The PNC, established in 1975, is an integral part of the Force's Counter-Terrorist response organisation. Made up entirely of volunteers, the 58-member strong Cadre plays a pivotal role in handling emergency incidents ranging from criminal hostage incidents to attempted suicide cases.

The Officer-in-Charge, Mr Peter Morgan, said: "We hold these training sessions on a quarterly basis to improve our skills generally and to share each others recent experiences. Members learn something in every training session.

"On this occasion, we had our members handle two situations: a mock hostage situation which involved negotiating with 'terrorists' who had hijacked a plane at the airport; and, dealing with an individual threatening to commit suicide," he explained.

"And, for the first time, counsellors from the Hong Kong Samaritan Befrienders were invited to join us."

Mr Morgan said that while the PNC held recruitment exercises every two years, volunteer negotiators had to meet certain criteria. "We look for people who are quite sensitive to others and able to get on well with them. They must also show initiative, be good team players and able to think quickly on their feet."

Anyone interested in joining the PNC should watch out for an official Force notice. The next recruitment exercise will start some time next year.

Sharing experiences and brushing up skills

Mr Peter Morgan: for the first time the Samaritan Befrienders joined our seminar-cum-exercise