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The Special Security Unit (特別警備隊, Tokubetsu-keibi-tai) was a rapid reaction force of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) in the pre-World War II era.
History
In 1933, this unit was established in the Police Bureau (警務部, Keimu-bu) for the riot control, counter-terrorism, search and rescue, disaster response or other emergency missions. The strength was 307 officers, divided into four companies. As a SWAT team of the TMPD, they were equipped with a jō, tantō and FN Model 1910 semi-automatic pistol while ordinary police officers had only a sabre. And a bulletproof vest was also equipped as needed. They were popular as "Shinsengumi in the Shōwa period" even among the common people.
In 1944, in conjunction with other prefectures, the Special Security Unit was modified in the Security Unit (警備隊, Keibi-tai). This unit was inactivated in 1946, but on the same day, the Guard Section (防護課, Bougo-ka) was created for the same role. In 1948, this section was reinforced to the Police Reserve Units (予備隊, Yobi-tai), and in 1957, they renamed to the Riot Police Unit (機動隊, Kidō-tai).