Front-line training prepares officers to handle a crisis

The special skills learnt in PTU programmes can benefit the police in their personal and career development

The Hong Kong Police Force has about 1,020 officers working in its Police Tactical Unit (PTU). Besides the PTU headquarters in Fanling, the unit is based in five regional units: New Territories North, New Territories South, Kowloon West, Kowloon East and Hong Kong Island.

PTU officers are those members of the force who have been specially trained to deal with riots, but over the years have taken on other duties added to their list of responsibilities. The PTU was established in 1956 as an anti-riot unit, trained to deal with threats to internal security situations and natural disasters. PTU duties have since expanded to include daily, non-emergency situations, from street patrolling to crowd management.

The public often gets to see PTU officers on duty for special occasions such as public rallies and fireworks displays. They are also sometimes seen outside the Legco building and at the racecourse on horse-racing days. Other times, they may be called on to assist in challenging, non-routine operations such as dealing with armed gangs.

In the course of their career, police officers - be they constables, sergeants or inspectors - are nominated to join the PTU. They undergo a 12 or 16-week training course, together with a 65-week attachment to a regional unit.

'Given the opportunity, most police officers are happy and eager to join us,' says Martin Cadman, Chief Inspector of Police, Training, PTU. 'After the training and attachment, they are assigned to another station or role.'