The Auxiliary Support Bureau hosted the Auxiliary Undergraduate Scheme (AUS) Buddy Day at the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (HKAPF) Headquarters on August 5. Commandant of HKAPF Yang Joe-tsi officiated at the opening ceremony. He stated in his speech that relatives and friends of AUS members could experience the diverse daily duties and challenging training of auxiliary officers through the Buddy Day.

The Buddy Day, which attracted 200 participants, featured a wide range of activities, including physical fitness test, experiencing policing duties, virtual shooting stations and Chinese-style foot drill trial. In addition, Police Dog Unit and the Airport Security Unit were invited for a demonstration and showcase of their uniform, equipment and a sharing on their daily duties with the participants. There was even an exciting tactical bus pulling competition for AUS members to compete with the guests. A recruitment booth was set up on the day, with 50 attendees applying to join HKAPF on the spot.

Optimising AUS basic training

This year’s 370-hour AUS basic training course conducted between May and August was attended by 79 trainees. To meet operational needs, the training course has been optimised this year to enhance its impact and interest of the trainees:

• Helicopter patrol training at the Government Flying Service Headquarters to strengthen the trainees’ frontline operational capability;

• Enhanced physical training by the Airport Security Unit;

• Team-building practice at Sunny Bay for determination and team spirit training;

• Sharing on public-emotion handling techniques conducted by Life Honorary Consultant of Police Negotiation Cadre Dr Gilbert Wong; and

• Visit to People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Centre at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks to understand the contribution made by the PLA Hong Kong Garrison.

Since 2003, the Force has been organising AUS every year for full-time students studying in local universities or post-secondary institutions to make use of their summer vacation and spare time for participating in auxiliary police work and serving the community.

Officers teach participants foot drill.

An exciting tactical bus pulling competition is held for AUS members to compete with the participants.

Performance of the Police Dog Unit arouses the interest of the participants.

Participant Ah C (centre) believes that the role-playing on Buddy Day gives her first-person experience in how police officers handle cases and deepens her understanding of law enforcement procedures and challenges faced by frontline officers.

AUS member Mohammad Humzah Sharif (first left) takes three friends to join Buddy Day for them to experience HKAPF training.

Log-carrying exercise at Sunny Bay is part of the team-building practice.