# Rapid Response Unit

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{{Short description|Czech police tactical unit}}
{{more citations needed|date=August 2014}}

{{Infobox law enforcement unit
| unit_name              = Útvar rychlého nasazení
| native_name            = <!-- Use {{native name|language code|name}} -->
| native_namea           = <!-- Use {{native name|language code|name}} -->
| native_namer           = <!-- Use {{native name|language code|name}} -->
| image                  = Insigne Útvar rychlého nasazení (URNA).svg
| image_size             =
| alt                    =
| caption                =
| dates                  = 1981–present
| country                = [Czech Republic](/source/Czech_Republic)
| agency                 = [Policie České republiky](/source/Police_of_the_Czech_Republic)
| type                   = [Police tactical unit](/source/Police_tactical_unit)
| role                   = 
| ops_juris              = National
| command_structure      =
| headquarters_label     =
| headquarters           = 
| coordinates            =
| motto                  = ''S rozumem a odvahou''
| motto_translated       = With Reason and Courage
| common_name            = 
| abbreviation           = URNA
<!-- Structure -->
| sworn_type_label       = Officers
| sworn                  = Approx. 100<ref name="Valka"/>
| unsworn_type_label     = 
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| current_commander      =
| notable_commanders     = 
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| programs               = <!-- or | programmes = -->
| significant_operations = 
| anniversaries          =
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<!-- Equipment -->
| vehicles               = 
| boats                  = 
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<!--Website --> 
| website                =
}}

The '''Rapid Response Unit''' ('''URNA''') (''{{langx|cs|Útvar rychlého nasazení}}'') is the tactical unit of the [Police of the Czech Republic](/source/Police_of_the_Czech_Republic) (''{{langx|cs|Policie České republiky}}'') that specialises in air assault and airborne operations, counterterrorism and hostage rescue crisis management, high-risk tactical special operations, quick response to emergencies with SWAT unit tactics, and VIP protection.<ref name="URNA">{{cite web |title=Policie České republiky - Útvar rychlého nasazení |url=https://www.policie.cz/clanek/utvar-rychleho-nasazeni-policie-ceske-republiky-utvar-rychleho-nasazeni.aspx |website=Police of the Czech Republic |accessdate=2 August 2020 |language=Czech|trans-title=Police of the Czech Republic - Rapid Deployment Unit}}</ref> It is under the command of the [Ministry of the Interior](/source/Ministry_of_the_Interior_(Czech_Republic)).

==Mission==
The unit's missions primarily involve apprehension of armed and dangerous criminals, counterterrorism and hostage rescue crisis management, VIP protection, high-risk tactical law enforcement situations, operations in difficult terrain, protecting high-level meeting areas, providing security in areas at risk of attack or terrorism, special reconnaissance in difficult to access and dangerous areas, and crowd and riot control.

==History==
In 1981, the Útvar zvláštního určení (ÚZU) (Special purpose unit) was established in 1981 as part of the [Sbor národní bezpečnosti](/source/Sbor_n%C3%A1rodn%C3%AD_bezpe%C4%8Dnosti) (SNB) (''{{langx|en|National Security Corps}}'') with its members recruited from airborne units and issued with red berets.<ref name="URNA"/><ref name="Valka">{{cite magazine |title=S rozumem a odvahou: 35 let existence Útvaru rychlého nasazení Policie ČR |url=https://www.stoplusjednicka.cz/utvar-rychleho-nasazeni-policie-cr-s-rozumem-odvahou |magazine=Válka REVUE |accessdate=2 August 2020 |language=Czech|trans-title=With reason and courage: 35 years of existence of the Rapid Deployment Unit of the Police of the Czech Republic |date=17 May 2016}}</ref> In 1985, the unit was renamed Odbor zvláštního určení (OZU).<ref name="Valka"/> After the [Velvet Revolution](/source/Velvet_Revolution) in 1989, the unit was renamed Jednotka rychlého zásahu Federální policejní služby (JRZ FPS) (Rapid response unit of Federal police service)  and it members issued with green berets.<ref name="URNA"/><ref name="Valka"/> In 1992, the unit was renamed the Rapid response unit and in 1993 it members were issued red berets.<ref name="Valka"/>

The unit conducts about 40 operations a year and has served internationally including in [Afghanistan](/source/Afghanistan), [Iraq](/source/Iraq) and [Pakistan](/source/Pakistan) providing protection to Czech [embassies](/source/Diplomatic_mission).<ref name="Valka"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Kajínka jsme mohli zastřelit, bojoval do poslední chvíle, říká šéf URNA |url=https://www.idnes.cz/zpravy/domaci/libor-lochman-urna-kajinek.A171102_213502_domaci_jj |accessdate=2 August 2020 |work=iDNES.cz |date=3 November 2017 |language=Czech|trans-title=We could have shot Kajínek, he fought until the last moment, says the head of URNA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Vysílání příslušníků PČR do zahraničí: příležitost nebo problém? |url=https://www.policista.cz/clanky/reportaz/vysilani-prislusniku-pcr-do-zahranici-prilezitost-nebo-problem-1045/ |website=Police of the Czech Republic |accessdate=2 August 2020 |language=Czech|trans-title=Sending members of the Police abroad: an opportunity or a problem?}}</ref> Members of the unit have served in the [United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo](/source/United_Nations_Interim_Administration_Mission_in_Kosovo) (UNIMIK) in [Kosovo](/source/Kosovo) as part of [Special Team Six](/source/Special_Team_Six).

==Organization==
The Rapid response unit is divided into three sections:<ref>{{cite web |title=Struktura, výcvik a příprava |url=https://www.policie.cz/clanek/struktura-vycvik-a-priprava.aspx |website=Police of the Czech Republic |accessdate=2 August 2020 |language=Czech|trans-title=Structure, training and preparation}}</ref>

1. Rapid Deployment Section – consists of three intervention groups (Specialists, Pyrotechnists, Training Group).

2. Special Services Section – consists of members with specific specializations such as snipers, signalman, negotiators, drivers.

3. Administrative and Logistics Section – provides organizational, material and staffing, including the secretariat, a lawyer and administrative staff.

==Training==

Members of the Czech Police with at least three years of service (or an academic degree) can join the URNA.<ref>{{cite web |title=Výběr uchazečů o službu v Útvaru rychlého nasazení |url=https://www.policie.cz/clanek/vyber-uchazecu-o-sluzbu-v-utvaru-rychleho-nasazeni.aspx |website=Police of the Czech Republic |accessdate=2 August 2020 |language=Czech|trans-title=Selection of applicants for the service in the Rapid Deployment Unit}}</ref> The basis is a special-tactical training, shooting preparation, work at heights and self defense along with airborne and topographical and medical training. URNA practices with foreign units such as [22 SAS](/source/Special_Air_Service), [GSG9](/source/GSG9), [GIGN](/source/GIGN), etc.<ref name="URNA"/>

Required properties are as follows:

a) Intelligence – Average to above average. The ability to learn. Define and solve problems in stressful environments.

b) Ambition and self-discipline – know your own abilities, work on yourself.

c) Flexibility and adaptability – unconventional thinking, inventiveness, ability to improvise.

d) Maturity – it is intended behavior devoid of impulsiveness, naivety, exaggeration, internal discipline.

e) Psychosomatic stability – related to emotional stability. The candidate should not be subject to psychosomatic problems.

f) Emotional stability – patience, the ability to withstand criticism.

g) Emotional mood – optimism, sense of humor, without sudden fluctuations.

h) Social adaptability – friendly and open meeting, respect to authority, adopt rules of group.

i) Aggression and courage – to show targeted and controllable aggression. Courage with self-preservation, no stunt.

j) High frustration tolerance – the ability to remain operational and focused on meeting targets during break, waiting and disturbing influences.

k) Sense of justice, honesty, conscientiousness and positive motivation to work.

==Equipment==
{| class="wikitable"
!Model
!Type
!Origin
!Cartridge
!Notes
|-
|[CZ 75B](/source/CZ_75B)
| rowspan="5" |[Semi-automatic pistol](/source/Semi-automatic_pistol)
|{{Flag|Czech Republic}}
| rowspan="5" |[9×19mm Parabellum](/source/9%C3%9719mm_Parabellum)
|Replaced by Glock in 2005
|-
|[Beretta 92FS](/source/Beretta_92FS)
|{{Flag|Italy}}
|Complemented the CZ 75B
|-
|[Walther P99](/source/Walther_P99)
|{{Flag|Germany}}
|Was issued alongside Glock 17 around 2005, now out of service
|-
|[Glock 17](/source/Glock_17)
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Austria}}
|Replaced CZ and Beretta pistols around 2005. Gen 5 is currently issued with Streamlight TLR-2 flashlight with visible laser
|-
|[Glock 26](/source/Glock_26) 
|Issued for concealed carry and as a backup weapon
|-
|[CZ Vz.61 Škorpion](/source/%C5%A0korpion)
| rowspan="4" |[Submachine gun](/source/Submachine_gun) / [PDW](/source/Personal_defense_weapon)
|{{Flag|Czech Republic}}
|[7.65mm Browning](/source/.32_ACP)
|Standard issue until 1990s, when it was replaced by H&K MP5
|-
|[FN P90](/source/FN_P90)
|{{flag|Belgium}}
|[5.7×28mm](/source/FN_5.7%C3%9728mm) 
|Supplemented the MP5 in very small quantities, nowadays replaced by the H&K MP7A1
|-
|[Heckler & Koch MP5](/source/Heckler_%26_Koch_MP5)
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Germany}}
|[9×19mm Parabellum](/source/9%C3%9719mm_Parabellum)
|Numerous variants (A5, SD6, MP5K, MP5-PDW) used. Currently being succeeded by H&K MP7A1
|-
|[Heckler & Koch MP7A1](/source/Heckler_%26_Koch_MP7)
|[4.6×30mm](/source/HK_4.6%C3%9730mm)
|Replacing / heavily complementing the MP5
|-
|[SA vz. 58](/source/vz._58)
| rowspan="3" |[Assault rifle](/source/Assault_rifle)
|{{Flag|Czech Republic}}
|[7.62×39mm](/source/7.62%C3%9739mm)
|Former standard-issue rifle for foreign operations; updated around early 2000s with FAB Defense accessories such as telescopic stock and handguard with 1913 MIL-STD rails; replaced by the G36 rifles
|-
|[Heckler & Koch G36K](/source/Heckler_%26_Koch_G36K)
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Germany}}
|[5.56×45mm NATO](/source/5.56%C3%9745mm_NATO)
|Formed a transition from older 7.62x39mm SA Vz.58 rifle to NATO 5.56mm standard. Unit used the G36K and G36C variant with various attachments
|-
|[Heckler & Koch HK416A5](/source/Colt_Canada_C7_and_C8)
|[5.56×45mm NATO](/source/5.56%C3%9745mm_NATO)
|Current primary weapon issued to every unit operator. Mostly issued with EOTech EXPS 3.0 holographic sight and Steiner D-BAL IR laser module, other accessories are specific to each operator's choice
|-
|[Benelli M3-T](/source/Benelli_M3)
|[Shotgun](/source/Shotgun)
|{{Flag|Italy}}
|.12 Gauge (12/76)
|M3T variant with wire folding stock was used for door breaching techniques. Mostly out of service
|-
|[SVD Dragunov](/source/SVD_Dragunov)
| rowspan="6" |[Sniper rifle](/source/Sniper_rifle)
|{{Flag|Soviet Union}}
|[7.62×54mmR](/source/7.62%C3%9754mmR)
|Standard sniper rifle until early 1990s. Paired with PSO-1 4x24mm scope
|-
|[SIG SSG-3000](/source/SIG_SSG-3000) 
|{{Flag|Switzerland}}
| rowspan="3" |[7.62×51mm NATO](/source/7.62%C3%9751mm_NATO)
|Replaced the SVD. Used with Hensoldt 1-6x42mm scope until being replaced by SAKO TRG series rifles 
|-
|[Heckler & Koch HK417](/source/Heckler_%26_Koch_HK417)
|{{Flag|Germany}}
|Used as a sniper support rifle and helicopter work. Also used in shorter 13' inch barrel configuration
|-
|[Sako TRG 22](/source/Sako_TRG)
|{{Flag|Finland}}
|Still used by Czech Police regional SWAT units. Replaced within URNA by AI AXMC rifles. Usually paired with Schmidt & Bender scope. TRG-22 model was often used with folding stock
|-
|[Sako TRG 42](/source/Sako_TRG)
|{{Flag|Finland}}
|[.338 Lapua Magnum](/source/.338_Lapua_Magnum)
|Still used by Czech Police regional SWAT units. Replaced within URNA by AI AXMC rifles. Usually paired with Schmidt & Bender scope.
|-
|[Accuracy International AXMC](/source/Accuracy_International_Arctic_Warfare) 
|{{Flag|United Kingdom}}
|[7.62×51mm NATO](/source/7.62%C3%9751mm_NATO) [.338 Lapua Magnum](/source/.338_Lapua_Magnum)
|Currently used sniper rifles chambered in 7.62mm NATO (AI AX308) or .338 Lapua Magnum (AXMC). Used with NightForce ATACR scope
|-
|[FN Minimi](/source/FN_Minimi)
|[Machine gun](/source/Machine_gun)
|{{Flag|Belgium}}
| rowspan="2" |Current
|Bought in small number for foreign operations
|-
|[Heckler & Koch HK69A1](/source/Heckler_%26_Koch_HK69A1)
|[Grenade launcher](/source/Grenade_launcher)
|{{Flag|Germany}}
|Mostly used for training with various types of ammo
|}
*[Nomex](/source/Nomex) [gloves](/source/gloves)
*Zeveta P1 Flashbang
**After explosion, 14 small explosives disperse to all directions and each one provides flash and sound effect
*[NICO BTV-1 flash-bang grenade](/source/NICO_BTV-1_flash-bang_grenade)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:ATLAS Network
Category:Government agencies established in 1981
Category:Law enforcement in the Czech Republic
Category:Law enforcement in Czechoslovakia
Category:Non-military counterterrorist organizations
Category:Police tactical units
Category:1981 establishments in Czechoslovakia

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Rapid Response Unit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_Response_Unit) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_Response_Unit?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.