The Airport Security Unit (ASU; ) is the airport police of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) tasked with the security of the Hong Kong International Airport. ASU officers can be identified by their distinctive deep blue uniform and are armed with sub machine guns as well as semi-automatic pistols. They also have different patches.
History The ASU was originally formed in 1977 as the Special Action Squad on standby for security at Kai Tak Airport. In 1978, following a review it was renamed as the Airport Security Unit and commenced patrolling the airport.
In 1998, the ASU moved to the Chek Lap Kok Airport. Prior to the airport being opened to the public, the unit conducted anti-terrorist exercises in the facility.https://www.police.gov.hk/offbeat/633/photo.html
The unit recruited the first woman, who joined in 2003. In May 2003, the ASU started to train in a new training facility, the Airport Security Unit FX Training Range, created by Cathay Pacific and the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company at the Chek Lap Kok Police Station.https://www.news.gov.hk/isd/ebulletin/en/category/lawandorder/html/7a91dbae-473f-46d4-834a-fd5fffbe0098.htm
Controversies In November 2023, the ASU investigated the conduct of an officer who accidentally discharged his Glock 17.
Duties ASU is responsible for airport security at primarily targeting terrorist situations such as aircraft hijacking and sabotage. In urgent situations, is used as a backup force for situations outside of the airport.https://www.police.gov.hk/offbeat/1286/eng/9012.html The unit is also responsible for supporting the capture of criminals attempting to flee the country via Hong Kong International Airport, including supporting the protection of VIPs traveling to the Hong Kong International Airport.https://www.police.gov.hk/info/jpc/300/eng/je02.html
Training Applicants for the ASU need to complete a two phase selection course the first phase is a one-day fitness test and the second phase is over four days and then complete a ten-week training course.
The ASU has a training range for firing simunition with corridors, rooms and check-in counters to simulate the airport terminal and also a mock-up of an aircraft interior to simulate a plane.
Weapons NameCountry of originTypeNotesBrowning Hi-PowerSemi-automatic pistolUsed from 1977 to 2001Glock 17Standard issue sidearmSterling SMGSubmachine gunRetired from serviceHeckler & Koch MP5Standard issue SMG deployed in A3 and RAS variantsCS/LS7Colt AR15 Semi-automatic rifleRetired from serviceKAC SR-16 M4 Assault rifleStandard issue rifle of ASURemington 870ShotgunBenelli M1Status unknownHeckler & Koch PSG1Sniper rifleRemington Model 700
In popular culture Compared to other units, the Airport Security Unit rarely appeared in the mass media, and there has yet to be any movie or television dedicated to them. However, the Unit was featured occasionally as part of films typically of the Cantonese-action genre:
Film Fatal Termination (1990) Knock Off (1998) Purple Storm (1999) Gen-Y Cops (2000) 2000 AD (2000) Connected (2008) New Police Story movies Rush Hour movies
Television Sergeant Tabloid (2012)
See also Police Tactical Unit (Hong Kong) Special Duties Unit Special Tactical Squad
References
External links 香港警察紀律部隊-ASU機場特警隊