Special anti-terror units to patrol Shanghai

Police tactical units (PTU), or paramilitary riot control units, have been set up in Shanghai's 17 districts to tackle possible incidences of terrorism and violence.

Shanghai now has more than 1,000 PTU members who have been split into more than 140 teams.

Each team is made up of six to 10 officers, the local public security bureau said yesterday.

Police said they were elite forces which were capable of taking quick action to deal with terrorist or violent threats to the public at any of the business hubs, tourist spots and at state-owned companies.

The PTU, which will patrol the streets along with regular police force, will be deployed at certain spots during specific times of the year and at large-scale events which draw big crowds.

Each team will be equipped with pistols, shotguns, explosion-proof blankets, bullet-proof helmets and shields among others besides high-tech communication and image transmission equipment.

Rui Minghua, an official from the Shanghai Public Security Bureau who is in charge of street patrolling of police forces, said the PTU forces are equipped with less weapons than the elite SWAT teams, but they will be a strong backup to patrol officers.

"They will significantly beef up our defense against any violent activity in key areas and at any hours," Rui said.

Rui added that some officers and SWAT team members were already patrolling the streets as part of the city's efforts to guard against violent incidents.

"We cannot be at the ordinary security level any longer. We have to raise the bar to counter terrorism," said Bai Shaokang, Chief of Shanghai Public Security Bureau and a vice mayor of Shanghai.

The PTU at central Shanghai's Huangpu District will also be equipped with 50 special bicycles which will be equipped with warning lights, batons, helmets and mini-sized fire extinguishers.

They will cover crowded areas like People's Square, the east and the west ends of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the Bund and the Yu Garden.

The bicycles, which will be parked near the PTU vans, will increase the efficiency during emergencies.