The seminar offered a real experience sharing opportunity, because the guest speaker Mr Bernard Kerik was the former New York Police Commissioner during the September 11 incident. He arrived in Hong Kong on March 16 from the United States and spoke at the seminar on crisis management and leadership.

The seminar attracted some 46 officers and executives from the Force's closest working partners in emergencies: the Security Bureau, Fire Services Department, Auxiliary Medical Service, Civil Aid Service, Hospital Authority and Aviation Security Company Limited. In addition, over 300 officers of Chief Inspector rank and above, including the Commissioner, Mr Tsang Yam-pui, were in attendance.

Mr Tsang actually hosted the event and warmly welcomed Mr Kerik on behalf of the audience. Mr Kerik retired as the 40th Police Commissioner of New York City on December 31, 2001 after 16 months in office. He had been appointed by the former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who made him responsible for 55,000 uniformed and civilian employees and a US$3.2 billion annual budget. His tenure of office was marked by dramatic reductions in crime, the introduction of innovative and creative management techniques, as well as his role as a principal member of Mayor Giuliani's 'cabinet' overseeing the rescue, recovery and investigation operations resulting from the World Trade Centre attack.

"In coming to share with us how he, the New York Police Department and the City of New York itself, came to terms with, and effectively responded to, the 9/11 tragedy, Mr Kerik is allowing all in the audience today a rare opportunity," said the Commissioner in his opening address.

Mr Kerik spoke candidly about the attack response. He told listeners to prepare for anything that could happen, to persevere through the most challenging times, and to never give up when facing adversity or tragedy in your life or work. The seminar provided an opportunity for middle and senior police officers to interact with the former New York Police Commissioner, who is now a chief executive in the private sector.

In thanking Mr Kerik for sharing his experiences with the audience, the Commissioner also remarked on the sentiments he felt at the time of 9/11 with his concerns for family members in the United States at the time. The response from audience was overwhelmingly positive. The two-hour seminar on crisis management was especially well received.

To further enhance the sharing of knowledge, the whole talk has been videotaped. Thirty copies of VHS tapes can be put on loan to formations for viewing by officers who were unable to attend the seminar. The tapes will be ready by April 10. Please contact SQW by PEN (ps-to-c-sq) stating where the tape should be sent to if you are interested.