Flashback 1979: KB's treat from the PTU officer cadre during his days commanding Echo Company

The Police remains resilient to constant hurdles and will continue its standing as one of the world's top forces, says out-going New Territories South Regional Commander Keith Braithwaite.

He goes on retirement leave later this month after 33 years of service in Hong Kong.

Mr Braithwaite said the Force had been able to keep abreast of some of its toughest challenges of late, which were becoming more economic in nature. "The resilience of the force never ceases to amaze, given the pressures placed upon us by society. The services we provide are second to none to any force in the world," he said.

"We are seeing more economic cutting and streamlining which I think will continue. But it is imperative that we do not cut back to such an extent that the Uniform Branch presence is reduced. This has been the case in some forces overseas who subsequently lost communication with the public and their confidence, and it's very difficult to re-gain lost ground.

"Now we are entering an era where recent economic woes have caused a rethink. But UB presence on the street is an essential core factor which deters crime and reassures the public.Ó

However major developments had evolved with the quality of new recruits.

"Now we're getting PCs coming in with degrees and I hope the Force can retain them and nurture their careers as officers. But, of course, the advantage of a degree does not necessarily make a good practical police officer.

"Developments with women police have also been considerable with far more variety in the jobs available to them. Consequently their contribution to the Force has been significantly increased."

Mr Braithwaite made his "best decision ever" in joining the Force as a Probationary Inspector in April 1967 after more than two years in the London Metropolitan Police.

Enlisting during one of Hong Kong's most turbulent times, Mr Braithwaite had a very quick introduction as the Force dealt with riots and bomb attacks. "I remember we were at the Government Language School near what is now the far side of Arsenal House, and we were watching hordes of people marching towards Government House to protest.

"In that batch of PIs, we only did four months basic training because they needed to get us out in the field quickly. I think we may have been the only ones ever to train for just four months. But it was good as four Assistant Commissioners of Police came out of it," Mr Braithwaite said, citing Hong Kong Island and New Territories North Regional Commanders Leung Chi-bun and Ng Wai-kit as well as Dennis Shackleton (retired).

"During the bomb campaigns targeting public transport, we were keeping people clear for bomb disposal guys to come. It was an exciting time - blissful ignorance for me on the wider political ramifications, but plenty of action on the street.

One of the highlights of his career came as a Narcotics Bureau Chief Inspector in the mid-70s. Working in NB's A Section, he was responsible for tackling drug imports and manufacture and oversaw a major drug case which landed him a Governor's Commendation for his efforts.

"The case caused the kingpin to flee and although trying desperately, he couldn't return. The overall impact of the operation was immense and ramifications remain to this day," he said.

Another major challenging operation in which Mr Braithwaite's command was involved was the land, sea and air move of airport facilities from Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok in 1998, overcoming major tactical nightmares.

"The operation was a resounding success unfortunately overshadowed by the inability of the Airport Baggage System and Cargo operation to meet deadlines. People tended to forget how well the overall move went and how well everyone, not just Police, carried out their tasks, " Mr Braithwaite said.



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