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The Inter-departmental Counter Terrorism Unit (ICTU), which will celebrate its 5th anniversary in April this year, has been established to enhance Hong Kong’s overall counter-terrorism (CT) capability, with members from six disciplinary services, namely the Hong Kong Police Force, Immigration Department, Customs and Excise Department, Correctional Services Department, Fire Services Department and Government Flying Service. ICTU is responsible for providing CT-related advice to the Secretary for Security, with its daily operation under supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations). ICTU’s routine duties can be categorised into four areas: intelligence gathering and analysis; strategic research; CT awareness training and exercise; public education and publicity.
Public support and their engagement are crucial for combatting terrorism activities effectively. In recent years, ICTU has been committed to promoting public education campaigns for a “Safe Community” by focusing on the messages of “Run, Hide, Report” and “Spot and Report”. Various publicity campaigns, training and seminars, as well as community and school activities, have been held for the public to join hands with the Force in fighting against and preventing terrorist activities to achieve a “whole-of-community” approach in CT.
Activities to celebrate 5th anniversary
In the run-up to its 5th anniversary, ICTU has organised a series of celebration events, including the 5th Anniversary Colouring/Graphic Design Competition, whose target groups are local primary to tertiary students. The winning designs will have a chance to be displayed as advertising panels at prominent locations across the territory. The competition is now open for enrolment. Please visit the following link for details：（https://www.idea.gov.hk/ictu/5a/tc）.
Moreover, the Safe Community Fun Day will be held at the Hong Kong Science Park on April 29 as the finale of the 5th anniversary events. There will be interactive booths, virtual reality and augmented reality games as well as emergency preparedness demonstration jointly organised by the six member departments, aiming to share joy with the public and further promote CT and safety messages. Admission is free to facilitate participation of the public and youth organisations.
Safe Community Mobile Education Truck
ICTU has introduced the Safe Community Mobile Education Truck earlier and joined hands with Districts’ Police Community Relations Offices and different stakeholders to visit the communities and schools. The truck features mini-games that educate participants with CT messages such as identifying suspicious objects. There is also a photo booth for participants to take instant photos.
CT Reporting Hotline and CT Reward
With a view to encouraging the public to report on terrorism or violence related information and promoting “Spot and Report”, ICTU has launched the “CT Reporting Hotline 63-666-999” since June 2022. As at March 12 this year, over 14 500 messages have been received. They contain useful information that assists in the investigation of criminal activities and some have even led to detection of cases and arrest of suspects.
ICTU has received reports from people of different backgrounds and sectors. Those reports cover suspicious objects reported by resident, delivery or possession of contrabands reported by the logistic sector, threatening messages on social media platform reported by company staff, and possession of explosives reported by an acquaintance.
Meanwhile, ICTU has also launched the CT Reward to recognise citizens who take the initiatives to make reports. The amount of reward is determined by the seriousness of the case and significance of the information to the detection of case. Amongst the nominations received, one was about a report from a professional driver which subsequently led to the successful arrest of two suspects in a case of bomb hoax. Reward was granted to the driver in March this year under a stringent mechanism. At present, several other reports that may fit for the reward are being investigated. ICTU will, upon completion of prosecution of offences, assess the nominations and consider for the rewards.
