Police Tactical Unit (Hong Kong)
The Police Tactical Unit 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, which specializes in riot control drawing members from other units including the PTU Headquarters and the Special Duties Unit 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. 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 is made up of 4 platoons, each led by an Inspector or Senior Inspector. A platoon comprises 32 Officers with 1 Station Sergeant and 8 Sergeants.The unit consists of the Training Division, Support Division and Research and Development Division.
Vehicles
Current
- Toyota Coaster
- Mitsubishi Fuso Rosa
- Mercedes-Benz Atego
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Ford F550; made in China and named Sabertooth
Former
- Isuzu NPR
- Bedford TJ
- Toyota Dyna
- Saxon (vehicle)
- Alvis Saracen
- Mercedes-Benz Vario
- Mercedes-Benz Unimog U5000
Equipment
Personal gear
- Baton
- Pepper spray
- S10 respirator
- Green Load Bearing Vest
- 5.11 Tactical Load Bearing Vest