Beijing Special Weapons and Tactics Unit
| Beijing Special Weapons and Tactics | |
|---|---|
Arm patch of the Beijing SWAT
|
|
| Active | December 2005 - Present |
| Country |
 People's Republic of China
|
| Branch |
 Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China
|
| Type | Specialized Law Enforcement |
| Role | Domestic Counter-Terrorism Law Enforcement Riot control |
| Size | 970 officers |
| Part of | Under control of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau |
| Garrison/HQ | Beijing |
| Nickname(s) | SWAT, Beijing Special Police Force, Special Police Force, SPF |
| Engagements | 2008 Beijing Olympics security duties |
The Beijing Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (Abbr.: SWAT; Chinese: 北京特警总队; also known as Beijing Special Police Force) is a police unit in the People's Republic of China that deals with incidents beyond the capabilities of normal patrol officers such as hostage situations, high risk warrants and riot control. The unit, along with the Snow Leopard Commando Unit, was tasked with many of the security responsibilities of the 2008 Summer Olympics. It is reputed to be one of the most well-equipped and well-trained of all the SWAT/Special Police Units in the PRC. It is under the control of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau.
The Beijing SWAT unit and Snow Leopard Commando Unit were unveiled in a demonstration at the Beijing Police Academy on April 27, 2006 as part of a public relations effort to illustrate the capabilities of the People's Armed Police to deal with terrorism issues, protection of delegates, and to enforce law and order in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The unit has in recent years received training and advice from Western counter-terrorist units On June 2008, the unit's 120-operator No. 1 Detachment was renamed Blue Sword Commando Unit.
Typically expected of a SWAT-type unit from any country will be the role of a tactical response team to handle hostage-rescue, high-risk warrants, VIP or dangerous criminal escort duties and sometimes counter-terrorism and anti-riot duties.
The Beijing SWAT Unit is divided into sub-units consisting of but not limited to: a Helicopter Unit (飞虎队; nicknamed Flying Tigers), an Underwater Diving team (蛙人队; nicknamed Frogmen), female SWAT unit (女子特警队) and a Police Dog Unit (警犬队).
Recruits are selected from six colleges, including the Beijing Sports University and Chinese People's Public Security University. Beijing SWAT operatives are trained, aside from combat tactics, in many subjects including English, etiquette, national culture, intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism and anti-riot, anti-nuclear biochemistry. All SWAT operatives undergo psychiatric evaluation.
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