page_title: Dienst Speciale Interventies
section_title: Selection and training
hierarchical_section_title: Dienst Speciale Interventies / Selection and training
caption_attribution_description: English: M-Squadron training in Arkansas
context_page_description: The Dienst Speciale Interventies, commonly abbreviated DSI, is the elite police tactical unit of the Dutch National Police Corps and was formally established on 1 July 2006. The DSI is tasked with neutralising terrorist incidents and other violent public order disruptions for which regular police units are inadequately equipped. In total, the DSI consists of about 550 active operators.
  Since the integration of the regional Arrest Teams, in 2013, the DSI functions as an umbrella organization coordinating the operations of both the ATs and the counter-terrorism elements. The mixed unit has a unique character as it consists of both law enforcement and military personnel.
context_section_description: The first courses for the Arrest Teams took place in 1978 under the command of the Rijkspolitie. In 1979, the ministers of Justice and the minister of the Interior, established four Arrest Teams under the command of the national police (Rijkspolitie), and six Arrest Teams under the command of the municipal police forces (Gemeentepolitie) of the six largest cities.
  Since the re-organization of the Dutch police in 1994, all aspiring AT personnel attend the same basic training at the police academy. The training takes place in several locations throughout the country and takes a total of twenty weeks in which aspiring AT-operators are trained extensively in shooting, house clearing, de-escalation and an extensive specialized driving course. Marines of M-Squadron that are detached to Unit Intervention undergo the complete AT-training as well. Because of the strict psychological, social and physical selection of the operators, the intense course, frequent training, and high-quality equipment, DSI personnel are well equipped to deploy in highly challenging situations. The extensive training enables the operators to arrest suspects with as little violence as possible.
  Additionally, all DSI operators develop a specialism. Individual AT operators are free to pass on their specialism of choice to their superiors. Personnel can choose the following specialisms:
  Diving: divers of the DSI are regularly deployed to search for and secure evidence (for example firearms) and to assist forensic experts.
  High altitude operations: high altitude operators are trained to operate on high altitudes for counter-terrorism, arrest and rescue operations.
  Medic: medics are trained and responsible for providing first aid and frontline trauma care during operations.
  Demolition expert: demolition expert are specialized in the use of explosives. Explosives are regularly used during operations for door breaching.
  Motorcyclist: motorcyclists within the DSI are trained to operate on and from unmarked police motorcycles. Motorcycles are used by the DSI to arrest suspects moving on foot and for interventions at locations that are otherwise difficult to access.
  Firearm instructor: firearm instructors provide firearm training and instructions for the several weapon systems in use within the DSI.
  K-9 handler: the DSI has multiple police dogs at their disposal. These dogs are used for both arrests and reconnaissances. DSI dogs often stay with their respective handlers after their working life.
caption: DSI (AI, AE&OO and M-Squadron) operators during training in Arkansas, United States.
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