A look at the Special Intervention Group
The Special Intervention Group (GEI) of the Mossos d’Esquadra represents one of the most enigmatic divisions of the Catalan police. Approximately forty agents, led by an inspector and a sub-inspector, have the ability to quickly mobilize by land, sea or air throughout the Catalan territory, mainly in crisis situations. This unit, whose daily work includes exhaustive training in secret locations in Catalonia, will celebrate its four decades of existence in 2024.
Scope of action and response capacity
GEI members are the most qualified to face extremely high-risk situations, especially those involving armed people and potential dangers, regardless of the location: from apartments and factories to busy streets or shopping centers. GEI troops practice scenarios they hope to never have to face in real life, with a team always on call ready to respond in minutes.
Detailed preparation and training
During one of these training sessions, under strict security regulations, they rehearse entering homes and maneuvering in large spaces, perfecting techniques to search for hostile individuals. Consistency in training is vital to ensure mastery in these complex interventions.
Increase in demand for interventions
Unfortunately, GHG activity has been increasing. Originally dedicated mostly to training, they are now seen deployed more frequently in real incidents that, while not all critical, involve a growing number of situations with armed people. Notorious cases include the neutralization of a shooter in Tarragona, the release of hostages in Barcelona or the arrest of a gunman in Sant Hipòlit de Voltregà, situations in which his intervention was crucial.
Impact of growing crime
In addition to immediate emergencies, the increase in social tension and the proliferation of narcoterrorist groups have led investigation units to activate the GEI more frequently in preventive operations. Its deployment in events such as the murder that occurred in the Font de la Pólvora neighborhood after Sant Joan, demonstrates the growing demand for its services. They have also been seen in special operations, such as visible security measures at high-risk FC Barcelona matches, concerts and official visits.
Prepared for any situation
Thanks to their training, the members of the GEI are ready to intervene in any corner of Catalonia in the face of unknown or predictable risks. The sub-inspector states that training is crucial to act in the face of armed dangers and neutralize threats. Anonymity is their ally: no one knows who they are part of and they always operate with their faces covered, they even use fictitious names already internalized to maintain the necessary distance for the safety of the team and their own.
Demanding workouts
GEI exercises range from drills under fire to practices in aquatic environments, adapting to the need to address situations on boats. Likewise, they collaborate with the Air Area for operations that require movements and descents from helicopters.
Silent guardians of security
Faced with the most complicated missions, these agents, of whom we only know fictitious identifications and traits such as the color of their eyes, are fully prepared to defend and protect. Their discretion and professionalism ensure that safety prevails when situations become extremely dangerous.
