In response to a perceived need to provide specialized personnel to deal with high-risk situations involving armed offenders or terrorists, to control demonstrations and riots with firmness and restraint, and to maintain order at large public events, all police forces in New Zealand and Australia have tactical units. The tactical units are generally formed either as armed-offender squads or as public-order squads, although in some forces the roles have merged. The earliest tactical units were formed to counter armed persons presenting a danger to the public or police. The increase in worldwide political terrorism in the late 1960's and 1970's prompted police training in counterterrorist techniques. In many cases, the existing armed-offender units provided the core for this new capability. An increase in the frequency and intensity of public disorders and public criticism of the police for their handling of these disorders stimulated specialized training of units to deal with these situations. Information is provided on the names, functions, history, and training for police tactical units in New Zealand and each of Australia's States and territories. 2 tables.