Police Tactical Unit (Hong Kong)
Unit within the Hong Kong Police Force From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
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| Police Tactical Unit (PTU) | |
|---|---|
PTU patch | |
| Active | 1958 - present |
| Country | Hong Kong |
| Branch | Hong Kong Police Force |
| Type | General Safety Control Anti-crime |
| Role |
|
| Size | ~2,000 regulars ~1,000 echelon |
| Part of | Operations Wing |
| Garrison/HQ | 1 Wu Tip Shan Road, Fanling |
| Nickname(s) | Blue Berets |
| Motto(s) | Failing to plan is planning to fail |
| Colours | Olive Green |
Duties
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 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]
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.[6]
Duties
The PTU is responsible for training HKPF officers stationed within the Emergency Unit.[7]
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.
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
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Vehicles
Current
- Toyota Coaster
- Mitsubishi Fuso Rosa
- Mercedes-Benz Atego
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Ford F550; made in China and named Sabertooth[8][9]
Former
Equipment
Personal gear
- Baton
- Pepper spray
- S10 respirator[13]
- 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[13] |
| Remington 870 | Shotgun | ||
| Colt AR-15 | Semi-automatic 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
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