Support Command within Queensland Police Service. The sub-unit based in Cairns is part of the Far North District in the Northern Region under the operational command of the Specialist Response Branch. The Specialist Response Branch also includes the Negotiator Coordination Unit and Explosive Ordnance Response Team (EORT) who both work closely with SERT. SERT has its own police dogs. SERT responded to the Wieambilla police shootings on 12 December 2022, resulting in one of their armoured vehicles being damaged by gunfire. Role The role of SERT includes: Counter terrorism operations Resolving siege and hostage situations, as well as armed offender situations Undertaking searches of premises in high risk situations The arrest of armed and dangerous offenders Escorting and securing dangerous prisoners in high risk situations High angle rescue Less lethal tactics deployment Water and Airborne operations and insertion Witness Protection Selection To qualify for a three-day selection course SERT hopefuls have to undergo a gruelling fitness regime. They must complete a minimum of 10 chin ups, 35 push ups and 100 sit ups all to cadence, then run 10 km in under 46 minutes and finally swim 400 metres in under 10 minutes. All this is done consecutively without a rest. This is the minimum fitness standard required, and is assessed with zero tolerance. The three-day selection course is regarded as the most difficult and physically demanding course within the Queensland Police Service. It tests physical and mental endurance through individual and team tasks, problem solving, sleep deprivation, basic survival skills and by challenging phobias for example heights and closed spaces. Several female officers have attempted selection. Candidates who are successful on the selection course are invited to attend a 14-week training course where all the skills of the unit are taught. The first four weeks consist of physical training, 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening, interspersed with weapons validations and training. The next two weeks consist of rural tactics and marksman training. The next six weeks consist of close quarter tactics, methods of entry, tactical driving, roping, fast roping and other skills. Upon graduation, successful applicants can apply for available positions where they are put into a team where further training and validations are required before becoming operational. Specialist courses are then attended including water operations, breaching, advanced roping, advanced close quarter tactics and opportunities to attend advanced training with other police and military