Police Tactical Unit (Hong Kong)
| Police Tactical Unit | |
|---|---|
PTU patch | |
| Active | 1958 - present |
| Country | |
| Agency | Hong Kong Police Force |
| Type | General Safety Control Anti-crime |
| Role |
|
| Part of | Operations Wing |
| Headquarters | 1 Wu Tip Shan Road, Fanling |
| Motto | Failing to plan is planning to fail |
| Common name | Blue Berets |
| Abbreviation | PTU |
| Structure | |
| Officers | ~2,000 regulars ~1,000 echelon |
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 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.[2]
The PTU base and training camp is located in Fanling.[3]
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]
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.[4]
Duties
The PTU is responsible for training HKPF officers stationed within the Emergency Unit.[5]
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.[6]
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Police Tactical Unit officers stop to check a suspect.
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PTU officers on duty during Aug 2007 metalworkers' protests.
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PTU officers stand guard behind a barricade.
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PTU officers on duty during Aug 2007 metalworkers' protests.
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PTU officers cross a street toward police vans.
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PTU operating at an intersection during Aug 2007 metalworkers' protests.
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PTU operating during Aug 2007 metalworkers' protests.
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PTU officers deploying roadblock at Admiralty
Vehicles
Current
- Toyota Coaster
- Mitsubishi Fuso Rosa
- Mercedes-Benz Atego
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Ford F550; made in China and named Sabertooth[7][8]
Former
- Isuzu NPR
- Bedford TJ
- Toyota Dyna
- Saxon (vehicle)[9]
- Alvis Saracen[10]
- Mercedes-Benz Vario
- Mercedes-Benz Unimog U5000[11]
Equipment
Personal gear
- Baton
- Pepper spray
- S10 respirator[12]
- Green Load Bearing Vest
- 5.11 Tactical Load Bearing Vest
Firearms
| Name | Country of origin | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith & Wesson Model 10 | United States | Revolver | Standard issue[12] |
| Remington 870 | Shotgun | ||
| Colt AR-15 | Assault 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 |
In popular culture
See also
References
- ^ a b c d "PTU the protector of the public (with photos)". www.info.gov.hk. Retrieved 2017-02-27.
- ^ Hong Kong Police Force. "Hong Kong Police Review 2019". Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ^ "List of Access Officer (for Publication) - (Hong Kong Police Force)" (PDF). Retrieved 2023-08-18.
- ^ "List of Refurbishment of Government Building - Projects proposed in 2023-24" (PDF). Retrieved 2023-08-18.
- ^ Liang, Xinlu (13 October 2021). "Hong Kong police to trial new anti-riot weapon for tackling violent disorder". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 9 May 2022.
- ^ "'A' Department (Operations)". Hong Kong Police Force. October 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ^ "Hong Kong's anti-riot 'Saber-toothed Tigers' ready for 25th SAR anniversary". 28 May 2022. Archived from the original on 2022-05-28.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "News".
- ^ "Hong Kong's Saracen armoured police cars on patrol in small-town England". 23 January 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-01-26.
- ^ "HK police reveal armored trucks to fight protests". 8 August 2019.
- ^ a b "Hong Kong Police riot squad's equipment in detail". 17 February 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-06-24.