Counter Terrorism Response Unit

The CTRU was established in July 2009 with support from the HKSAR government.^[5] In December 2010, the CTRU was deployed on its first operation to protect the East Asian Games with the SDU and VIP Protection Unit.^[6]

In June 2022, the police force publicly unveiled a grey-blue uniform for the CTRU.^[7]

In May 2024, the HKPF announced that the Railway Response Team (RRT) would be absorbed into the CTRU.^[8] The RRT had been established in 2018.^[9][10]

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.^[11] The unit is tasked "to handle bomb threats, escort explosives or CBRN materials".^[12][13]

The CTRU's structure is reportedly based on the NYPD's Hercules Team.^[14]

• 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)^[15][3]
    • Action Squad (Cougar)
    • Action Squad (Trooper)
    • Action Squad (Ranger)
    • Action Squad (Unicorn)^[16]
  • Training and development