Carnival countdown: CP Eddie Hui and other Police Open Day guests and officials launch the event

Tens of thousands of people flocked to the Police Training School, November 25 and 26, for all the fun and intrigue of the Police Open Day 2000.

The public cavorted with officers and equipment from a host of Police formations during the two-day carnival, which reflected a modern and professional Force and the healthy and culturally rich lifestyles of its members.

The PTS grounds became a kids' wonderland as they swamped the game stalls, took photos with their heroes in different Force uniforms, watched demonstrations and made friends with the four-legged Police Dog Unit members. They also got to sample the pride of being an officer by donning some of the scaled-down police uniforms on offer, and took more photos with a Saxon armoured vehicle, Marine launch and Government Flying Service Blackhawk helicopter.

The adults? Well, they were busy too, browsing the firearms display and trying to tell examples of fake banknotes from the real thing. Connoisseurs of the arts took in numerous exhibitions and demonstrations by Force cultural clubs, while music lovers tuned in to the Police Band, Police Pop Music Club, Police Choir, Auxiliary Police Pipe and Drums Band and Chinese Orchestra.

Astonishing demonstrations by Shaolin monks and the Police Wushu Club, along with the Civil Aid Services motorcycling and cycling team in the Main Drill Square, kept spectators glued to their seats. Along with dramatic performances from the Police Tactical and Special Duties Units that saw the venue fill with coloured smoke bombs as officers took on mock rioters and terrorists in simulations.

The carnival was jointly organised by the Force and the Community Chest, with sponsorship from the Bank of China Group and Kowloon Motor Bus. A donation competition among Police Districts saw the winner being Sham Shui Po followed by Sau Mau Ping and Sha Tin.

Commissioner Eddie Hui Ki-on, and the Chest's Executive Committee Chairman Lawrence Yu joined Bank of China and KMB representatives to officiate at the opening ceremony.