Special Services Unit (Grenada)
| Special Services Unit | |
|---|---|
Emblem of the Special Services Unit Uniform patch | |
| Founded | 1 April 1985 |
| Country | Grenada |
| Allegiance | Charles III, King of Grenada |
| Type | Paramilitary Defence force |
| Role | Light infantry |
| Size | 80 men[1] |
| Part of | Royal Grenada Police Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Camp Raymond |
| Motto(s) | Dedicated to Serve and Protect with Dignity and Confidence |
| Commanders | |
| Governor-General | Dame Cécile La Grenade |
| Minister of National Security | Dickon Mitchell |
| Commissioner of Police | Randy Connaught |
| Commander | Kenny Stanisclaus |
The Special Services Unit (SSU) is the paramilitary unit of the Royal Grenada Police Force responsible for national defence. It was formed in 1985, following the United States invasion of Grenada as a replacement for the disbanded People's Revolutionary Army. The unit is primarily equipped with M-16 rifles and M4 carbines.[2]
Mission
The SSU has a number of roles - primarily it is responsible for maintaining the internal security of Grenada, which is linked to providing assistance to the regular police in maintaining law and order. It is also responsible for national emergency response. Other responsibilities consist of providing the Grenadian contingent to peacekeeping and support missions in the Eastern Caribbean via the Regional Security System.[3]
The Special Services Unit also provides training for the Grenada Cadet Corps.
History
Following the United States invasion of Grenada in 1983, the People's Revolutionary Army, Grenada's military during the 1979-1983 rule of the People's Revolutionary Government, was dissolved. With the dissolution of the military, defence became the responsibility of the police. The Special Services Unit was established as part of the police in April 1985 to replace the army, being provided with American training and weapons.[4]
Organisation
The SSU is under the command of a Police Inspector, who answers to the Commissioner of Police of the Royal Grenada Police Force.
References
- ^ "Grenada". US Department of State. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
- ^ "United States Military Special Operations Forces exchange with RGPF Special Services Unit". NOW Grenada. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
- ^ "Special Services Unit SSU". Royal Grenada Police Force. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
- ^ "G.I.s on Grenada whip a police unit into shape". New York Times. Retrieved 25 April 2025.