The Force has established a Counter Terrorism Response Unit (CTRU) in a bid to maintain adequate precautionary measures, strengthen security and prepare defensive strategies to prevent terrorist related activities in Hong Kong.

Established in July this year under the Force's Counter Terrorism and Internal Security (CTIS) Division, CTRU is manned by 35 officers, with a view towards further expansion. Its primary objective, in line with the Force's Counter Terrorism (CT) Strategy of Prevention, Protection, Preparedness, Pursuit and Recovery, is to initiate a high profile deterrent deployment primarily covering Consular Premises, Key Points, Critical Infrastructures, International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Port Facilities and other sensitive premises.

"CTRU members are highly trained to handle specific CT related incidents in Hong Kong, and will provide high profile deterrent patrols throughout Hong Kong. During times of heightened threat, they will be additionally tasked to handle bomb threats, escort explosives or CBRN materials and provide support to other specialist units. There is no special unit in the Force to solely focus on counter terrorism preventative operational deployments outside the Airport. CTRU is the newly established unit specifically for this kind of work," said Superintendent Barry Smith, who was charged with establishment of the new unit.

With selection exercise completed in August 14 this year after a rigorous three-phase appraisal, 35 candidates with diverse backgrounds were selected to attend a 10-week, highly intensive basic training course. CTIS Division coordinated the course with significant input by Special Duties Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau, Police Tactical Unit Headquarters, Weapons Training Division and other related units.

The course was completed at the end of October and the team has henceforth been consolidating its training and getting familiarised with various operational responses and procedures as it prepares for formal deployment later this month.

"As the unit emphasises unity rather than individualism, effective communication, teamwork and collaboration among team members are most important. With a highly trained, highly motivated, professional and proactive functional unit, there will be a strong deterrent against potential terrorist incidents in Hong Kong," said CTRU Station Sergeant Chan Shun-kit.

One of the first CTRU members, Police Constable So Wai-kit said: "My previous experience with the Airport Security Unit may help me make a contribution to the new unit. Deterrent deployments and responding to a potential CT related situation would require the total commitment by all CTRU members in terms of training, dedication and teamwork," he added.

"Rome was not built in one day. Everything is a challenge when you establish a new team without anything to follow," said CTRU Senior Inspector Chow Shun-wai. "Our charter, in terms of deployment, tactics, and functions, is different from other specialist units," he added.

SIP Chow concluded by introducing CTRU's code of conduct: Courage, Teamwork, Respect and Unity. "I will uphold these four elements, and make sure my team members would do the same," he noted.

CTRU officers undergoing training in making arrests