Civil Guard (Israel)

Members are trained to provide the initial response to a security situation until regular police forces arrive.

The Civil Guard's equipment generally consists of a fluorescent yellow police vest, flashlight, radio, firearm, handcuffs and whatever else may be required particular to the assignment.

The Civil Guard also has specialized units such as bicycle-riders, search-and-rescue teams, divers, translators, and drivers, whose members have to go through additional training and have a higher level of commitment.

The Civil Guard was established on July 10, 1974 as a group of civilians volunteered to do night patrols in near-border neighborhoods, which were exposed to Palestinian terror attacks, and in particular following the Ma'alot massacre of May 15, 1974.

Later, the focus was shifted from counter terror patrols to assist daily police work such as fighting crime and neighborhood violence.