Police Tactical Unit (Hong Kong)

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] 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 often referred as the 'Blue Berets', which is in reference to the blue berets worn as part of the uniform.

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 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

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]

In 2009, the Saxon APC was replaced by Mercedes-Benz Unimog U500 APCs.[6]

In May 2022, the PTU has acquired six Sabertooth APCs from Huakai Vehicles under the HK SAR government's 2020-2021 budget with HK$76.65 million (US$9.76 million) allocated for the purchase.[7][8] The tender for the vehicles were completed in October 2021.[8] The Sabertooths will replace the Unimogs in service due to export bans of anti-riot gear to the HKPF in 2019 and due to frequent deployments, which resulted in wear and tear.[7]

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.[9]

Duties

The PTU is responsible for training HKPF officers stationed within the Emergency Unit.[10]

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, 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

Equipment

Firearms

Gear
  • S10 respirator[11]
  • 5.11 Tactical Load Bearing Vest
  • Green Load Bearing Vest

Vehicles

Former

See also

References
  1. "PTU the protector of the public (with photos)". www.info.gov.hk. Retrieved 2017-02-27.
  2. "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. "News".
  7. "Hong Kong's anti-riot 'Saber-toothed Tigers' ready for 25th SAR anniversary". 28 May 2022. Archived from the original on 2022-05-28.
  8. "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.
  9. "List of Refurbishment of Government Building - Projects proposed in 2023-24" (PDF). Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  10. "Hong Kong police to trial new anti-riot weapon for tackling violent disorder". Archived from the original on 9 May 2022.
  11. "Hong Kong Police riot squad's equipment in detail". 17 February 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-06-24.
  12. "HK police reveal armored trucks to fight protests". 8 August 2019.
  13. "Hong Kong's Saracen armoured police cars on patrol in small-town England". 23 January 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-01-26.
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