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. 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 the parent unit for the Special Tactical Contingent (STC), which specializes in riot control drawing members from other units including the PTU Headquarters and the Special Duties Unit (SDU) for temporary ad hoc tasks.

The PTU base and training camp is located in Fanling.

History

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

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".

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.

Duties

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

Organization

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 and Research and Development Division.

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

Vehicles

Current

Former

Equipment

Personal gear

  • Baton
  • Pepper spray
  • S10 respirator
  • Green Load Bearing Vest
  • 5.11 Tactical Load Bearing Vest

Firearms

NameCountry of originTypeNotes
Smith & Wesson Model 10United StatesRevolverStandard issue
Remington 870Shotgun
Colt AR-15Assault rifle
Federal Model 201-Z Riot GunLess lethal option
Penn Arms GL-1 CompactRevealed in 2019
PepperballVKS, FTC/Tippmann 98 and TCP variants in use
Byrna HDSouth AfricaPepper projectile pistol
Piexon JPX4Switzerland
QBZ-191ChinaAssault rifleCeremonial use only

In popular culture

See also