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Search Cadre powers up
Three officers have bolstered their search skills through an experience exchange with their New Zealand counterparts.
Key Points and Search Division Chief Inspector Jacob Ko Kim-fung led Force Search Cadre Sergeants Noble Wong Chi-kong and Sam Mok Pui-sum to visit the NZ Police Force Search Group and dog unit, and a Technical Support Team formed by NZ Army specialists, during their six-day visit from February 18.
They examined the communication systems and search equipment used by their Kiwi counterparts and even got to see them in action. CIP Ko said they chose to visit the NZ police as the structure of its search team was similar to the Force's.
"Like us, their search members work in different units and are only called in when there is a search operation. This allows flexibility in the deployment of human resources."
The NZ Police showed them the venue of last year's Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation Conference in Auckland and explained how they planned safety checks and searches, and briefed them on the problems they encountered.
The HK officers in return, passed their experiences in securing a number of top international events, such as the Handover Ceremony and the World Bank Conference.
CIP Ko said what impressed them most, however, was observing their operations in the investigation of a recent murder.
"We were originally scheduled to participate in a training exercise, but it was cancelled because the group members were called out to search for evidence in a countryside.
"We were very grateful we could have a close look at their operation, which included the drawing up of a strategy, and their manpower and equipment deployment," he said. It was the first time for junior officers of the Force's Search Cadre to visit a police force overseas.
"This offers us experience exchange at both strategic and technical levels," CIP Ko added.
Attached to Kowloon East and Hong Kong Island Emergency Units respectively, SGTs Wong and Mok agreed that the visit had enlarged their scope of knowledge and insight to improve their search skills.
The former said: "It was an unforgettable experience to observe our overseas counterparts in action. We took photos so we could share what we learned with our colleagues back in HK."
Although the Cadre's work has become an indispensable part of every international conference and VIP visit, people rarely get to see them at work, conducting systematic searches and safety checks to ensure safety and security.
"The operations we conduct are defensive and anti-terrorist oriented, and we must finish them thoroughly before an event starts," CIP Ko said. The Cadre can also be called out to search crime scenes.
CIP Ko welcomed officers with Police Tactical Unit training to join them. "We routinely issue PEN messages on recruitment, and fit, enthusiastic colleagues with two to three years' experience are invited to join."
Three-week basic training is offered to all new recruits, and some members will be assigned to different specialised teams depending on their interest and ability. Advanced training is offered to experienced members.
SGT Mok said: "Apart from the additional training, the job allows me to learn about and use specialist equipment. This knowledge helps me carry out my daily duties, and I also get to make a lot of new friends."
| Secure tour: CIP Jacob Ko and SGT Wong with Kiwi search officers |
