"The second question is whether you are able to commit yourself fully to the work of the Cadre by frequently updating yourself on negotiation techniques and strategies and, equally important, responding promptly to call-outs even during unsociable hours," he said.

The 56-member volunteer unit, which is an integral part of the Force's Counter-Terrorist response organisation, provides the Force with negotiation capabilities during crisis situations such as criminal hostage incidents, domestic barricade situations and would-be suicides.

This year the PNC plans to recruit some 20 officers from all ranks within the Force. To better assess the suitability and ability of applicants, the application form has been lengthened to give applicants more opportunity to explain why they should be considered as PNC members and what attributes and qualities they can bring to the Cadre.

The recruitment exercise is expected to be very competitive as only 18 out of some 160 candidates were able to join the Cadre two years ago.

Mr Morgan said: "We still require English as a core requirement for negotiation as the job charter of the PNC is primarily responsible for counter-terrorist incidents. Should there be such an incident, English will very likely be the fall-back lingua franca.

"Of course, day-to-day negotiations usually take place in Cantonese."

Mr Morgan joined the PNC in 1986 and remains the longest serving negotiator in the Force. He said the most common misconception about negotiators is that they should be good talkers.

"The fact is, the best negotiator is usually the best listener, not necessarily the best talker. At the end of the day, you want the subjects to do the talking and to explain their problems and worries, and for the negotiator to listen and to respond meaningfully and sympathetically."

As Hong Kong establishes closer relations with the Mainland, the PNC is also keen to take in officers with multiple linguistic talents. Mr Morgan said: "It will certainly be an advantage if candidates have proficiency in either a foreign language or non-Cantonese Chinese dialects.

"It's much better if you can negotiate in your native tongue. Sometimes, you have to read between the lines to know exactly what the subject wants to say and you have to be quite fluent in the language to capture the nuances or meaning. In a real situation, we would also consider using interpreters if we have language problems."

Applicants should seek the endorsement of their Formation Commanders to release them for both future training and call-outs.

An ideal PNC member should be intelligent and quick thinking; mature and level-headed; calm and even-tempered; a good team player, and a "people person" who understands human nature. He or she should also possess good initiative and motivation, perseverance and patience.

Those interested should submit their applications by December 19. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a one-day selection test on February 13, 2004. Successful candidates will then be required to attend a two-week Crisis Negotiation Course from March 29 to April 10.

Enquiries about the recruitment exercise can be made to Woman Chief Inspector Mrs Elizabeth Ma Lo Kin-wah by email at malokinwah@police.gov.hk.

Mr Peter Morgan is the longest serving negotiator in the Force