A NEW police unit charged with stamping out antisocial behaviour, breaking up public protests and curbing city violence is to be launched in Victoria this week.

Two crack squads, each with 21 officers specially trained to deal with riots, public pests and drunk and drug-affected thugs, will be unleashed on the CBD in an effort to restore public order.

The public order response team will patrol pubs, clubs, parties, protests and demonstrations.

It will respond to emergencies and be sent to trouble areas statewide identified by police command.

The unit, to have its own uniform and vehicles, will also be sent to shut down wild parties started through social media websites such as Facebook and MySpace.

The 42-member unit will start work on Thursday.

Its members have all spent time with the police dog squad, mounted branch and search-and-rescue teams. They will have the power to arrest troublemakers, ban people from the CBD and issue fines.

Originally published as New cop squad to hit street thugs