The CTRU was the first police unit in Asia dedicated to counterterrorism and hostage rescue patrols.

[6] The CTRU executes tasks by the counterterrorism strategies, which is 'Defense, protection, guard, investigation and restoration', of the Police Force and assists the SDU if necessary.

The CTRU is responsible for the security of government buildings, LOCPG, Diplomatic missions, infrastructures, ports, railways, gathering places (including HKCEC) and any structures with potential terrorist threats.

[7] The CTRU can be tasked "to handle bomb threats, escort explosives or CBRN materials".

[8][9] It also tasked with anti-irregular military, counterterrorism and hostage rescue crisis management, executive protection, high-risk tactical law enforcement situations, protecting high-level meeting areas, providing security on locations that are at risk of attack or terrorism, raiding quickly to capture or kill (if necessary) high-value targets, supporting crowd control (if necessary), and tactical special operations.