Mr Lau took the opportunity to congratulate and thank all Triad and Gambling Experts who provided vital support in the Force's fight against triad-related crime and illegal gambling activities. Members of both cadres have been particularly busy over the past two years given the intelligence-led initiatives against triads and illegal soccer gambling. The Experts' commitment and dedication was particularly praiseworthy given that they often had to balance their duties as an Expert against the demands made by their primary duties, often devoting their own time. Expert seminars, held twice a year, play an important part in updating Experts' knowledge and were therefore an important duty commitment.

CIB will be holding a three-week Triad Expert Training Course between July 28 and August 16. The syllabus is designed to prepare officers to give expert evidence in court on a wide variety of triad matters, including the history and development of triad societies, rituals, oaths, hand signs, poetry, triad slang, etc.

The course is open to all Force members who are willing to devote time and effort to mastering this fascinating subject and assisting investigations by giving evidence in court. Priority will be given to JPO applicants with crime-investigation and anti-triad experience. Full details of the course will be promulgated through the Force Notice Board shortly but any officer interested in joining the Triad Expert Cadre can get further information from SIP Wan Man-chung, C5a CIB (Tel. 2860-3473 or PEN at ip-sip-c5a-c-div-cib@police.gov.hk) or DSSGT Leung Shiu-yuk (Tel. 2860- 8916).

CIB awarded Letters of Appreciation to Triad and Gambling Experts who gave exceptional support to investigations and prosecutions