ATS Full Form

Sudeshna chakrabartiUpdated On: August 10, 2023 12:44 pm IST

ATS full form is Anti-Terrorism Squad. It is a special police force that is formed to fight against terrorism across India. ATS officers are always prepared to control any type of terror attack. They have multiple branches across India. The main function of ATS is to gather and collect information regarding anti-national elements in India.

What is the Full Form of ATS? 

As mentioned above the full form of ATS is Anti- Terrorism Squad. It is a special unit of police that is responsible for investing in & eliminating terrorist attacks or activities. The ATS unit comes under state police and there are some national ATS units also. They have to gather and collect information regarding terrorism and later share it with different intelligence and government agencies which includes Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), National Investigation Agency (NIA). Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and even with International agencies like Interpol. 

The ATS has branches in multiple states such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Bihar. The ATS has eliminated numerous terrorist activities in India. 

History of ATS

The ATS was established in the year 1990 in the State of Maharashtra by Additional Commissioner of Police Aftab Ahmed Khan and he was popularly known by the name of A. A Khan. He was influenced by the Los Angeles terrorism squad which is named Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT). After the year of establishment, they also won 23 gallantry awards and performed many famous terrorism control operations which includes the 26/11 attack on Mumbai and the squad successfully rescued hostages in Taj Hotel. 

They also started to recruit children who are above 12 years in ATC and provide them with special undercover training or underground training. The Uttar Pradesh government formed its Anti-terror Squad in the year 2007  and in the year 2017, they created a tactical unit known as Special Police Operations Team (SPOT).

What is the Role of ATS?

Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS full form) has various roles to play based on different situations: 

  • Air Assult
  • Hostage Rescue
  • Close quarters
  • Counterinsurgency 
  • Special Operations
  • Human Intelligence
  • Counterterrorism  

What are the Duties of ATS?

Their main objective is to gather and collect all information regarding terrorism and anti-national elements situated within the country. They also have to communicate, share and exchange information with intelligence agencies such as IB & RAW. The squad also monitors and eliminates the plan of terrorists, mafia, and other syndicates. Sometimes they also help in detecting and arresting people involved in scams, making & circulating fake currency, and dealing with drugs. They also work in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau to monitor the activities of mafia’s and eliminate drug rackets. The ATS also identifies sensitive areas where anti-national people live. 

They also arrest suspicious people and collect information from them and later share it with government intelligence agencies The ATS also takes legal action against the people caught in cases such as supplying of explosives, money smuggling, arms trafficking, and more. They also provide training to other agencies and departments related to law enforcement to fight with terrorism and other related topics, the squad also organizes campaigns to aware people of terrorism and how to be safe in terrorist situations.

Why is ATS Important?

The Anti-terrorist Squad, full form of ATS is really important as they are responsible for eliminating terrorist actions and plans as they deal with bomb situations, terrorist activities, hostage situations, and more. The employees working under ATS put a lot of effort in gathering and collecting information regarding terrorist and anti-national elements in India. They are trained to fight against life-threatening situations.

Internal Departments in ATS

The ATS is mainly responsible for investigating & combating terrorist attacks and other related crimes. They operate on both state as well as national level and work in collaboration with other governmental agencies and departments. The Anti-terrorist squad is headed by senior officers who are ranked as inspector general or deputy inspector general. The following mentioned are the different teams that are included in ATS 

  • Intelligence & Analysis: The unit is responsible for collecting and analyzing information regarding terrorism threats or activities and later shares the information with other units/teams within ATS and other governmental agencies dealing with intelligence and terrorism.
  • Operations: The team is responsible for investing in and implementing counter-terrorist operations which include arrests, raids, and other actions to counter the situation.
  • Training & capacity building: The unit aims at providing special training and capacity building to agencies related to law enforcement and conducts public campaigns which educated people about terrorism and how to avoid it
  • Legal & Judicial Affairs: This unit is responsible for handling and providing legal assistance and support to all units or departments within ATS and also coordinates with prosecutors and court which helps in conducting court procedures smoothly.  

How to Join ATS?

There is no examination for ATS as the selection procedure is completely confidential. But candidates can prepare for the Civil Service examination and get hired as a RAW or IB officer in addition candidates can also apply for NSG. The Police officers and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) employees can submit their application for ATS on an annual basis.

About ATS Examination

As the selection of ATS, full form of which is Anti-Terrorism Squad, is done confidentially so, after getting shortlisted, the candidates have to clear some tests which include athletic, mental & technical strength, and general knowledge. After successfully qualifying all the tests, the selected candidates are sent to ATS training stations where they get training to fight against all situations related to terrorism and other.

Written By: Deepit Mathur

FAQs

What is the full form of ATS?

The ATS full form is Anti-Terrorism Squad 

 

Does terrorism also impact human rights?

Yes, terrorism not only impacts human rights but also impacts social & economic progression as it disturbs the peace and security of the nation or country.

 

What is the main responsibility of ATS?

The main responsibility of ATS is to gather and collect information regarding terrorists, mafia, gangs, anti-national elements, arms and drug suppliers.

 

What was the main motive behind the formation of ATS?

Before the establishment of ATS in the year 1990 Mumbai was the main hub for illegal activities and crime and that's why A. A Khan formed ATS.

 

What is the salary structure of ATS officers per month?

The salary structure is categorized according to the post  in ATS, full form of which is anti terrorism squad

  • Sub Inspector- INR 35,500 to 1,12,400 
  • Inspector- INR 44,900 to 1,42,400 
  • Deputy SP- INR 56,100 to 1,77,500
  • SP- INR 67,700 to 2,08,700 

 

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