Germany introducing new counter-terrorism police unit in response to Paris attacks

BERLIN – Germany is introducing a new police unit in the wake of the deadly attacks in Paris that officials say will be better armed and trained to deal with terrorism.

Some 250 more officers will be added to the national police force's special arrest units, known as the BFE, and based at five locations around the country.

Unlike the country's elite GSG9 SWAT teams that are only deployed as emergency response units, the so-called BFE+ police will also be involved in day-to-day operations.

Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere is presenting the first group of 50 BFE+ police later Wednesday.

Police union spokesman Rainer Wendt says additional specially trained officers are "money well spent" but told the dpa news agency ordinary patrol officers also must be properly equipped to deal with terrorism.