The Grupo de Operaciones Policiales Especiales (GOPE) () is the police tactical unit of Carabineros de Chile which carries out high-risk police operations throughout the country, including location and tracking of bombs and explosives, bomb disposal, rescuing people or bodies from places of difficult access, anti-crime raids, and clashes. GOPE is a special force of military uniformed police, as stipulated in the Constitutional Act of Carabineros.
History
GOPE was created on 7 June 1979 with the aim of acting as a complementary force to police troops across the country, and respond to the various situations that occurred in the country during that time period.
Its trajectory demonstrates the professionalism of its crew, made up of highly trained policemen to counter the most dangerous criminal activities. Its tasks are supported by the Special Action Patrols (PAES), which perform tasks of shelter and protection of citizens.
Jurisdiction
The Special Police Operations Group has jurisdiction over the entire Chilean national territory, including the Insular Area and the Chilean Antarctic Territory. This is to ensure national security and not only state or regional.
Vehicles
GOPE vehicles are mostly used for transporting equipment for the work of the EOD section.
Fields of operation
Their operations can be classified into four different groups:
Counter - terrorism
Hostage release
Entre and search
Counter - bombing
Deactivation of explosives
Counter bomb search
Post detonation investigation
Human rescue
Saturated or contaminated environments
Rescue and salvage in aquatic environments
Rescue and salvage in highlands
Protection of Person of Interest
Direct security
Altitude security (rooftop shooter) Reaction security Search of hotels and installations Search of vehicles