International negotiators from 20 countries gathered at the Multi-purpose Hall in Arsenal House from October 22 to 27 to discuss key issues concerning hostage and kidnap-related negotiations.

The occasion was the 8th International Negotiators Working Group (INWG) Conference, which was hosted by the Police Negotiation Cadre (PNC) for the first time in Hong Kong. Attending this prestigious event were delegates from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, England, Scotland and the United States.

The INWG is a well-established and recognised international forum for discussing key issues concerning hostage and kidnap-related negotiations. Since being formed in Washington, U.S., by the FBI in 2000, the INWG has grown from strength to strength, and met all over the world, with conferences held in South Africa, Sweden, Australia, the Netherlands, Canada and Germany.

Cementing bonds

The INWG brings together representatives from negotiation units from around the world and this is essential to ensuring that the international crisis-negotiation community can share experiences and best practices in an important and fast developing field. The INWG is also very instrumental in helping to develop strong bonds among various units that will enable delegates to share new ideas and initiatives on how to resolve critical incidents peacefully through negotiation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the conference, Director of Operations Tsang Wai-hung stressed: "Here in Hong Kong, whilst we are very lucky we do not get too many serious cases involving firearms or hostages, we need to retain the capability to deal with such incidents professionally and effectively. This is the reason why we very much value conferences such as this, so that we can hear and learn from our counterparts from overseas and take on board lessons which they may have learnt from handling the different types of incidents that they face."

Wide-ranging issues

The conference covered presentations on a wide range of key negotiation issues of international concern, including experience sharing by a New Zealand negotiator deployed overseas for the kidnapping of a New Zealand citizen in Gaza in August 2006; the lessons learned and prevention measures taken following the kidnapping of German citizens in Afghanistan this year and the negotiation strategies and techniques in domestic incidents experienced by the four team leaders of PNC.

Dr Edmond Lau Kam-lun, Police Clinical Psychologist, also gave a presentation on the psychological services and support provided for PNC members during crisis negotiations.

To coordinate preparation for the event, a part-time Organising Committee was established in 2006, headed by Chief Inspector Gilbert Wong, who was assisted by Chief Inspectors Keith Yip and Eppie Mui, and Senior Inspector Wendy Tam. In addition, four sub-committees, headed by Senior Inspectors Carol Cheng, Amy Cheng, Ruby Chu, Wing Ng, Edwin Lui, Simon Lau, and Woman Police Constable Sindy Chan, looked after the programme, venue and facilities, registration management, transport and accommodation, social events and publicity.

Significant Force event

The Officer-in-Charge of PNC, Chief Superintendent Peter Morgan, said of the conference: "It's an honour to host the 8th INWG Conference here in Hong Kong. This is a very significant Force event during which our specialist units such as the Small Boat Division, Marine Police Region, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau, Force Search Unit, Special Duties Unit and Airport Security Unit showed the Force's professional capabilities to our international visitors."

INWG advances strategic partnership

Mr Gilbert Wong, the Chairperson of the Organising Committee, commented: "Hosting the INWG has been beneficial to both the Force and Hong Kong as a whole, and has further advanced the strategic partnership and collaboration among the Force and the Force's partners throughout the world. This helps counter the increasing globalisation of transnational crime and terrorism."

Overseas delegates have sung praises of the INWG. Among them, Mr Shmuel Zoltak, Head of the Crisis Negotiation Unit of the Israel National Police, commented: "It was a rare opportunity for negotiators with various backgrounds to gather together to interact and discuss liaison matters of mutual concern. We had a better understanding and deeper appreciation of one another."

Mr Ian Kennedy, Chief Superintendent, Professional Standards Department, West Yorkshire Police, said the conference would bring police forces closer and provide an excellent vehicle for sharing experience, adding that he was impressed with the hospitality of the Force.

The INWG saw a comprehensive exchange of knowledge, which also strengthened the relationship between the international Police community and PNC members. The delegates see the conference as a valuable opportunity to share experiences and acquire a better understanding of the importance of co-operation among law enforcement agencies worldwide. It also enables Force members to broaden their international outlook through networking with their counterparts from neighbouring countries.

Belgium will host the next INWG in October 2008 and PNC members are expected to attend.

Mr Shmuel Zoltak, Head of the Crisis Negotiation Unit of Israel (centre), with Mr Peter Morgan, OC PNC, and Mr Gilbert Wong, Chairperson of the Organising Committee

Members of the INWG Organising Committee have played an important role

Director of Operations, Mr Tsamg Wai-hung, stresses: "We need to retain the capability to deal with hostage cases professionally and effectively."

Many top brass have attended the INWG Conference

The Force Search Unit demonstrates the Force's professional capability to visiting delegates

The INWG Conference has facilitated exchange of knowledge and expertise, as well as strengthened the relationship between the international police community and PNC