[1] Its tasks include counterterrorism, hostage rescue, riot control, serving high-risk arrest and search warrants, anti-hijacking, anti-WMD terrorism, bomb disposal, counterinsurgency, crowd control, law enforcement tactics against crime, VBSS, and VIP protection.

[5] According to Qu Liangfeng, a senior PAP officer in charge of the daily operations of SWCU, the name change was "inspired by the story of a brave and cunning snow leopard, which escaped an ambush by a hunter and his eight hunting dogs.

"[5] In 2011, the SLCU deployed to Xinjiang to support counter-terror police operations[11] and provide security for the China-Eurasian Expo convention.

[13][14] SLCU applicants must have one to two years of PAP service and undergo interviews, physical and psychological tests.

[16][17] Physical training includes 200 push-ups, 200 sit-ups, 100 squats, lifting barbells 200 times and carrying a 35 kg load for a 10 km cross-country run.