The Counter Terrorism Response Unit (CTRU) (Simplified Chinese: 反恐特勤队; Traditional Chinese: 反恐特勤隊) is a police tactical unit of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF). 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.https://www.brookings.edu/articles/standing-up-to-modern-terrorism-how-the-hong-kong-police-force-strives-to-keep-hong-kong-one-of-the-worlds-safest-cities/ In December 2010, the CTRU was deployed on its first operation to protect the East Asian Games with the SDU and VIP Protection Unit.https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2009/140884.htm
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 (RRT) 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 (including HKCEC) 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 (reached in 2012) Action Squad (Cougar) Action Squad (Trooper) Action Squad (Ranger) Action Squad (Unicorn) Training and development
Training Prospective CTRU recruits must attend 10 weeks of intensive training courses.
Equipment
Personal equipment Combat helmet Team Wendy Exfil LTP Ballistic Garanti Kompozit Ballistic Protective Helmet (ACH HIGH-CUT MODEL) Ops-Core FAST XP High Cut (For former RRT members) Noise-cancelling headphones 3M Peltor Tactical 6 Headset Safariland LIBERATOR IV Headset Ops-Core AMP Headset EARMOUR M31 Series Headset (For former RRT members) Gas mask Avon S10 Avon fm54 Tactical vest ESKI custom made Plate Carrier C2R-MOR Ultralite Plate Carrier Ops Rapid Responder Armor Plate Carrier (For former RRT members) Danner 15404, LOWA Ballistic shield BAKER BALLISTIC custom-made Ballistic Shield ATFY custom made Ballistic Shield Axe Mark 3 Knife
Communication equipment Motorola MTP850Ex Survival lamps NV goggles Thermal scopes
Rescue equipment Tactical Axe Ladder
Medical equipment First aid Powerheart AED G3 Pulse oximeter
Weapons NameCountry of originTypeNotesReferencesGlock 17 Semi-automatic pistolStandard issueGlock 19Used by female members and during plainclothes dutiesHeckler & Koch MP5Submachine gunStandard issue SIG MPX Inherited from the now merged Railway Response TeamCS/LS7 Issued since 2026SIG 516 Assault rifleIssued since 2017
Vehicle Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 518CDI Toyota HiAce Toyota Land Cruiser
References
External links