Following Phase I of the Force Awareness Campaign for World Trade Organization's Sixth Ministerial Conference (MC6) conducted in February this year, Phase II briefings were held in PHQ Auditorium on June 8 and 9 with the aim of making officers more aware of the latest developments of the MC6, as well as the planning and preparation for the event.

The Phase II briefings covered the followings:

* Planning Organisations for MC6 by ACP OPS,

* Updates on Government and Force Preparations for MC6 by C PTU,

* Update on Tactical Training by DC PTU,

* Public Relations Strategy by SSP PPRB,

* Command and Control during MC6 by SSP OPS, and

* Logistics Arrangements for MC6 by SSP T KE

Assistant Commissioner (Operations) Henrique Koo kicked off the briefing session with a recapitulation of the planning structure at both government and Force levels. He emphasised that the key to the event's success is a "Multi-agency Approach".

He also introduced the four Chief Superintendents who would assist Hong Kong Island Region during the MC6, namely Mr Peter Hunt (DC SSPODIST) and Mr Stephen Cheng (DC STDIST) to act as the HKCEC Venue Commanders, and Mr Blake Hancock (CSP Traffic) and Mr Mike Demaid-Groves (DC BORDIST) to act as the Buffer Zone Commanders.

Mr Koo concluded his presentation by relaying the Commissioner's message to the audience: "MC6 will undoubtedly bring about a very positive impact to the local economy. The HKSAR including us, the Police, will definitely benefit immensely from having hosted this conference in the long run."

C PTU Bill Suen presented a progress update of the preparations by the Government and the Force. The "Multi-agency Approach" concept was expounded with examples illustrating the important roles to be played by other stakeholders. The presentation also included details of the major events of the MC6 and the core duties of officers of the three tiers of the IS structure, as well as crime officers.

As PTU HQs have been researching new tactics to supplement the traditional IS strategy over the past few years, DC PTU Mike Cartwright outlined some enhanced training for the MC6.

SSP PPRB Jacob Cheung explained the public relations strategy involving both internal and external stakeholders. Force messages and any implications of the MC6 will be disseminated through proactive liaison and periodic briefings.

The Force has developed a three-tier command structure, which integrates with representatives of various stakeholders. The features and functions of the IS structure, along with recent IT developments to enhance command and control during the MC6, were introduced by SSP OPS Evelyn Lam. The enhancements included video coverage, E-log and video conferencing.

Finally, SSP T KE Patrick Leung spoke of the steps taken to meet the fundamental needs of frontline officers, by presenting the logistical arrangements of catering service, accommodation and transport. Other areas were also covered, such as catering centres, accommodation, transportation options, equipment and recruitment of language helpers.

Altogether more than 900 officers and representatives from the Trade and Industry Department MC6 Coordination Office attended the three two-hour presentation sessions, which were well received with a number of issues raised and discussed.