Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations (STOP) Team

Officers with the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Special Tactical Operations (STOP) team pictured wearing APPS Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Personal Protective Equipment.

The STOP team is a SWAT-style tactical team that deals with high-level threats such as active shooters, hostage taking, terrorist attack etc.

They may be required to carry out such operations in the 'warm zone' or 'hot zone' of a chemical, biological or radiological attack.

The MSP STOP team is on standby to respond to threats across Massachusetts.

STOP operators may undergo specialist training in maritime interdiction, CSX tactical rail operations and tactical combat casualty care.

Operators in the sniper/observer elements undergo New England State Police Administration Conference (NESPAC) basic/advanced sniper school training.

Weapons carried by STOP operators include M4 carbines, SW1911 "E" .

45acp pistols, 12-guage shotguns and bolt-action 7.62mm sniper rifles.

Tactical equipment includes a BearCat armored vehicle.