training exercises are crucial for maintaining high skill levels and preparedness for real-life situations,” Supt Gartlan said.
“They identify areas for improvement and ensure that all teams are operating at their peak efficiency. All operations are governed by strict rules and protocols in line with legislation.”
SOG Superintendent Ian Wilson said: “A combined response like this ensures we can quickly and efficiently resolve an incident, with a minimum of infrastructure damage and ensuring the safety of our people.”
“The officers involved get a lot out of it, they get to see how other people train and note the synergies between them,” Supt Wilson said.
