Special Services Unit (Grenada)

Special Services Unit
Emblem of the Special Services Unit Uniform patch
Founded	1 April 1985;40 years ago (1985-04-01)
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

Special Services Unit officers with M16A1 rifles taking part exercise Tradewinds 2016.

The SSU is under the command of a Police Inspector, who answers to the Commissioner of Police of the Royal Grenada Police Force.

References

1. "Grenada". US Department of State. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
2. "United States Military Special Operations Forces exchange with RGPF Special Services Unit". NOW Grenada. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
3. "Special Services Unit SSU". Royal Grenada Police Force. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
4. "G.I.s on Grenada whip a police unit into shape". New York Times. Retrieved 25 April 2025.