The Police Tactical Unit (PTU; ) 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 (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.
The PTU base and training camp is located in Fanling.
History The PTU was established in 1958, known then as the Police Tactical Contingent (PTC). 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 (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.
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
Firearms NameCountry of originTypeNotesSmith & Wesson Model 10 Revolver Standard Issue CF98ASemi-automatic pistol Issued since 2024Remington 870ShotgunStandard Issue Colt AR-15Semi-automatic rifleFederal Model 201-Z Riot GunLess lethal optionPenn Arms GL-1 CompactRevealed in 2019Pepperball VKS, FTC/Tippmann 98 and TCP variants in useByrna HDPepper projectile pistolPiexon JPX4QBZ-191Assault rifleCeremonial use only
In popular culture Tactical Unit (film series) On the First Beat
See also Airport Security Unit (Hong Kong) Special Duties Unit
References