Counter Terrorism Response Unit


The Counter Terrorism Response Unit is a police tactical unit of the Hong Kong Police Force. It was the first police unit in Asia dedicated to counterterrorism and hostage rescue patrols.

History

The CTRU was established in July 2009 with support from the HKSAR government. In December 2010, the CTRU was deployed on its first operation to protect the East Asian Games with the SDU and VIP Protection Unit.
In June 2022, the police force publicly unveiled a grey-blue uniform for the CTRU.
In May 2024, the HKPF announced that the Railway Response Team would be absorbed into the CTRU. The RRT had been established in 2018.

Duties

The jurisdiction of the CTRU covers the whole of HKSAR, except for the Hong Kong International Airport which is under the protection of Airport Security Unit. The CTRU executes tasks by the counterterrorism strategies, which is 'Defense, protection, guard, investigation and restoration', of the Police Force and assists the SDU if necessary.
The CTRU is responsible for the security of government buildings, LOCPG, Diplomatic missions, infrastructures, ports, railways, gathering places and any structures with potential terrorist threats. The unit is tasked "to handle bomb threats, escort explosives or CBRN materials".

Organization

The CTRU's structure is reportedly based on the NYPD's Hercules Team.
  • CTRU Headquarters: receiving direct orders from the Counter-terrorism Department.
  • * Operation: At the beginning of CTRU's establishment, the number of the force is projected to reach 141
  • ** Action Squad
  • ** Action Squad
  • ** Action Squad
  • ** Action Squad
  • * Training and development

Training

Prospective CTRU recruits must attend 10 weeks of intensive training courses.

Equipment

Personal equipment

Communication equipment

  • Motorola MTP850Ex
  • Survival lamps
  • NV goggles
  • Thermal scopes

Rescue equipment

  • Tactical Axe
  • Ladder

Medical equipment

Vehicle