Polish Police Counter-Terrorist Units: BOA and SPKP

While Poland’s military special forces focus on combat operations both at home and abroad, their police counterparts form the first line of defense against threats on domestic soil. Their missions are often less visible, but no less important – ranging from interventions against armed criminals to safeguarding international summits. The most prominent among them are BOA, the central counter-terrorist unit of the Polish police, and SPKP, the regional intervention teams ready to deploy anywhere in the country.

BOA – Central Counter-Terrorist Unit of the Polish Police

🔵 Official name: Biuro Operacji Antyterrorystycznych (BOA)
🔵 Role: Central intervention unit of the Polish Police for counter-terrorism and high-risk operations

BOA ranks among the longest-serving counter-terrorist units in Europe. Its origins date back to 1976, when Poland responded to the rising threat of terrorism by establishing a specialized unit in Warsaw. Since then, it has undergone several reorganizations and today serves as the central directorate for counter-terrorist operations of the Polish police – with authority to coordinate and support interventions nationwide.

Main Tasks of the BOA Counter-Terrorist Unit

Status and International Cooperation of BOA

BOA is the core of Poland’s counter-terrorist network, providing methodological guidance to the regional SPKP teams. Internationally, it operates within the EU ATLAS Task Force, enabling rapid knowledge exchange and joint training with elite units from other member states.

Training and Equipment of BOA Operators

BOA operators undergo comprehensive training covering CQB, firearms proficiency, negotiation techniques, as well as pyrotechnic and CBRN procedures. The emphasis is on precision, coordination, and safeguarding civilians during urban interventions.

Members of the BOA counter-terrorist unit demonstrating intervention tactics.

SPKP – Regional Counter-Terrorist Units

SPKP represents a network of regional counter-terrorist teams of the Polish police. They were created to ensure rapid response to terrorism and organized crime threats across the country – not just in Warsaw.

Unlike the central BOA, SPKP units operate within individual voivodeships and are deployed in cases of local security crises – whether it is an armed robbery, kidnapping, or high-risk arrest.

Main Tasks of the Regional SPKP Counter-Terrorist Units

Position and Role of SPKP within the Polish Police

SPKP are independent units reporting to regional police commands. However, methodologically they fall under BOA, which coordinates them and unifies their tactical procedures.

Thanks to this structure, Poland ensures nationwide coverage – in times of crisis, an elite team can be deployed practically anywhere in a short amount of time.

Polish Brands in the Rigad Offer

Poland is not only a country with a long tradition of special forces but also home to several top-class manufacturers of tactical gear and equipment. These brands are renowned for their quality, functional details, and often direct ties to the needs of armed forces. That is why Rigad.cz offers a carefully curated selection of the very best the Polish market has to offer.

Close-up view of Helikon-Tex pants with tactical belt and gear.

Conclusion – The Elite on the Front Line

Polish counter-terrorist units BOA and SPKP form the backbone of domestic security. While BOA stands at the forefront as the central force with international ties, SPKP ensures rapid and effective response in the regions. Together, they create a system capable of tackling the most serious threats – from organized crime to terrorism.

👉 Just like with the military’s special forces, here too top-tier training and modern equipment are the keys to success. And it is precisely this quality of Polish equipment that you will also find at Rigad.cz, where we build on the same values – reliability, durability, and functionality.