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Police Tactical Unit (Hong Kong)

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Police Tactical Unit (PTU)
PTU patch
Active1958 - present
Country Hong Kong
BranchHong Kong Police Force
TypeGeneral Safety Control
Anti-crime
Role
Size~2,000 regulars
~1,000 echelon
Part ofOperations Wing
Garrison/HQ1 Wu Tip Shan Road, Fanling
Nickname(s)Blue Berets
Motto(s)Failing to plan is planning to fail
Colours  Olive Green

The Police Tactical Unit (PTU; Chinese: 警察機動部隊) is a unit within the Hong Kong Police Force which provides an immediate manpower reserve for use in large-scale emergencies.[1]

Duties

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Unit companies are attached to all land Regions and are available for internal security, crowd control, anti-crime operations, disaster response and riot control throughout Hong Kong.

The PTU is also the parent organization of the Special Duties Unit (SDU),[2] which specializes in counter-terrorism and hostage rescue,[3] and the Special Tactical Contingent (STC), which specializes in riot control drawing members from other units including the PTU Headquarters and SDU for temporary ad hoc tasks.[4]

The PTU base and training camp is located in Fanling.[5]

History

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The PTU was established in 1958, known then as the Police Tactical Contingent (PTC).[1] The PTC's name changed to the PTU in 1968.[1]

In 1969, the PTU was allowed to wear the beret as their standard headgear, which lead to the unit being known locally as the "Blue Berets".[1]

According to a list of Refurbishment of Government Building projects released online by the Architectural Services Department, the PTU HQ's gymnasium, toilets and store room at Block M is proposed to be renovated for HK$5 to 10 million.[6]

Duties

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The PTU is responsible for training HKPF officers stationed within the Emergency Unit.[7]

Organization

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The PTU is made up of eleven companies, comprising in total about 2,000 officers. Each company (under the command of a Superintendent) is made up of 4 platoons, each led by an Inspector or Senior Inspector. A platoon comprises 32 Officers with 1 Station Sergeant (senior NCO) and 8 Sergeants.

The unit consists of the Training Division, Support Division, Research and Development Division, Emergency Unit, Special Tactical Contingent and the Special Duties Unit.[2]

  • Police Tactical Unit officers stop to check a suspect.
    Police Tactical Unit officers stop to check a suspect.
  • PTU officers on duty during Aug 2007 metalworkers' protests.
    PTU officers on duty during Aug 2007 metalworkers' protests.
  • PTU officers stand guard behind a barricade.
    PTU officers stand guard behind a barricade.
  • PTU officers on duty during Aug 2007 metalworkers' protests.
    PTU officers on duty during Aug 2007 metalworkers' protests.
  • PTU officers cross a street toward police vans.
    PTU officers cross a street toward police vans.
  • PTU operating at an intersection during Aug 2007 metalworkers' protests.
    PTU operating at an intersection during Aug 2007 metalworkers' protests.
  • PTU operating during Aug 2007 metalworkers' protests.
    PTU operating during Aug 2007 metalworkers' protests.
  • PTU officers deploying roadblock at Admiralty
    PTU officers deploying roadblock at Admiralty

Vehicles

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Current

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Former

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Equipment

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Personal gear

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Firearms

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Name Country of origin Type Notes
Smith & Wesson Model 10 United States Revolver Standard issue[13]
Remington 870 Shotgun
Colt AR-15 Semi-automatic rifle
Federal Model 201-Z Riot Gun Less lethal option
Penn Arms GL-1 Compact Revealed in 2019
Pepperball VKS, FTC/Tippmann 98 and TCP variants in use
Byrna HD South Africa Pepper projectile pistol
Piexon JPX4  Switzerland
QBZ-191 China Assault rifle Ceremonial use only
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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "PTU the protector of the public (with photos)". www.info.gov.hk. Retrieved 2017-02-27.
  2. ^ a b "A' Department (Operations) | Hong Kong Police Force".
  3. ^ "Off Beat".
  4. ^ "Hong Kong Police Review 2019".
  5. ^ "List of Access Officer (for Publication) - (Hong Kong Police Force)" (PDF). Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  6. ^ "List of Refurbishment of Government Building - Projects proposed in 2023-24" (PDF). Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  7. ^ "Hong Kong police to trial new anti-riot weapon for tackling violent disorder". Archived from the original on 9 May 2022.
  8. ^ "Hong Kong's anti-riot 'Saber-toothed Tigers' ready for 25th SAR anniversary". 28 May 2022. Archived from the original on 2022-05-28.
  9. ^ "6 new anti-riot armoured vehicles to hit Hong Kong roads ahead of handover bash". 25 May 2022. Archived from the original on 2022-05-25.
  10. ^ "News".
  11. ^ "Hong Kong's Saracen armoured police cars on patrol in small-town England". 23 January 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-01-26.
  12. ^ "HK police reveal armored trucks to fight protests". 8 August 2019.
  13. ^ a b "Hong Kong Police riot squad's equipment in detail". 17 February 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-06-24.
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