Special Operations Group without female recruit despite three-year search

Victoria’s most elite police squad is yet to have a woman join its ranks despite being a recruitment priority for three years.

Victoria Police says it is edging closer to a woman joining the ranks of the highly trained tactical squad. Picture: Alex Coppel

Victoria Police’s most elite squad is still looking to recruit its first woman.

The elite Special Operations Group (SOG), commonly known as the Sons of God, has been searching for its first daughter for at least three years without success.

Although it has taken longer than expected, the force say it is edging closer to a woman joining the SOG ranks.

Members of the highly trained tactical squad are called upon to deal with our most dangerous offenders including, terrorists, gunmen, armed sieges, hostage scenarios and other high-risk arrests.

SOG is still searching for its first female recruit. Picture: Alex Coppel

The selection criteria is known for its rigorous physical and psychological testing.

Women who have tried out for the SOG have thus far fallen short of the criteria, but the force is urging more women to apply.

“In recent years the SOG has seen more women register interest in tactical policing,” a spokesperson said.

“We have also had women take part in the selection process.

“With more women working in tactical roles at Victoria Police, the SOG is confident it is only a matter of time before there is a successful female applicant.”

The push for a woman to join the “elite of the elite” began three years ago in an effort to end its 45-year male-only history.

The selection criteria for SOG is rigorous physical and psychological testing. Picture: Alex Coppel

Unsuccessful SOG applicants receive a thorough debrief from senior SOG management, including areas where improvement can be made if a candidate wishes to reapply.

Police say the SOG continually reviews its contemporary and “world-class” selection process externally to ensure it attracts diversity, while promoting equal access to interested members.

The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), another tactical squad within the force, has women working in their ranks.

About one in five successful CIRT applicants are women.

Internationally, police women have for decades been part of crack units dealing with dangerous offenders.